Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday, 16th March, 2026
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 16th March, 2026.
by Oladipo Abiola · Naija News1. Only Electoral Bandits, Not Tinubu, Boast Of Rigging Election – Gov. Adeleke
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is not part of those using federal might against political opponents.
According to him, President Tinubu is using federal might to deliver good governance to Nigerians.
He described those who boast of using federal might to rig elections as electoral bandits.
Naija News reports that the Governor made the submission in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
He, however, criticized the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for allegedly issuing threats to deploy “federal might” to influence the upcoming governorship election in the state.
Rasheed quoted the Governor to have made the submission while speaking at a meeting with leaders and ward officials of the Accord Party across the 332 wards in the state.
2. Why I Did Not Panic After Losing Power – Sanusi
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has asserted that some people often make the mistake of attributing power and outcomes to individuals rather than recognising that circumstances change only by the will of God.
Naija News reports that Sanusi made this known at the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture, explaining why he remained calm and steadfast after losing two of the most powerful positions.
The monarch, who spoke on resilience and faith, reflected on how his belief in God helped him navigate difficult periods following his suspension as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and his later removal as Emir of Kano.
Sanusi also cautioned against humiliating oneself in pursuit of favour from powerful individuals, noting that many people wrongly believe their fortunes depend entirely on others.
3. Company Plots To Discredit Nigeria Ahead Of Tinubu’s UK Visit – FG
The Federal Government has accused Jupiter Ltd of planning what it described as a “campaign of calumny” against Nigeria during the forthcoming state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development said the alleged move was aimed at discrediting ongoing reforms in the mining sector and misleading the international community over the revocation of some mineral licences.
In a statement on Sunday, March 15, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, dismissed claims that Nigeria seized a British lithium project under armed guard, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
Tomori said the Federal Government had no legal or contractual relationship with any company known as Jupiter Lithium, stressing that Nigerian mining laws do not permit foreign companies to directly hold mineral titles.
The ministry said the controversy followed the revocation of mineral titles belonging to Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to Australian national Steve Davis.
According to the government, the revocation was due to the company’s failure to meet statutory financial obligations under Nigeria’s mining regulations.
4. I Will Sack Others Before Tinubu Sacks Me – Festus Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said he will not hesitate to remove officials under his supervision if the need arises.
Naija News reports that he insisted that he will not wait until the President removes him from office before taking action.
Keyamo made this known during an interview on African Independent Television, where he spoke about the responsibilities of his office and the need to take control of decisions in the aviation sector.
During the interview, Keyamo explained that he had previously allowed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to handle many operational matters without direct interference.
However, he said he now understands that the final responsibility still rests on him as the supervising minister.
According to him, leaving key decisions entirely to agencies under the ministry could affect his position if things go wrong.
For this reason, he said he is ready to step in more directly and make decisions that will shape how the ministry and its agencies operate.
5. NDLEA Arrests 74-Year Old Man With Large Consignment Of Cocaine At Abuja Airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 74-year-old grandpa, identified as Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered in foil papers and balloons concealed in his luggage.
Naija News reports that the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a statement issued on Sunday, disclosed that its operatives at the departure hall of the Abuja airport arrested Emeka while attempting to board a British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow, London, United Kingdom, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
During a search of the septuagenarian’s luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons.
The statement further disclosed that in Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Monday, March 9, arrested a woman, identified as Maryam Olalowo, at Ikad Hotel and Suites, on Etim Inyang Street, Victoria Island, while attempting to sell 89grams of cocaine and 20grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis.
6. Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed Set To Dump PDP For APC
Indications have emerged that the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, may be planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Investigations by ThisDay revealed that the governor is expected to join the ruling party this week, barring any last-minute changes.
Sources familiar with the development said negotiations over the terms of his defection were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
According to sources, Mohammed had informed President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership of his intention to join the party.
One of the insiders who spoke with ThisDay disclosed that the governor had been offered the APC senatorial ticket, along with other privileges extended to governors who had previously defected to the ruling party.
However, sources said the conditions presented to Mohammed were more stringent than those given to earlier defectors.
It was learnt that the governor may not be allowed to take control of the APC structure in Bauchi State.
7. Kiekie Reveals Why She Keeps Her Husband From Public Eye
Nollywood actress and content creator, Kiekie, has explained why she does not share photos or videos of her husband on social media.
Naija News reports that the mother of one said her decision is deliberate and tied to how she manages her online presence.
The actress made the clarification during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, on his show, where she addressed questions about her private life and marriage.
Kiekie stated that she is not hiding her husband from the public but simply chooses not to feature him on her Instagram page.
According to her, the page mainly serves as a platform for her work, including comedy skits, brand promotions and other professional activities.
She explained that her husband is not involved in her online business, which is why she prefers to keep that part of her life off the platform.
8. I Don’t Want More Kids, I Tied My Tubes – Shaffy Bello
Veteran Nollywood actress, Shaffy Bello, has shared details about a major personal decision she made many years ago regarding childbirth.
Naija News reports that the thespian revealed that she underwent a medical procedure to stop having more children.
The actress made the disclosure during a conversation about motherhood on her YouTube channel, Shaffy Bello TV.
While discussing her experience as a mother, Bello explained that she decided to tie her fallopian tubes about 26 years ago because she did not want to have many children.
She explained that the decision came despite her former husband wanting them to expand their family.
According to her, he pleaded with her to have another child, but she had already made up her mind about limiting the number of children she would have.
9. UEFA Cancels 2026 Finalissima Between Spain, Argentina
The highly anticipated 2026 Finalissima between Spain and Argentina has been cancelled, UEFA confirmed in an official statement.
Naija News reports that the intercontinental clash, scheduled for March 28, was expected to pit the winners of UEFA Euro 2024, Spain, against Argentina, champions of the 2024 Copa América. The match had initially been planned for March 27 in Doha, the capital city of Qatar.
UEFA said the fixture could not go ahead because of the current political situation in the Middle East.
“Due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima, originally set to take place in Qatar on March 27th, cannot be held as scheduled,” the governing body said.
The organisation added that both teams were unable to compete for the trophy because of environmental and timing constraints, despite efforts to preserve the match.
10. Premier League Results: Man United Beat Villa, Fulham, Leeds Drop Points
Manchester United strengthened their Champions League hopes with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, while Fulham and Leeds United were held to draws elsewhere in the Premier League.
United broke the deadlock in the second half after a slow start. Villa keeper Emi Martinez denied Bryan Mbeumo, but from the resulting corner, Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint ball that Casemiro flicked over Martinez and into the net.
Ross Barkley responded quickly for Villa on his first Premier League start in 14 months, levelling the score with a snap shot. United, however, regained control when Fernandes set up Matheus Cunha, whose low strike beat Martinez. Substitute Benjamin Sesko added a late third with a deflected effort, taking his tally to eight goals in ten games.
The win keeps United third in the table and gives interim manager Michael Carrick a sixth consecutive home victory, a feat only bettered by Sven Goran Eriksson, Carlo Ancelotti and Manuel Pellegrini at the start of their Premier League tenures. Villa have now won just three of their last 12 league matches, leaving them under pressure in the race for European football.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace were held 0-0 by ten-man Leeds United at Selhurst Park. Gabriel Gudmundsson’s first-half red card forced Leeds to defend deep after missing a penalty, and Palace could not convert a string of second-half chances from Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta.