Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 17th September, 2023

Top Headlines from Naija News, Sunday, 17th September 2023:

1. Unidentified gunmen have abducted an individual believed to be an active-duty police officer in the Toro Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State. This incident unfolded shortly after security forces successfully secured the release of 33 kidnapping victims in Alkaleri LGA within the same state.

   According to reports, Toro town was engulfed in chaos on a Friday night when the gunmen launched an invasion. The assailants unleashed a volley of indiscriminate gunfire, causing panic among residents, before making off with their victim—a serving Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

2. Singer Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has released a statement on behalf of his label, Marlian Music, concerning the passing of his ex-signee, MohBad.

   Sharing the statement on his Instagram handle on Friday night, Naira Marley stated that the label was saddened that Mohbad didn’t get a befitting burial.

3. In an ongoing engagement with stakeholders in his Ministry, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, met with a delegation from the Benue State Football Association, led by Chairman Barr. Paul Edeh.

   The Commissioner emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to rejuvenating the sports sector, aligning with His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Alia’s vision of social cohesion, economic prosperity, and human capital development through sports.

4. The United Kingdom Home Office has declared a substantial rise in visit and student visa fees, with effect from October 4. A visit visa for stays under six months will now cost £115 (approximately N111,878.28), marking a significant 667% increase from the previous fee of £15 (N14,592.70).

   Similarly, the student visa fee will surge from £127 (N123,537.58) to £490 (N476,677.59), representing a notable 286% increment.

5. The Senate has denied a media report that some Senators were planning to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for allegedly playing the role of a lap dog for President Bola Tinubu.

   It was gathered that a media report on Saturday claimed that some senators are reportedly plotting to impeach Akpabio when lawmakers resume from their two-month annual leave on September 26.

6. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly been embarrassed over reports of the deal to normalise relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

   IDOMA VOICE recalls that the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, had earlier this week said that the UAE had lifted its visa ban on Nigerian travellers.

7. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, is set to constitute the Supreme Court panel that will hear the appeal arising from the judgment of the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC).

   Recall that PEPC had on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, delivered judgment upholding the election of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress at the February 25th presidential election.

8. Top politicians strongly opposed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, are reportedly plotting to impeach the leader of the National Assembly when lawmakers resume from their two-month annual leave on September 26.

   According to Vanguard, the politicians accuse the former Akwa Ibom State Governor of playing the role of a lap dog for President Bola Tinubu and not paying full attention to his colleagues and working hard enough to meet the expectations of Nigerians despite the challenges in the country.

9. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejigged its various operations across all the formations and theatres set up to restore peace and order, as well as get rid of criminals in the country.

   The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, made the announcement on Friday at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja at a conference convened for Joint Task Force commanders.

10. The Chief Executive Officer of Global Analytics Consulting, Tope Fasua, has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs in the office of the Vice President.

    The development was disclosed in a post shared by Fasua on his X account on Friday night.