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Newspaper Headlines: FG may seek Simon Ekpa’s repatriation after Finland six-year jail term

Abdullah.Abdulsalam@thecable.ng'byAbdulsalam Abdullah
September 2, 2025 7:00 am

Reports on the federal government’s rebuttal of recent comments from Nasir el-Rufai suffuse today’s frontpages.

The PUNCH reports that the federal government has hinted that it may seek the repatriation of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria following his six-year prison sentence in Finland for terrorism-related offences. The newspaper adds that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday issued a 10-day ultimatum to the federal government and relevant agencies to meet its welfare demands, warning that its members would embark on a nationwide strike if nothing is done before the deadline.
The Nation reports that the federal government has welcomed the conviction of pro-Biafra agitator Ekpa. The newspaper adds that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed allegations by el-Rufai that the agency coordinates ransom payments and incentives to bandits.
Blueprint newspaper reports that Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says bringing Peter Obi back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would sound the death knell for the opposition platform. The newspaper adds that Grace Adayilo, the first female head of service of the federal capital territory (FCT), is dead.
New Telegraph reports that Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, says many Nigerian embassies abroad face financial crises, struggling with salaries, rent, and service payments. The newspaper says Kabiru Marafa, former Zamfara senator, has asked President Bola Tinubu not to expect support from the north-west in 2027.
Vanguard reports that Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has faulted the conduct of local government elections in Rivers state. The newspaper adds that Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on media and strategy to the president, has dismissed calls for Tinubu’s removal, describing proponents as power-hungry politicians feeling politically displaced.
Daily Independent reports that Tinubu has reaffirmed that the policies and projects being implemented by his administration are designed to serve all Nigerians, regardless of region, ethnicity, or background. The newspaper adds that Wike has advised Goodluck Jonathan against joining the 2027 presidential race, insisting that the ex-president should continue enjoying his role as a statesman.
Daily Trust reports that Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, minister of transportation, says repairs on damaged sections of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track will be completed within 10 days. The newspaper reports that the Katsina police command says two suspected gunrunners were arrested with a GPMG, 1,063 AK-47 rounds, and 232 PKT ammunition rounds.
THISDAY reports that a federal high court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, has affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, intensifying political debate. The newspaper adds that the federal government says Tinubu has been fair in the distribution of projects and appointments across Nigeria.

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