Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to your Naija News summary in Gossip News Now of the top stories making
headlines this Sunday, 7th December 2025.
1. Emefiele Refutes Terrorism Financing Claims
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing, describing the claims as “malicious” and “mischievous.”
In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele dismissed the reports as fabricated attempts to mislead the public and damage his reputation.
He expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing rise in careless and unfounded reporting, especially on issues as sensitive as terrorism. According to him, such allegations trivialise the national fight against terrorism and misinform Nigerians.
Emefiele urged the public to disregard the claims, calling for greater responsibility and accuracy in media reporting.
2. Kola Ologbondiyan Resigns From PDP, Citing Personal Reasons
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has formally resigned from the party, saying his decision was based on personal considerations.
In a statement posted on 𝕏 on Saturday, Ologbondiyan shared a letter dated December 5, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of Okekoko Ward 09 in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The letter officially notified the party of his withdrawal.
Titled “Notification of Membership Withdrawal,” the letter explained that after reviewing his journey within the PDP, he decided it was time to step away for personal reasons.
“It is now imperative to bring to your attention that after reflecting on my participation in the PDP, I have concluded that, for personal reasons, I need to make my exit,” he wrote.
He added that his decision was final: “I have therefore come to a decision to formally withdraw my membership of the PDP, henceforth.”
Despite his exit, Ologbondiyan expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership for the trust and opportunities accorded to him during his years of service, both to the party and to Nigeria.
3. Akpabio Asks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Present Evidence of Sexual Harassment
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has responded to allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling on her to provide evidence to support her claims.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Jackson Udom, Akpabio urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to substantiate the accusations with clear, verifiable proof.
The statement, titled “Setting the Record Straight on the Defamation Case Involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” emphasised the need for facts and documentation, noting that serious allegations must be backed by credible evidence.
4. Ndume Urges President Tinubu to Withdraw Ambassadorial Nominee List
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the recently submitted list of ambassadorial nominees, citing violations of the Federal Character principle.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, the Borno South senator argued that the list does not reflect the balanced regional representation required under Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates equitable distribution in federal appointments.
Ndume noted disparities in the nominations, pointing out that some states received multiple slots while others had none. According to him, the Southwest accounts for 15 nominees, the Northeast has only seven, and Gombe State has no representative at all.
He also observed that the only nominee from Yobe State, Senator Adamu Garba Talba, passed away in July, leaving the state without representation and further highlighting the imbalance.
Ndume warned that such inequities risk undermining national cohesion and deepening ethnic tensions. He therefore appealed to President Tinubu to revisit the list in the interest of fairness, inclusiveness, and constitutional compliance.
5. “That’s the Premier League” – Arteta Speaks After Arsenal’s Loss to Aston Villa
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to move forward after their dramatic 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday, insisting the team will bounce back.
Arteta noted that the Premier League is filled with tough venues and unpredictable results, saying the outcome could easily have gone in Arsenal’s favour.
“That is the league—you go to Old Trafford, St James’ Park, Chelsea, you come here. We have been in a lot of difficult grounds,” he said.
“The result could have been different, but the reality is not. We went 18 games unbeaten and we are still there, close to each other.”
Arteta maintained confidence in his squad, describing the setback as part of the competitive nature of the league.
“Now it is time to bounce back. They have given me all the right reasons to think we are going to perform at the same level. We move on. We will learn from today and it will make us a better team,” he added.
Arsenal’s title hopes suffered a blow after Aston Villa snatched a late winner at Villa Park, with Emiliano Buendia scoring deep into added time to seal victory for the hosts.
Arteta also acknowledged that injuries to key players affected the team’s performance, noting that the squad must adapt as the season progresses.
6. ‘I’m Married, But Not Living With My Husband’ – Sola Allyson
Popular gospel singer Sola Allyson has revealed that although she remains married, she no longer lives with her husband.
Speaking in a candid interview on Oyinmomo TV, the 54-year-old artiste—renowned for her hit album Eji Owuro—explained that she and her husband now live separately.
“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately,” she said while discussing her relationship and personal journey.
Allyson reflected on her marital experiences, admitting that despite her achievements in music and life, she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many associate with love and marriage.
When asked whether the romance portrayed in her iconic song Eji Owuro mirrored her own marital experience, she responded frankly:
“We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that as long as you love each other, you’ll live happily ever after—but it’s a lie.”
7. Tension as Security Operatives Intercept Vehicle Loaded With Ammunition on Abuja Highway
A viral video has captured the moment security operatives intercepted a golf car transporting sacks filled with live bullets along an Abuja highway.
The footage has triggered widespread concern online, with Nigerians calling for an immediate investigation and clear disclosure of those responsible for the alarming discovery.
Although security agencies have not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report, social critic and public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu shared the video on his 𝕏 account, raising serious security concerns over what he described as evidence of coordinated arms movement within the country.
According to Shehu, early findings suggest the bullets were being transported by a driver acting on instructions, accompanied by another individual linked to the consignment.
“The driver was given the toxic killer bullets to transport. Another person is accompanying the said bullets,” he noted.
He added that security personnel have already retrieved the phone number of the individual designated to receive the ammunition.
Shehu insisted that authorities must trace every actor involved—manufacturers, transporters, and financiers—to fully expose the network behind the intercepted load.
8. Okpebholo Claims Kidnappings Are Politically Motivated Ahead of 2027
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the recent rise in kidnappings across the country is part of a politically driven effort to undermine President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during a meeting with Igbo leaders at the Government House in Benin City, the governor claimed that the abductions were being orchestrated to create fear, instability, and public distrust in the build-up to future political contests.
Okpebholo further argued that similar tactics were used during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, asserting that the objective was to weaken the president’s resolve.
“What they are doing now is that they go and kidnap people just because they want to discourage Mr President, but he remains resolute,” he said.
He added that the perpetrators were driven by political motives rather than mere criminal activity.
9. Ex-Army Chief Faruk Yahaya Denies Terrorism Financing Claims
Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has firmly denied allegations linking him to individuals accused of terrorism financing, describing the claims as false and malicious.
The allegations—published by Sahara Reporters and credited to retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi—suggested that Yahaya maintained ties with suspected terror financiers.
However, in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his representative, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, Yahaya dismissed the claims as “spurious, baseless, and entirely untrue.”
He stated that at no point in his military career—before, during, or after his tenure as Chief of Army Staff—had he ever been associated with terrorism financing or any activities that threatened national security.
The statement also accused Ali-Keffi of making the accusations out of personal bitterness, allegedly stemming from disciplinary measures taken against him during service. Yahaya described the publication as malicious and lacking any factual foundation.
According to the statement, the claims contradict Yahaya’s long-standing record of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the security of Nigeria.
10. NAF Confirms Jet Crash, Commends Pilots’ Bravery
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the crash of an Alpha Jet after an in-flight emergency on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Air Force Base in Kainji, Niger State.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft encountered a critical malfunction shortly after takeoff during a post-inspection functional test flight.
The two pilots reportedly acted swiftly, steering the jet away from residential areas before ejecting safely—an action the NAF described as a display of exceptional professionalism and judgement. They were rescued shortly after and are undergoing routine medical checks.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised their conduct, noting that their quick response helped avert a potential disaster. He also directed the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the malfunction.
The Air Force assured the public of its continued commitment to strict safety procedures and the protection of its personnel.
That wraps up today’s leading Nigerian headlines. Read more Naija breaking and developing stories on Gossip News Now. See you tomorrow.
