Nigerian Newspaper Headlines, Naija News for Thursday 22nd January 2026

Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines And Naija News For Thursday 22nd January 2026.

1. A Federal High Court in Abuja has voided Julius Abure’s claim to be the National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP. Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment on Wednesday, relied on the April 4, 2025, decision of the Supreme Court and declared that a former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, is the valid leader of the party.

2. Ogun State Government has for the second time put on hold the process of selecting a candidate for the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland. The new development was conveyed in a letter dated January 20, 2026 sent to the chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government. The letter was signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.

3. Governor Uba Sani on Wednesday visited Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following the controversial abduction of scores of villagers by bandits and promised the quick rescue of those taken. The Governor said the State Government was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons, stressing that the protection of lives and property remained a top priority of his administration.

4. The Theatre Commander, Operation Fansan Yamma, a military offensive in the North West, Major General Warrah Idris, has said that bandit leader, Bello Turji is in panic and confusion as intensified military operations close in on him and his fighters. He said this while responding to questions from Defence Correspondents who were on tour to the Command Headquarters in Zamfara.

5. Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has vowed to sign the death warrants of suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Mrs. Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Chiranci Dorayi if convicted by a court of law. He also vowed to sign the death warrant for the killers of Hanifa and the Gezawa arsonists who also set many people ablaze.

6. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mr Sani Musa Daura as his Senior Special Assistant on Protocol Matters. A statement on Wednesday, by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, described Sani Daura as a seasoned civil servant with over 30 years experience in the FCTA Protocol Department.

7. Billionaire businessman, Dr Deji Adeleke, on Wednesday, publicly addressed the long-running paternity controversy involving his son, Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, and a young girl, Anuoluwapo, allegedly fathered by the artiste. Speaking at a press conference, Adeleke dismissed the paternity claims as false and accused controversial social media commentator Kemi Olunloyo of impersonating the child and her mother online for years to sustain the allegations.

8. The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a den disguised as a shrine and operated by suspected kidnappers in the Idimu area of the state. Operatives of the command also arrested no fewer than 13 suspects in connection with the discovery.

9. Chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Nasarawa State, Godwin Williams, has been suspended over his alleged involvement in anti-party activities. Williams was suspended by the party’s Transitional Leadership Team following a petition alleging acts considered detrimental to the unity and progress of the party in the state.

10. A suicide bomber rammed into a military convoy in Timbuktu triangle in Borno State, killing five soldiers and injuring an unspecified number of troops. Security sources confirmed to reporters that two senior military officers – a major and a lieutenant – were affected in the attack.