Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to Naija News’ daily roundup in Gossip News Now of the top newspaper headlines across the country for today, Monday, December 22, 2025.
1. ‘Not Registered for Sale’ — NAFDAC Clarifies Indomie Recall Alert
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has addressed public concerns surrounding a recall alert on Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour, assuring Nigerians that the affected product is neither registered nor sold in the country.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, NAFDAC explained that the recall was initiated by French health authorities and does not involve any Indomie product manufactured or approved for sale in Nigeria.
The agency noted that the alert was published by Rappel Conso, France’s official consumer safety platform, following the discovery of undeclared allergens—milk and eggs—in the Vegetable Flavour variant. These allergens pose potential health risks to individuals with allergies or intolerances.
The statement, signed by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, emphasized that the recalled product is not registered with the agency and does not originate from Nigeria.
NAFDAC also pointed out that noodles are listed on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, making their importation illegal and greatly reducing the likelihood of the affected product entering the Nigerian market.
2. Akpabio Takes Senate Suspension Case Involving Natasha to Supreme Court
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly taken the legal battle surrounding the suspension of Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to the Supreme Court.
Gossip News Now understands that Akpabio is dissatisfied with the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which struck out his case on the grounds that the submission was fundamentally defective and incompetent due to non-compliance with the Court of Appeal Rules.
The appellate court had cited several procedural breaches in the brief, including the use of unauthorized font size and line spacing, exceeding the prescribed 35-page limit, and the failure to seek leave to regularise the defects.
According to a report by Vanguard, Akpabio’s legal team has now approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Appeal Court’s decision that struck out the Federal Government’s brief of argument.
They argued that the Court of Appeal dismissed the case on technical grounds rather than addressing its substantive issues and expressed confidence that the apex court would rule in their favour.
Akpabio’s lawyers further contended that the appellate court violated his constitutional right to a fair hearing by refusing to grant permission to correct the defective brief or allow an extension beyond the page limit.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has expressed confidence in the judiciary, describing the Supreme Court appeal as a last-ditch attempt to overturn a decision they say was reached in accordance with the law.
3. Peter Obi Criticises House of Reps Over Inaction on Vote-Buying
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has faulted the House of Representatives for failing to take decisive action against the growing menace of vote-buying in Nigeria.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 account on Sunday, Obi stated that a system where votes are bought and sold cannot be described as a true democracy but rather a criminal marketplace.
The former Anambra State governor lamented the damage vote-buying has inflicted on Nigerian society, describing the practice as a cancer that continues to undermine national development.
According to Obi, vote-buying has for years eroded the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and weakened public trust in democracy.
He added that credible elections cannot emerge from corrupt foundations, warning that meaningful national progress remains unattainable as long as inducement and bribery are tolerated within the democratic system.
4. I Was Expelled From University Over False Cultism Allegation — Daniel Etim-Effiong
Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong has recounted a painful chapter of his life, revealing that he was expelled from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, over a false allegation of cultism.
Gossip News Now reports that the actor made the disclosure during an interview with Taymesan, explaining that the incident profoundly affected him emotionally, as he believed he had done nothing wrong.
Following his expulsion, Etim-Effiong relocated to Jos, Plateau State, where he experienced a sense of freedom that was accompanied by anger and confusion.
He admitted that during that period, he picked up destructive habits such as smoking and womanizing, which he attributed to frustration and disappointment with life.
The actor added that the experience significantly affected his relationship with God, marking a difficult turning point in his personal journey.
5. Amorim Provides Update on Bruno Fernandes’ Injury After Villa Defeat
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that captain Bruno Fernandes is set to be sidelined for “a while” after suffering a hamstring injury during his side’s 2–1 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Fernandes appeared to pick up the injury in the first half, pulling up without contact and clutching the back of his right leg.
The midfielder was replaced at halftime, with Amorim opting to introduce Lisandro Martinez in his place.
“I think it’s soft tissue, so it’s going to be a while. We’ll see,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
He added, “It’s really strange. This season, especially at this time, we’ve had so many problems, but we have to cope with them.”
6. Morocco Open AFCON 2025 Campaign With 2–0 Win Over Comoros
Host nation Morocco began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a winning note, securing a hard-fought 2–0 victory against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday evening.
Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a calm finish inside the penalty area, netting the first goal of the tournament and sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
Morocco doubled their advantage in the 74th minute through Olympiacos forward Ayoub El Kaabi, whose stunning bicycle kick produced a goal-of-the-tournament contender and sent the packed stadium into frenzy.
The opening half was a frustrating one for the Atlas Lions despite their dominance in possession and territory. Soufiane Rahimi missed a crucial penalty, with Comoros goalkeeper Pandor producing an excellent save to ensure the teams went into halftime level.
Although Morocco created several opportunities and controlled large spells of the match, they struggled to convert their superiority into goals until the second half.
7. Men Now Actively Seek to Marry Single Mothers — Iyabo Ojo
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has spoken about the changing societal perception of single mothers, saying many men are now actively seeking serious relationships and marriage with women who already have children.
Gossip News Now reports that the actress made the remarks in a video on December 20, 2025, while addressing the growing confidence and acceptance of single mothers in today’s society.
According to Ojo, single motherhood is no longer viewed as something to be ashamed of, as many women in this category are excelling in their careers and successfully raising their children.
She noted that the long-held belief that single mothers should be sidelined in relationships is rapidly fading.
Iyabo Ojo said many men now prefer single mothers because of their maturity and deeper understanding of life, adding that such men often seek commitment rather than casual relationships.
She encouraged women who have experienced failed relationships not to lose hope, stressing that the end of one relationship does not mean the end of love or marriage opportunities.
Describing herself as the “President General of the Single Mothers Association,” the actress urged single mothers to carry themselves with confidence, strength, and self-respect.
8. ICPC Invites Dangote Over Petition Against Former NMDPRA Boss, Farouk Ahmed
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote in connection with a petition he filed against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
Dangote had accused Ahmed of corruption and alleged misappropriation of public funds, including claims that millions of dollars were spent on the education of his four children at elite schools in Switzerland.
Farouk Ahmed has since resigned from his position.
A source within the ICPC, who spoke to The Nation, revealed that the commission constituted a special panel of investigators on Friday to handle the probe.
Dangote is expected to appear before the commission, or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), when the investigation into the petition formally begins.
9. Why PDP May Offer Alex Otti Its 2027 Governorship Ticket — Wabara
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adolphus Wabara, has indicated that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, could emerge as the party’s governorship candidate in 2027 if he defects to the PDP.
Wabara said the party would readily hand Otti the ticket for a second term should he decide to join its ranks ahead of the next election cycle.
The former Senate President made the remarks on Sunday in Umuahia while speaking with journalists shortly after the launch of the Abia State 25-Year Development Plan.
“If he makes up his mind to join the Big Umbrella, the party will not hesitate to give him the governorship ticket in 2027,” Wabara stated.
He described Otti as a valuable political asset, noting that the governor’s performance in office has earned him widespread admiration across party lines.
According to Wabara, the interest being shown in Otti by various political parties is a reflection of his governance record, which he believes will work in his favour in the 2027 elections.
He also said ongoing efforts by the PDP National Working Committee, led by Senator Tanimu Turaki, to reposition and rebrand the party have enhanced its credibility ahead of future contests.
Wabara added that the South-East remains a traditional stronghold of the PDP, stressing that Otti’s defection would further strengthen the party’s fortunes and restore the region’s relevance in national politics.
10. Presidency Confirms Release of Abducted Niger State Schoolchildren
The Presidency has confirmed the release of all students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
The confirmation was made on Sunday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, who disclosed that the remaining 130 pupils had regained their freedom.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 account, Dare wrote: “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released. None left in captivity.” The post was accompanied by a photograph showing smiling children alongside a woman.
However, the presidential spokesperson did not provide details on how the students were released or whether any ransom was paid.
That wraps up the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. For more breaking stories and in-depth reports on , Naija News nd Foreign News . Join us again tomorrow for the latest updates.
