Top 10 Stories From Nigerian Newspapers Today — Sunday, October 19 2025

Good morning! Here are the top stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Sunday, October 19 2025.

Top 10 Stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Sunday, October 19 2025

1. Defence Headquarters Denies Coup Plot Rumours

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent reports alleging an attempted coup by military officers to topple the current administration. In a statement released on Saturday, the DHQ described the claims as “completely false, malicious, and aimed at creating unnecessary tension and distrust among citizens.”

2. Fake Police Syndicate Busted in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended a five-man syndicate posing as police officers to extort unsuspecting members of the public. Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrests, stating the suspects used fake police warrant cards to impersonate law enforcement personnel.

3. Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Laid to Rest Amid Tears

Mourners gathered in Agulu, Anaocha LGA of Anambra State, on Saturday to bid farewell to Somtochukwu Maduagwu, popularly known as “Sommie,” a beloved Arise Television news anchor. Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who attended the funeral, expressed concern over the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria.

4. Regina Daniels Sparks Concern After Emotional Video Surfaces

Fans of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels have voiced concern for her safety after a video emerged online Friday showing her in tears, alleging domestic abuse in her marriage to billionaire politician Ned Nwoko. In the emotionally charged video, the actress, visibly distressed, said, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing. But in my house, I am a queen.”

5. Imo Police Officers Arrested Over Cultism Links

Three police officers in Imo State have been arrested following the circulation of a viral video showing them wearing cult-related insignia associated with the Vikings confraternity. The suspects — Inspector Obinna Peter, Corporal Amaechi Augustine, and Corporal Ejikeme Victor — are currently in custody and will face an orderly room trial on Monday, police said.

6. Army Rescues 21 Kidnap Victims, Including 4 Chinese Nationals

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 individuals, including four Chinese nationals, from kidnappers in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States. The rescue mission, carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025, was confirmed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.

7. Two Police Officers Killed in Kaduna Bandit Attack

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two officers by suspected bandits in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf LGA. Command spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

8. PDP Replaces Legal Adviser Amid Convention Legal Dispute

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has removed its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, over alleged compromise in legal proceedings tied to the party’s upcoming national convention, scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Chris Uche, SAN, has been named as his replacement in a letter dated October 13.

9. FRSC: Dangerous Overtaking Causes Fatal Crash in Ebonyi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that six people died in a fatal crash on Friday caused by dangerous overtaking near the Nkalagu flyover in Ebonyi State. Sector Commander Anthony Ogbodo said the incident occurred along the Enugu–Abakaliki Federal Highway and involved a Toyota Hiace bus and an articulated truck.

10. President Tinubu Returns From Rome Summit

President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Saturday after participating in the Aqaba Process Heads of State Meeting in Rome, Italy. The announcement was made in a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.