From court drama and celebrity controversies to sports wins, political tension and Detty December buzz, last week in Nigeria was anything but quiet. If you blinked between December 15 and 21, 2025, chances are you missed a lot. From headline-making statements by global stars to major developments in governance, culture and entertainment, here’s a roundup of everything Nigerians couldn’t stop talking about all in one place. Here are some of the top events you missed from last week:
Akpabio Heads to Supreme Court Over Natasha Suspension
The political drama surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension escalated last week as Senate President Godswill Akpabio approached the Supreme Court. The move seeks a definitive interpretation of the National Assembly’s powers following conflicting lower-court rulings. The case has reignited conversations around legislative authority, due process and internal democracy within Nigeria’s Senate.
Nicki Minaj Explains Why She Spoke Up on Alleged Genocide in Nigeria
American rap superstar Nicki Minaj addressed the backlash surrounding her comments on an alleged genocide in Nigeria, explaining that she felt compelled to speak after receiving disturbing information from activists and Nigerians in the diaspora. While her statements sparked intense debate online, they also reopened global conversations around security, human rights and misinformation in international advocacy.
Davido Bets $25,000 on Nigeria vs Tanzania – AFCON 2025
Never one to miss a moment for banter, Davido placed a $25,000 bet on Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier clash against Tanzania. The singer publicly backed Nigeria to win, sending fans into a frenzy online and once again blending football passion with celebrity hype.
Anthony Joshua Secures Another Career-Defining Win
British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua recorded a decisive victory in his most recent bout, reaffirming his dominance in the heavyweight division. The win sparked celebrations among Nigerian fans, with many hailing it as a strong statement ahead of potential future title fights.
Doris Ogala Sparks Controversy with Pastor
Actress Doris Ogala found herself at the center of controversy after publicly calling out a popular pastor over alleged misconduct. Her accusations triggered heated conversations across social media, reigniting broader debates about power dynamics, accountability and silence within religious spaces. Recent reports state that she has been apprehended.
History Made: Wheelchair-Using Engineer Set to Travel to Space
In an inspiring global milestone, a female engineer who uses a wheelchair is set to become the first person with mobility disability to travel to space. Nigerians online celebrated the news as a powerful moment for inclusion, representation and breaking long-standing barriers in science and space exploration. The space company owned by American multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos launched its New Shepard suborbital mission at 8:15 am
(1415 GMT) from its site in Texas.
Michaela Benthausg, a German aerospace and mechatronics engineer at the European Space Agency, was among the passengers to cross the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, during the approximately 10-minute flight.
Benin Detains Former Defence Minister Over Foiled Coup Plots
In neighbouring Benin Republic, authorities detained a former defence minister following investigations into alleged foiled coup attempts. The arrest raised regional security concerns, especially given West Africa’s recent history of political instability and military takeovers.
TikToker Peller Apologises After Car Crash
Popular TikToker Peller issued a public apology after being involved in a car crash that sparked outrage online. While no fatalities were reported, the incident reignited discussions around influencer responsibility, reckless driving and the pressure of social media fame.
Kidnapped Students Finally Free
One of the biggest stories of the week was the release of the last 130 schoolchildren kidnapped in late November from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. Government officials say that all victims are now free and expected to reunite with family for the holidays, following a military and intelligence-led operation that saw earlier rescues of others from the group.
Still on security, gunmen abducted at least 13 worshippers in Kogi State during a church attack, highlighting that kidnapping and banditry remain serious challenges for central and northern Nigeria.
Seyi Tinubu Coronated in Lagos
The week also saw Seyi Tinubu’s and his wife coronation as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland and Yeye Okanlomo of Yorubaland, an event that stirred mixed reactions across Nigeria. While supporters described it as a cultural honour, critics questioned its political symbolism, making it one of the most talked-about society moments of the week.
Budget Reform & Economic Planning
President Bola Tinubu pushed ahead with major fiscal reforms, proposing a plan to reset Nigeria’s budgeting system and align it with calendar years, a move aimed at ending the confusion caused by overlapping budgets and improving accountability.
Alongside that, the government announced projected a 4.28% budget deficit for 2026, underscoring ongoing efforts to balance reforms with economic growth objectives.
Oil Sector Shake-Ups
Industrialist Aliko Dangote made headlines by escalating a dispute with regulators, accusing them of enabling cheap fuel imports that undermine local refining efforts, particularly the massive Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
In response to the industry turmoil, President Tinubu appointed new leaders for key oil regulatory agencies, signaling a leadership reset in the sector amid pricing and supply debates.
Final Thoughts
From courtroom drama and celebrity statements to sports wins, social controversies, and historic global milestones, last week proved once again that Nigeria never runs out of stories. Whether serious or lighthearted, these moments shaped conversations online and offline and set the tone for an even louder Detty December
