Top 10 Stories From Nigerian Newspapers Today — Sunday, August 17 2025

Below are the top stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Sunday, August 17 2025.

Top 10 Stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Sunday, August 17 2025

1. EFCC Recovers Billions in Refinery Maintenance Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over ₦5 billion and $10 million from government officials and contractors implicated in the fraudulent turnaround maintenance of refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. Sources indicate that the commission is also pursuing the recovery of an additional ₦10 billion and $13 million allegedly misappropriated through contractor deals.

2. Top Ansaru Leaders Arrested in Nigeria
Security operatives have arrested two senior figures of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Nigeria. Those detained include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar), described as the group’s self-proclaimed Emir, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda).

3. 288 Armed Thugs Nabbed During Kano Bye-Election
The Kano State Police Command has arrested at least 288 suspected thugs in possession of dangerous weapons during Saturday’s bye-election across four local government areas. Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the arrests in a phone interview with The Punch.

4. PDP Condemns Violence in Kano Bye-Election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano has strongly criticized the violent disruptions during the Shanono/Bagwai State Assembly bye-election. In a statement, State Chairman Yusuf Ado Kibiya condemned the use of intimidation and violence to influence voter behavior, calling it unacceptable.

5. Kaduna PDP, Commissioner Trade Blame Over Vote-Buying
Allegations of vote-buying sparked a confrontation between the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, and the state’s PDP leadership during Saturday’s nationwide bye-election. The polls were conducted in 16 constituencies across 12 states, including Kaduna.

6. Businessman and Statesman Isyaku Ibrahim Passes Away at 88
Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, a prominent businessman and close ally of former President Shehu Shagari, has died at the age of 88. He passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a private hospital in Abuja.

7. Housing Ministry Warns Public Against Fake Housing Offers
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) has cautioned the public against fraudulent offers relating to 753 housing units seized and forfeited to the Federal Government by the EFCC. The ministry clarified that no individual or company has been authorized to sell the properties.

8. Tinubu Approves ₦16.7bn for Mokwa Bridge Reconstruction
President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦16.7 billion for the urgent reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which was destroyed by floods in May. The announcement was made by Information Minister Mohammed Idris after a meeting with Works Minister Dave Umahi in Abakaliki.

9. PDP Wins Ibadan North Bye-Election
The PDP candidate, Fola Oyekunle, has won the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election. The result was declared early Sunday morning by the Returning Officer, Professor Abiodun Oluwadare.

10. Suspected INEC Staff, Politician Arrested in Ogun Over Vote-Buying
Security personnel in Ogun State arrested several individuals on Saturday, including suspected INEC officials and a politician, allegedly involved in a vote-buying scheme ahead of the state’s bye-election. A substantial amount of money was reportedly found in their possession.