Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines Today – Sunday, April 12, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the leading stories making headlines across the country this Sunday, April 12, 2026. According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has unveiled a list of 48 individuals and groups allegedly connected to terrorism financing, as released by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee. The list reportedly includes persons and entities linked to groups such as IPOB, Ansaru, and ISWAP, highlighting ongoing efforts by authorities to identify and prosecute financiers of terrorism despite challenges posed by complex legal frameworks and international networks.

In another development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pushed back against claims by President Bola Tinubu that Nigeria’s economy fares better than Kenya’s. Through his media aide, Atiku argued that focusing solely on fuel prices presents a misleading picture, insisting that broader indicators such as purchasing power, income levels, and overall cost of living show Nigeria to be more expensive than Kenya, despite having lower fuel prices.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has extended the deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns to April 21, 2026. Officials explained that the extension followed a surge in traffic on the agency’s electronic tax platform, which made it necessary to grant taxpayers additional time to complete their submissions successfully, while also commending citizens for their compliance.

Security operations in the Niger Delta have recorded a major breakthrough, as the Joint Task Force under Operation Delta Safe intercepted vessels carrying suspected illegal crude oil valued at approximately $300 million. Authorities disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the cargo, while the Nigerian Navy also confirmed recovering over 531,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and arresting multiple suspects in the first quarter of the year under intensified maritime security operations.

Political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have escalated further, as a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike reportedly took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja following its reopening by the police. The faction warned against any actions that could disrupt order, while praising security agencies for upholding the rule of law amid the party’s prolonged leadership crisis.

Elsewhere, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has strongly criticised former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami over longstanding allegations of corruption. Lamido dismissed the claims and referenced ongoing scrutiny faced by Malami from anti-graft agencies, while reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and hinting at possible political realignments.

On the international front, UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has faulted Britain’s approach to tackling crime, arguing that stricter discipline, similar to what she described in countries like Nigeria and Kenya, is necessary. She criticised what she termed an overreliance on social interventions, stressing the need for firm enforcement and accountability.

In the entertainment scene, Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has responded to backlash over a viral video showing her kneeling to greet respected figures at a public event. Defending her actions, she maintained that the gesture reflects her upbringing and cultural values, adding that she would continue to uphold such traditions regardless of public criticism.

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has stirred reactions online after claiming that Burna Boy rewarded him with ₦20 million for participating in a boxing match against Speed Darlington. He further called on Wizkid to offer him a similar deal, proposing to confront another entertainer for a fee.

In sports, Mikel Arteta has expressed disappointment following Arsenal’s 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, describing the result as a significant setback. Despite dominating large portions of the game, Arsenal were undone by late pressure from their opponents, while Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised his team’s resilience and fearless display away from home.