Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to Gossip News Now round up with top Naija News’ stories of the
leading newspaper headlines for today, Thursday, December 4, 2025.
1. Trump Criticizes U.S. Visa Ban Targeting ‘Persecutors’ of Nigerian Christians
U.S. Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, has disclosed that the United States is taking strong action against individuals implicated in violence and alleged religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
According to Gossip News Now , the Trump administration has already tightened overall visa policies—particularly for applicants from developing nations—and imposed restrictions on those accused of human rights abuses.
Under the latest directive, the U.S. will deny entry visas to any person or official who “knowingly directs, authorizes, funds, supports, or carries out violations of religious freedom.” The policy specifically includes Nigeria, targeting governments and individuals involved in religious persecution globally.
2. FG Uncovers 15 Fraudulent Companies Operating Illegally in Nigeria
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians to be cautious when engaging with individuals or groups using the names and supposed registration details of 15 unregistered entities.
The warning, posted via a public notice on X, follows a surge in reports of suspicious and fraudulent business dealings.
According to the Commission, the listed entities are not found in its official database, meaning their registration numbers and corporate identities are fake.
The CAC stressed that any transactions conducted with these organizations are not legally protected since they do not possess legitimate corporate status.
To safeguard the public, investors, and businesses from scams, the Commission advised Nigerians to always verify company information through its official channels before entering any business agreement.
3. Badaru Denies Claims He Resigned Over U.S. and Tinubu’s Military Operations
Former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has refuted viral claims suggesting he resigned from the Federal Executive Council because he allegedly disagreed with the U.S. government and President Bola Tinubu over supposed military strikes “against our brothers in the forest.”
Badaru, who officially stepped down citing health concerns, described the publication making the allegation as malicious, false, and intentionally misleading.
In a statement, he clarified that he never issued such remarks—either personally or through any representative—adding that the fabricated narrative was aimed at tarnishing his reputation, straining his relationship with President Tinubu, and stirring unnecessary controversy around national security issues.
Badaru reaffirmed that his authentic reasons for resigning were properly communicated to the President and widely reported by credible news outlets, warning the public to disregard any alternative version of events as baseless and mischievous.
4. “I’m Afraid of Being Broke” – Peter Okoye Reveals His Biggest Fear
Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P of the PSquare duo, has revealed that his greatest fear is returning to poverty.
Speaking in a recent episode of the Nancy Isime Show, Mr P shared that despite not being afraid of death, he is deeply afraid of being broke.
He recounted his tough upbringing, including the demolition of his family’s rented one-room home after it was sold by the landlord. The experience, he said, left a lasting mark.
Mr P added that having once tasted poverty, he is determined never to go back to it.
5. “We’re Going to Lose Chukwueze Again” – Fulham’s Marco Silva Voices AFCON Concern
Fulham manager Marco Silva has expressed frustration over the likelihood of losing loanee Samuel Chukwueze for at least two weeks due to the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Chukwueze impressed on Tuesday when he came off the bench to energize the second half of Fulham’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, scoring twice—his first brace for the club. Despite his heroics, Fulham narrowly lost 5–4 at Craven Cottage.
The Nigerian winger is expected to join the Super Eagles camp in top form as they prepare for the tournament kicking off on December 21 in Morocco.
Speaking after the defeat, Silva praised Chukwueze’s outstanding performance and impact on the game. However, he admitted he is concerned about losing the player again to international duty, especially at such a crucial point in the domestic campaign.
6. Sunday Oliseh Explains Why Wilfred Ndidi Deserves to Be Super Eagles Captain
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has applauded Wilfred Ndidi for emerging as a quiet but influential leader within the national team, noting that the Besiktas midfielder now enjoys deep respect from his teammates.
Speaking on the *Oliseh Insight Podcast* as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Oliseh said Ndidi’s maturity, consistency, and on-field presence naturally position him as a leader.
“At this moment, nobody doubts the level of respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s someone who plays every game,” Oliseh said.
He added that while he is not campaigning for any specific player to be named captain, Ndidi already appears to be fulfilling the role, having worn the armband in the team’s most recent match.
Oliseh, who captained and later coached the Super Eagles, advised that whoever becomes captain should embrace a proactive leadership approach. He recalled how he and the late Stephen Keshi maintained unity in the squad by taking personal responsibility for team cohesion.
7. “This Is a Dangerous Situation, Everyone Should Cease Fire” – 2Baba Speaks Out
Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has clarified that a distressing “Help me” message circulating on social media did not originate from him, dismissing claims that it was linked to issues in his marriage to his wife, Natasha.
The brief message, shared via his Instagram Story on Wednesday, sparked widespread concern. But in a new video, 2Baba stated that he is “perfectly fine” and urged the public to stop amplifying the situation.
He described the viral reaction as “a dangerous situation,” stressing that such posts could put his wife at risk. The singer assured fans that any private matters in their marriage would be resolved without public interference.
8. “Trump Is On Our Neck”: Why Senate Rejected ‘Bow and Go’ Request for Musa
The Senate on Wednesday rejected a proposal that former Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, be allowed to “take a bow and go” without answering questions during his ministerial screening.
The motion, raised by Senator Sani Musa of Niger East, argued that the defence minister–nominee had already undergone extensive closed-door assessments and had served at the highest levels of Nigeria’s security hierarchy.
The suggestion sparked strong reactions across the chamber and was ultimately dismissed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He insisted that Musa must be thoroughly questioned, stressing that the global spotlight—particularly from the United States under President Donald Trump—remains fixed on Nigeria’s security situation.
Akpabio maintained that the gravity of the nation’s security challenges makes it inappropriate to waive the questioning process for any defence-related nominee, stating that “bow and go” politics has no place in matters of national safety.
9. Reps Urge Tinubu Administration to Reveal Sponsors of Terrorism and Banditry
The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to publicly identify those financing terrorism and banditry across the country.
The resolution was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary after lawmakers reviewed and approved the report from last week’s extensive security debate.
According to the report, individuals funding terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping should be named, sanctioned, and prosecuted, with all terrorism-related trials conducted openly, transparently, and without delay.
The House also urged the federal government to establish a dedicated court for terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping cases. Lawmakers further recommended stricter penalties for arms trafficking and illegal weapons possession.
They proposed the creation of a truth, justice, and reconciliation commission to address extremist, communal, and religiously driven violence.
More than 40 security-related recommendations are set to be forwarded to the Senate for concurrence before being transmitted to President Tinubu, security agencies, state governments, and other relevant bodies for implementation.
10. Senate Approves Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s New Defence Minister
The Senate has confirmed retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after a rigorous five-hour screening session on Wednesday.
Musa’s confirmation follows President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of the former Chief of Defence Staff to replace Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down due to health concerns.
During the screening, Musa vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to banditry and terrorism, assuring lawmakers that he would adopt firm, strategic, and decisive measures to tackle the nation’s security challenges. He emphasized that under his leadership, the armed forces would apply maximum force against criminal elements threatening national stability.
That wraps up today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more updates on Naija News and Foreign , visit Gossip News Now . Join us again tomorrow for another round of the latest stories.
