Top 10 Stories From Nigerian Newspapers Today — Wednesday, August 20 2025

Below are the top stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Wednesday, August 20 2025.

Top 10 Stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Wednesday, August 20 2025

1. Worshippers Killed in Katsina Mosque Attack

At least 13 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries following a deadly attack on the Unguwar Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. The assailants struck during morning prayers on Tuesday, catching the worshippers off guard.

2. NCAA Orders Strict Compliance with Device Shutdown During Flights

The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has mandated that all passengers switch off phones and electronic devices during critical phases of flight. Domestic airline operators have been instructed to revise their operational manuals to reflect this directive and submit them for immediate approval.

3. DSS Opposes Bail for Suspects in Owo Church Attack

The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to deny bail to five suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The DSS cited their alleged connections to foreign terrorist groups and potential to interfere with witnesses as grounds for opposition.

4. Wike Dismisses Amaechi’s 2027 Presidential Chances

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that the 2027 presidential ambition of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi is “dead on arrival.” Wike claimed Amaechi would be the last person considered for the ADC ticket. He also alleged that former SGF Babachir Lawal harbors resentment toward President Tinubu for not selecting him as vice president.

5. Court Freezes Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPC Boss Mele Kyari

A Federal High Court in Abuja has temporarily frozen four Jaiz Bank accounts associated with former NNPC GMD Mele Kyari over allegations of fraud. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday following an ex-parte application by the EFCC.

6. EFCC Questions Hajj Commission Officials Over Alleged Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has interrogated senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regarding alleged financial mismanagement during the 2025 Hajj. Among those questioned were Aliu Abdulrazak, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel and Finance, and Aminu Muhammed, Director of Finance and Accounts.

7. Mixed Performance for Naira Across Markets

On Tuesday, the Naira weakened in the parallel market, falling to ₦1,555 per dollar from ₦1,550 on Monday. However, it gained slightly in the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), trading at ₦1,534.5 per dollar.

8. ADC Reaffirms Unity Among Opposition Leaders

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has assured Nigerians that opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi remain committed to a united front for national transformation, regardless of who secures the party’s presidential ticket for 2027. The assurance came from Deputy National Publicity Secretary Jackie Wayas during an interview on Tuesday.

9. PDP Members Defect to ADC in Osun State

Several members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ayedire Local Government Area, Osun State, have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Led by Tunji Ogunrinu, the defectors were welcomed by Omoluabi Progressives, a group affiliated with ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

10. INEC Schedules Supplementary Election in Zamfara

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled a supplementary election for the Kaura-Namoda South Constituency in Zamfara State on Thursday, August 21. The move follows the declaration of last Saturday’s by-election as inconclusive by Returning Officer Prof. Lawal Sa’adu of Federal University Gusau.