Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 19th October, 2025

Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 19th October, 2025.

1. DHQ Speaks On Alleged Coup Attempt Against President Tinubu

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports that the parade for the 65th Independence Anniversary was cancelled as a result of a military coup attempt.

The DHQ also denied reports that the sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct are linked to the alleged coup against President Bola Tinubu.

The military explained that the reports of a coup attempt against President Tinubu are completely unfounded, harmful, and aimed at creating undue anxiety and mistrust within the community.

Naija News reports that the denial was contained in a statement on Saturday issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.

The statement, which affirmed the loyalty of the Nigerian Military to President Tinubu, also categorically denied the insinuation by an online publication that the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was cancelled as a result of the alleged coup.

It urged members of the public to disregard the allegation.

The Military added that the cancellation was to allow the President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the loyalty of the Nigerian Military to President Tinubu and the constitution.

2. Tinubu Has Already Locked Down The South, Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan Cannot Catch Up – Dele Momodu

Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has shared his thoughts on the only way President Bola Tinubu can be defeated in 2027.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television on Friday, Momodu stated that the only way to defeat Tinubu is to zone the presidency to the Muslim North and the vice presidency to the Christian South.

He argued that Tinubu has already locked down the south, adding that politicians such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and erstwhile presidential candidate Peter Obi do not stand a chance against him.

Momodu described the 2027 presidency as a battle between the north and the south.

He said, “It’s obvious that the ruling government has already turned this into an ethnic battle, and it’s going to be a battle of North versus South.

“That is why you saw PDP and APC apparatchiks all struggling to insist that a candidate must come from the South. They know that President Tinubu has already locked down the South, and nobody, not Peter Obi, not Goodluck Jonathan, will be able to catch up with him where he is right now.”

According to him, President Tinubu’s immense financial resources and control of state structures give him a major advantage, adding that only a strategic counterbalance from the North could tilt the balance in favour of the opposition.

3. No Opposition In Kogi State, Noise Makers Have Not Seen The Lion – Yahaya Bello Boasts

Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has assured President Bola Tinubu that Kogi State will fully vote for him in the 2027 election.

He gave the assurance while speaking at the endorsement rally to support President Tinubu and Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo for a second tenure.

Bello advised the President not to bother coming to the state to campaign in 2027, noting that there is no opposition in the state.

Applauding the President for his good works in the state, the former governor stated that Tinubu would still have his support even after he leaves office.

4. Dangote Group Explains Why Petrol Prices Remain High Despite Free Distribution

Dangote Group’s Vice-President, Devakumar Edwin, has disclosed why the price of petrol has failed to decrease despite free petrol distribution by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Edwin explained that the delay in the arrival of the 4,000 CNG trucks ordered from China has slowed down its free nationwide delivery of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

He stated this on Friday during a tour of the Dangote refinery by Reno Omokri, a former adviser to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan.

Edwin also explained that Dangote refinery is facing crude oil supply challenges, which are affecting its plan to transition to 100 percent local crude

In July, he announced that the refinery expects to transition 100 percent to local crude supply before the end of 2025.

Highlighting the constraints in achieving the goal, Edwin mentioned the recent suspension of the naira-for-crude initiative, which was due to a lack of supply of crude oil from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Edwin said that since President Bola Tinubu intervened, directing that crude be supplied in naira, the company believes its challenges in securing 100 per cent local crude supply will be resolved going forward.

5. EFCC, NIS, NCoS Complete Deportation Of 192 Foreigners

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has deported the remaining 51 foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos.

Naija News reports that this brings the repatriation of the 192 foreigners involved in the crimes to a successful close.

The deportation exercise followed the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The deportation exercise, which began on Friday, August 15, 2025, followed the conviction of the offenders by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and ponzi scheme operations.

The first batch of 42 convicts, comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals, was deported on August 15, 2025. Subsequent batches followed throughout August and September. The final batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, departed Nigeria on October 16, 2025, bringing the total number of repatriated foreigners to 192.

The deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were deported in coordinated batches between August and mid-October 2025, in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures.

All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices, believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

6. We Were Facing Sabotage – Dangote Opens Up On Workers Layoff

The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, has opened up on the reason for the recent reorganisation in the company’s internal structure.

Naija News reports that the company came under heavy scrutiny after Labour groups raised concerns over the alleged sacking of over 800 workers.

However, speaking on Friday during a media briefing at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, Edwin explained that the recent reorganisation was triggered by 22 sabotage attempts aimed at disrupting operations

He stated that protecting the integrity and long-term viability of Africa’s largest refinery project remained a top priority and that all decisions were made to ensure the company’s safety

Edwin maintained that the decision to restructure had no connection to labour union pressures or actions, particularly from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

7. Police Summons MASSOB Leader, Ralph Uwazuruike Amidst Call For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The Imo State Police Command has summoned the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, to appear before its Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) over allegations of criminal activities.

Uwazuruike is expected to report to the AKU headquarters in Owerri on Monday, October 20, 2025, the same day that civil society organizations plan to hold nationwide peaceful protests calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The police invitation letter, dated October 16, 2025, accuses Uwazuruike of criminal invasion, forgery, and wilful damage. The letter, jointly signed by ASP John Ebute, ASP Eze Jet, and Inspector Alice Zakari, instructs the MASSOB leader to appear before the AKU on the specified date.

Reacting to the police summons, MASSOB described the invitation as a possible attempt to prevent Uwazuruike from participating in the planned peaceful protest for Kanu’s release.

The group issued a statement confirming that Uwazuruike had been directed to report to the AKU by 10:00 a.m. on October 20.

In the statement, Mazi Chris Mocha, MASSOB’s Director of Information, relayed Uwazuruike’s response to the summons. He was quoted as saying in a recent viral video, “I will be part of any peaceful protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. This is not about Kanu alone; it is about our collective dignity as a people.”

Uwazuruike expressed his willingness to engage in the protest despite the police invitation, stating that he had no issues with the summons but recognised it as an attempt to prevent him from participating in the protest. He maintained that he was “firm, calm, and unshaken.”

The MASSOB leader emphasised that his support for the protest was based on principles of conscience and justice, not confrontation.

He reiterated that he had consistently advocated for non-violence in Biafra’s self-determination struggle, aligning his actions with peace rather than provocation.

8. I Swear I For Burst Your Jaw – Regina Daniels Brother Threatens Ned Nwoko Over Alleged Assault

The brother of actress Regina Daniels, Sammie West, has alleged that his sister was physically assaulted by her husband, Ned Nwoko.

Naija News reports that a viral video online showed the actress, who seemed physically distressed, lamenting about her relationship with her husband.

Surrounded by people who were trying to comfort her, she could be heard clearly stating, “In Ned’s house I am nothing, but in my house I am a queen.”

Also, the actress’s brother was seen fighting with a man whom they claimed was sent by the lawmaker to harass the actress.

In a fresh development, Sammie West took to his Instagram stories to claim that the lawmaker took to his heels after he allegedly beat Regina and smashed her head on the wall.

The brother stated that if he had come in contact with Ned on the said day, he would have broken the lawmaker’s jaw.

9. Nottingham Forest Sack Ange Postecoglou After 39 Days In Charge

The brief and troubled stay of Australian coach, Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest has come to an end after the club confirmed his sacking following Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea at the City Ground.

Naija News reports that Ange Postecoglou who was appointed on September 9, lasted just 39 days in the job, making his tenure one of the shortest in Premier League history. During that period, Forest went winless in eight matches across all competitions, managing only two draws and six defeats.

In a short statement, the club announced: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou’s arrival was meant to bring stability after a rocky start to the season, but his side struggled to find form. Forest picked up just one point from five league games under his management, leaving them in 17th place, one point clear of the relegation zone.

His spell was marked by defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack. Forest conceded 10 goals from set pieces during his time in charge, more than any other Premier League side in that span. They also let in 16 goals within the first 10 minutes of the second half, while managing to score just once in five league matches.

Results under Postecoglou included defeats to Arsenal, Sunderland, Newcastle United, and Chelsea, with draws against Burnley and Real Betis offering little respite.

The former Tottenham boss leaves with the unwanted record of being the first Nottingham Forest manager to fail to win any of his first eight games in charge.

10. NFF Hands Justine Madugu Two-Year Deal After Super Falcons’ WAFCON Triumph

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has offered Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, a two-year contract, confirming him as the substantive manager of the African champions.

Justine Madugu, who initially stepped in on an interim basis after Randy Waldrum’s departure last year, guided the Super Falcons to their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco in 2024. His impressive leadership has now earned him a permanent role with the team, according to Daily Post.

Madugu’s appointment comes at a time when the Super Falcons are preparing for their WAFCON 2026 qualifier against Benin Republic.

Naija News reports that the coach has already released a 21-player list for the fixture, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and several other key players expected to feature.

The team’s resurgence under Madugu has also been recognised beyond Nigeria. The Super Falcons have been nominated for the 2025 CAF National Team of the Year award following their stellar continental campaign. Captain Ajibade and Nnadozie are also in contention for individual honours at the same awards ceremony.

Madugu himself is among the finalists for Women’s Coach of the Year, joining the list alongside Flamingos coach. The Flamingos, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team coach, Bankole Olowookere and his team have also been nominated for the award after an unbeaten run in the qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.