Good morning, Nigeria. Here is your Naija News roundup in Gossip News Now of the major newspaper headlines making waves today, Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
1. CBN Issues Final Licenses to 82 BDC Operators
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued Final Licenses to 82 Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, effective November 27, 2025, marking the completion of its broad recapitalisation and re-licensing exercise in the foreign exchange sector.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, who cautioned the public to transact only with the newly authorised operators.
This re-licensing process was executed under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the 2024 Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations. It follows the CBN’s withdrawal of all existing BDC licenses in May 2024, after which operators were instructed to reapply under a new two-tier structure designed to strengthen the subsector.
Under the revised framework, BDCs were required to obtain either a Tier One license with a minimum capital base of N2bn or a Tier Two license requiring N500m. Operators were given six months to comply with the new capital requirements.
The CBN emphasized that only the 82 BDCs listed on its official website are authorised to operate from November 27, 2025.
2. 2027: ‘Tinubu Govt More Worried About Peter Obi Than Atiku or Amaechi’ – Peter Ameh
Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has claimed that the Bola Tinubu administration is more concerned about the rising influence of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 elections than it is about other major contenders.
Speaking during an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on The Micon Podcast, Ameh alleged that the Federal Government is taking calculated steps to prevent Obi from appearing on the 2027 ballot.
He said the administration’s focus on Obi is based on insights gathered through “data collection and behind-closed-doors engagements,” which he believes show that the former Anambra governor remains the most formidable challenger to the ruling party.
Ameh also accused presidential aide Bayo Onanuga of consistently criticising Obi on social media, claiming it is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the Labour Party candidate’s growing appeal.
3. EFCC Seals Former Minister Timipre Sylva’s Abuja Residence, Aide Condemns Action
Julius Bokoru, Media and Public Affairs Assistant to former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has criticised the sealing of Sylva’s Maitama residence in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the action as “arbitrary, vindictive, and undemocratic.”
In a statement titled “A Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC’s Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home”, Bokoru alleged that the EFCC acted outside the limits of the law, claiming that operatives carried out the operation without prior notice, a warrant, or any form of legal authorization.
He also stated that EFCC personnel spray-painted “EFCC Keep Off” on the property, a move he said unfairly portrays Sylva as a fugitive rather than a respected public figure.
Bokoru condemned the incident as a misuse of power and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the former minister’s reputation.
4. ‘This Is What My Father Liked’ — Seun Kuti Praises Korra Obidi for Dance Tribute on Fela’s Grave
Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti, has applauded Korra Obidi for her recent dance performance at his father’s gravesite.
Over the weekend, Korra visited the burial site of the legendary musician and delivered a twerking tribute, which she described as an offering inspired by Fela’s love for vibrant expressions of music and dance.
Reacting to the gesture, Seun Kuti said the performance captured the bold, spirited energy his father embodied.
He wrote: “You guys know what Baba likes but you will never give him what he wants. E go better for you, my sister.”
5. Zidane Linked With Real Madrid Return as Alonso Faces Crucial Test Against Man City
Real Madrid are reportedly considering a dramatic move to reappoint Zinedine Zidane as head coach amid rising pressure on current manager Xabi Alonso.
Top officials at the club are increasingly uneasy about the team’s recent form, with Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Manchester City seen as pivotal to Alonso’s future.
Madrid’s shock 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday — their first loss to Celta at the Santiago Bernabéu in more than 20 years — has further shaken confidence in the project. The result widened the gap to rivals Barcelona to four points in the La Liga standings.
Williot Swedberg netted both goals for the visitors, while Real Madrid ended the match with nine men following red cards to Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras.
Reports from Spanish outlet Cadena Ser also suggest growing tension in the dressing room. According to the station, Alonso did not speak to his players after the game and left without entering the dressing room, raising fresh concerns about communication and leadership within the squad.
6. Nwabali Injury Sparks Goalkeeping Concerns for Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a setback as first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is now unlikely to feature in the tournament due to injury.
The development heightens anxiety within a Super Eagles squad already dealing with multiple fitness issues and an unsettled defensive structure.
Nwabali, 29, was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the previous AFCON, helping the team reach the final and earning acclaim for his composure between the posts.
He has not featured since Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat during the World Cup qualifying playoffs. Concerns over his availability deepened after Chippa United coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi gave the clearest indication yet that the goalkeeper may miss AFCON 2025.
7. Regina Daniels’ Mother, Rita Daniels, Loses AGN Presidential Election
Rita Daniels, mother of popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, has failed in her bid to become president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
She was among the prominent candidates in the guild’s election held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, to select a successor to outgoing president Emeka Rollas.
Her closest rival, the current National Secretary, Abubakar Yakubu, won the contest. The result sparked mixed reactions online, with many commenters stating that the outcome did not come as a surprise.
8. Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer From Sokoto Prison, Orders Motion on Notice
The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a custodial centre closer to the Federal Capital Territory.
The court ruled that Kanu must refile the application as a motion on notice and serve it on all relevant parties before it can be heard.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had filed an ex parte motion asking to be moved from Sokoto prison to either Kuje Correctional Centre in the FCT or the Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State. He argued that the transfer was necessary to enable him properly pursue his constitutional right of appeal.
His application sought an order compelling the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Federal Government to immediately relocate him to a facility within the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice James Omotosho, ruling on Monday, December 8, declined the ex parte request, stating that the interest of justice required a full hearing with all parties present. He directed that the request be converted into a motion on notice, which must be duly served on the respondents.
The hearing on the refiled motion has been scheduled for January 27, 2026.
9. NLC Sets December 17 for Nationwide Protest Over Rising Insecurity
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on December 17 in response to the growing insecurity across the country, particularly the recent surge in attacks on schools.
The decision was taken during the Congress’ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, as contained in a communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.
The NEC condemned the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of a staff member during the incident, describing the prior withdrawal of security personnel from the school as an act of gross negligence.
“The surge in attacks on schools is alarming. The Federal Government must act urgently to secure all educational institutions, especially those in vulnerable and remote areas,” the communiqué stated.
The NLC said it will mobilise all affiliates and state councils for what it described as a peaceful but determined nationwide protest. The Congress is also demanding an immediate investigation into the Kebbi abduction and prosecution of those responsible for the security failures.
The NEC further warned that if the Federal Government fails to address the escalating insecurity and other key national concerns, the country may witness widespread industrial actions across critical sectors such as education and healthcare.
10. Presidency Confirms Release of 100 Abducted Niger Students
President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of 100 students abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, while urging them to intensify efforts to free the remaining captives.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President welcomed the development but insisted that all remaining abductees must be safely rescued.
Tinubu called for strengthened operations to ensure the return of the 115 students and teachers still in captivity. He also reassured parents and affected communities that the Federal Government is working closely with the Niger State Government to secure the release of every victim.
The President further directed security agencies to adopt proactive measures to prevent recurring school abductions, stressing that educational institutions must no longer remain easy targets for terrorists.
That’s all for today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. Stay updated with more Naija News breaking stories in Gossip News Now and in-depth reports . Join us again tomorrow for another roundup.
