Nigerian Newspaper headlines for today, Thursday, 22nd January 2026

Nigerian newspapers this morning are buzzing with major national developments as security, politics, education, entertainment, and sports dominate the headlines.

1. Labour Party Crisis Deepens
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has rejected the Federal High Court ruling that recognised the Esther Nenadi Usman Caretaker Committee. The faction says it will appeal, insisting the judgment contradicts Supreme Court precedent on party affairs.

2. Ogun Halts Awujale Selection Process
The Kingmakers in Ijebuland have suspended the process of choosing a new Awujale following an order from the Ogun State Government. They say they still don’t understand the reason for the directive but have begun consultations to resolve the impasse.

3. FG Moves To End HND/Degree Dichotomy
The Federal Government has announced a landmark reform that will empower polytechnics to award degrees, ending decades of discrimination against HND holders. The policy aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for job creation and technical capacity building.

4. Malami Denies EFCC Claims Of Arms Discovery
Former AGF Abubakar Malami has dismissed EFCC allegations that arms were recovered from his Kebbi home. He accused the agency of a politically motivated “media trial” and said no evidence supports the claims.

5. EFCC Witness: Obasanjo Ordered Addition Of ₦11bn To Mambilla Budget
An EFCC investigator told a court that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo instructed former minister Olu Agunloye to add ₦11bn to the Mambilla power project budget in 2003. Agunloye is standing trial on charges including forgery, conspiracy and disobedience to presidential directives.

6. Police Finally Confirm Kaduna Mass Abduction
After earlier denials by state officials, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that mass abductions occurred in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA. Community leaders claim at least 177 people were taken during Sunday’s attack.

7. Davido’s Father Rejects Paternity Claim After Five DNA Tests
Adedeji Adeleke has declared that the 12-year-old girl, Anuoluwapo, is not Davido’s child, citing five negative DNA results. He revealed, however, that he has been supporting the girl financially over the years.

8. Doris Ogala Releases Video Call With Pastor Chris Okafor
Actress Doris Ogala leaked a video call with Pastor Chris Okafor, claiming it is one of several recordings she intends to release. She says she is making the revelations because she “will die” if she doesn’t speak out.

9. Man City Players Refund Fans After Shock UCL Loss
Manchester City players will refund ticket fees to the 374 supporters who travelled to Norway for their 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt, one of the biggest upsets in recent Champions League history.

10. Mateta Tells Crystal Palace He Wants To Leave
French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has informed Crystal Palace of his desire to exit the club. Juventus and Aston Villa are among the clubs interested, though Palace reportedly value him at £40m.