Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Tuesday, 11th February, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the IDOMA VOICE News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 11th February 2025

1. Supreme Court Fines Fubara ₦2 Million, Dismisses Appeal on Rivers Budget
   The Supreme Court has dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal regarding the Rivers State 2024 budget and imposed a ₦2 million fine on him. A five-man panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, ruled against Fubara’s challenge to the leadership of the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, which had previously taken legal action against the governor for presenting the budget to another faction.

2. Atiku Abubakar Meets Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Avoids Political Discussion
   Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Accompanied by political allies, including former Governors Liyel Imoke and Aminu Tambuwal, Atiku held a closed-door meeting with Obasanjo for over an hour but declined to discuss political matters with journalists afterward.

3. JAMB Registrar Oloyede Defends Sharia Panels in South-West
   Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and JAMB Registrar, has defended the establishment of Sharia panels in South-West Nigeria. He described the panels as mechanisms for resolving marriage and inheritance disputes among Muslims and dismissed concerns from traditional institutions and Christian groups, arguing that the initiative promotes peace.

4. Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Adjourned Indefinitely Over Judge’s Recusal
   A Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Justice Binta Nyako, who had previously recused herself from the case in September 2024, clarified that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had overruled her recusal. Kanu’s legal team has been instructed to file a formal motion if they wish to challenge her continued involvement in the trial.

5. Ohanaeze Youth Council President Arrested Over Alleged False Information
   The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, following a petition accusing him of spreading false information capable of inciting unrest. This contradicts an earlier statement from the Imo State Police, which had denied knowledge of his disappearance. The suspect is expected to be charged in court after investigations.

6. 800 Former Boko Haram Fighters Undergoing Deradicalisation Programme
   The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that 800 former Boko Haram insurgents are currently enrolled in a one-year deradicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor. Major-General Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Defence Operations, stated that out of 129,000 surrendered fighters, only a select group is undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

7. Nigeria Police Dismiss Rumors of SARS Reinstatement
   The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied reports suggesting the return of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that SARS was officially disbanded in October 2020 and remains dissolved, urging the public to disregard misinformation on the matter.

8. RCCG Says Law Must Take Its Course in TikToker Seaking’s Defamation Case
   The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has stated that legal proceedings must be allowed to continue in the defamation case involving TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo (Seaking) and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. While the church emphasized Pastor Adeboye’s commitment to peace and reconciliation, it condemned cyberbullying and inappropriate online commentary against religious leaders.

9. Peter Obi Calls for Data-Driven Policies to Boost Nigeria’s Economy
   Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian leaders to adopt data-driven policies to drive economic growth. Reflecting on Indonesia’s structured policy approach, Obi emphasized the need for rural development, industrialization, and targeted poverty reduction to improve the country’s economic outlook.

10. Falana: Supreme Court Ruling on Rivers Assembly Did Not Settle Speaker Dispute
    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has clarified that the Supreme Court’s verdict on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal did not determine the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He explained that the legal dispute was primarily about the validity of the 2024 budget, which had already been passed into law, rather than the leadership of the Assembly.