Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 18th June, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 18th June, 2026.

1. ‘Suspend 2027 Election Activities, Tackle Insecurity’ – House Of Reps Minority Caucus Tells Tinubu

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of abandoning governance and focusing on activities linked to the 2027 elections.

The leader of the caucus, Fred Agbedi, who spoke at a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday, accused the government of overseeing a dangerous combination of insecurity, economic hardship and what he described as attempts to weaken democratic opposition through the judiciary while neglecting pressing national issues that need attention.

Agbedi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency of focusing on political calculations for 2027 instead of addressing the country’s pressing challenges.

He therefore called on the government to immediately suspend all activities linked to the 2027 election and declare a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan aimed at tackling insecurity and economic challenges.

Naija News reports that the caucus called for an immediate overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, a transparent investigation into the abduction and murder of former military spokesperson, General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), and urgent intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address conflicting judicial decisions relating to political party registration.

The Minority Caucus vowed to continue holding the government accountable through legislative means, insisting that opposition parties would not be intimidated or excluded from the democratic process ahead of the next general election.

2. Do Not Accept House Gifts From Tinubu – Baba-Ahmed Warns Judges

National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has questioned the gesture behind the houses built for Appeal Court judges by President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reports that the President recently commissioned the newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District of Abuja.

However, during an interview on Trust TV on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed described the houses as bribes.

Baba-Ahmed said, “If this government genuinely built an estate for judges, literally, it’s a bribe. That’s the fact.

“Government should rather improve their salary and allowances to improve their lives so that they can build their own houses.

“Building houses for them and exempt other workers is absurd. Why can’t the government build houses for permanent secretaries or doctors?

“If I were to advise the judges, I would straight up tell them not to accept the house gifts.”

3. FG Denies Imposing New Telecom, Fuel Taxes On Nigerians

The federal government has debunked claims that it has initiated or is considering imposing new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products on Nigerians.

Naija News reports that the government clarified that reports claiming that new taxes are being planned for telecommunications services or petroleum products “are not factual and should be disregarded.”

This follows the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

However, a statement on Wednesday by the Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, clarified that the IMF recommendations are not binding on Nigeria.

Ovuakporie added that those projecting the content of the IMF report as a fresh tax regime by the federal government of Nigeria are misrepresenting the report.

The statement added that the content of the IMF report did not reflect the government’s policy direction.

4. INEC Recognizes Sadiq Gombe As SDP National Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognized the faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the authentic leaders of the party.

A check on the INEC website by Naija News correspondent on Wednesday shows that INEC has uploaded Gombe’s name as the SDP National Chairman along with other party officials.

The note attached clarified that the recognition is based on a court order.

The recognition is in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment affirming the party’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs.

With the development, Professor Gombe replaces Shehu Musa Gabam, whose name had earlier been restored by INEC based on a Court of Appeal judgment.

Reacting to the development, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said the move is in compliance with the rule of law.

He added that the development has effectively ended the leadership crisis rocking the party, and the SDP can now focus on preparations for the 2027 general elections.

5. UK Court Delivers Final Ruling In Diezani Corruption Trial

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been acquitted of all six bribery charges brought against her in the United Kingdom.

A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty on Wednesday after a 12-week trial that examined allegations of corruption during her tenure as Nigeria’s petroleum minister.

Alison-Madueke, who served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010 and 2015, had consistently denied all the allegations.

The jury reached its decision after 46 hours of deliberations.

Prosecutors had accused the former minister of accepting benefits from oil and gas industry figures seeking favourable treatment in relation to contracts and business interests in Nigeria.

According to the prosecution, Alison-Madueke allegedly enjoyed a “life of luxury” in London funded through illicit benefits provided by individuals linked to the oil and gas sector.

6. Nine killed, 11 Injured In Southern Kaduna Attack

At least nine people have been confirmed dead and 11 others injured following an attack by suspected terrorists on Unguwar Magaji community in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack reportedly occurred late on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

The spokesperson for the Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Yonkpa, confirmed the incident, saying the casualty figure rose after search and recovery operations led to the discovery of more bodies.

According to Yonkpa, initial reports did not capture the full scale of the attack, but seven additional bodies were later recovered, bringing the death toll to nine.

Community sources told SaharaReporters that the attackers stormed the area with firearms and left several residents injured.

7. Every Nigerian Must Not Stay Silent – Davido Fires Back At Rarara Over Insecurity Advocacy At World Cup

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has responded to criticism from Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara over his decision to draw attention to Nigeria’s insecurity problem during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles.

Naija News reports that the disagreement began after Davido appeared at the event on June 10 wearing a customised jacket carrying the message “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

Rarara later faulted the move, arguing that taking such a sensitive security issue to a global stage could damage Nigeria’s image and affect ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.

He maintained that security matters should be handled with caution and questioned the motive behind Davido’s action.

The Kano-based singer also suggested that political interests may have influenced the gesture and warned against turning insecurity into a political issue.

He claimed that publicising such incidents internationally could sometimes create complications for rescue efforts.

Davido did not let the remarks go unanswered.

8. 2027: It’s Time For Nigeria To Have Igbo President – Brymo

Nigerian singer Brymo has said Nigeria should now begin to think about having an Igbo president, calling for unity and a fresh start in the country’s political direction.

Naija News reports that he made the comments during a recent interview on Yanga FM in Lagos, where he spoke about national unity and the need for reconciliation among different groups in Nigeria.

Brymo said it is time for the country to move past old divisions and allow fair consideration for leaders from the South-East.

He also said national healing should be part of the political process going forward.

At the same time, he raised concern that insecurity in the South-East could affect political progress, claiming that some groups in the country take advantage of unrest for political gain.

9. DR Congo Hold Portugal To Shock World Cup Draw

Democratic Republic of Congo marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after 52 years with a spirited 1-1 draw against Portugal, frustrating the UEFA Nations League holders in their Group K opener.

The result extended Portugal’s poor record in World Cup opening matches, with just one win from their last five tournament curtain-raisers.

Portugal made the perfect start and took the lead inside six minutes when João Neves rose to meet Pedro Neto’s cross and nodded home. The midfielder’s rich vein of form continued as he netted his fourth goal in two competitive internationals.

DR Congo responded positively, with Yoane Wissa firing narrowly wide before Cédric Bakambu saw an effort blocked as the African side searched for a quick reply.

Despite boasting a midfield packed with creativity, Portugal struggled to carve out clear opportunities. Bruno Fernandes produced a superb pass to release Nuno Mendes, but goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi reacted sharply to deny him. DR Congo remained disciplined at the back and gradually grew into the contest.

10. Messi Should Have Been Sent Off Against Algeria, Moreno Says After World Cup Saga

Venezuelan former footballer, Alejandro Moreno has claimed that Lionel Messi was fortunate to avoid a red card during Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at the FIFA World Cup, insisting the superstar’s challenge on defender Aissa Mandi warranted a dismissal.

Naija News reports that Messi stole the headlines with a hat-trick as Argentina cruised into the next stage of the tournament, but a controversial first-half incident has since become the subject of heated debate.

Around the half-hour mark, Mandi was left in pain after Messi lunged into a challenge with his studs raised, catching the Algerian defender on the calf. Despite protests from players and visible concern over the tackle, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak allowed play to continue without showing a card.

The decision stunned many watching the match, particularly after replays appeared to show significant contact. Messi remained on the pitch and went on to score twice after the break, completing his hat-trick and sealing a comfortable win for the reigning world champions.

Moreno, 46, was among the strongest critics of the officiating, arguing that the incident highlighted what he described as a tendency for football’s biggest stars to receive favourable treatment.

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