Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Tuesday, 24th March, 2026
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 24th March, 2026.
by Oladipo Abiola · Naija News1. ICPC Announces Date To Arraign El-Rufai
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, would be arraigned on Tuesday, 24th March 2o26.
According to a statement by the ICPC on Monday, El-Rufai will be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The Commission, in the statement signed by its spokesperson, John Okor Odey, said the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister would be arraigned on charges related to the conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering in the suit marked FHC/KD/73/2026.
Naija News reports that the ICPC also added that another charge with number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26 has been filed against El-Rufai at before the Kaduna State High Court over cases related to abuse of office, fraud and intent to commit fraud.
It added that the State High Court is yet to communicate the date for arraignment on the second case.
2. ‘Go Home And Rest’ – Wike Replies Seyi Makinde
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a fresh swipe at the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, hinting that he should have stayed out of politics.
The Minister, who spoke on Monday at the 107th NEC meeting of his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, said Makinde could have remained a contractor if he wasn’t ready to play real politics.
The former Rivers State Governor, who has been at loggerheads with Makinde, told him to go home and rest, pointing out that almost all the PDP Governors have defected to the APC.
Naija News reports that he said this a few days after Governor Makinde again publicly accused the Minister of working to hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) down for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Wike, who berated the wave of defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said those who accused him of working for the APC were nowhere to be found while he remains in the party.
Despite taking a swipe at Makinde and the defectors, Wike said he is open to reconciliation, and the reconciliatory process would even continue after the planned PDP National Convention.
3. ‘We Captured A Big Fish, APC Victory Is Sealed’ – Tinubu Boasts About Gov. Fintiri’s Defection
President Bola Tinubu has described the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, as a big political investment and with him, the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory is sealed ahead of the 2027 election.
Naija News reports that Tinubu made the remark on Monday in Yola through the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at a grand reception held for Fintiri’s official defection to the APC.
Tinubu said the Governor’s alignment with the APC is a major boost for the party and has strengthened the party’s prospects in the North-East.
He also commended Fintiri’s infrastructure development within a short period in office, stressing that the policies of the current administration would continue to attract public support and deliver democratic dividends.
4. Police Arrest Baruwa Hours After He Dislodged MC Oluomo As NURTW President
The lingering leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated on Monday as police arrested factional president, Tajudeen Baruwa, despite a court order reportedly affirming him as the authentic chairman.
The arrest followed a dramatic takeover of the union’s National Secretariat in Abuja by members of the Baruwa-led faction.
Tension heightened during the incident as a supporter of the faction was reportedly shot when security operatives moved to disperse those present at the secretariat.
Details surrounding the shooting remained unclear as of press time, but the development further underscored the volatility of the crisis within the union.
Members of the Baruwa-led group were seen in a viral video taking control of the secretariat, removing and destroying portraits of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
The action signalled a bold attempt by the faction to assert control over the union’s leadership structure.
The NURTW has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis for over two years, following a disputed delegates’ conference meant to produce new national officers.
Despite the ongoing dispute, MC Oluomo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has continued to occupy the union’s National Secretariat.
5. Former Accountant General Nwabuoku Sentenced To 72-Years Imprisonment
A former acting Accountant General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, 72, has been sentenced to 72 years in prison for laundering N868,465,000.
Naija News reports that the judgment was delivered on Monday, March 23, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Nwabuoku on nine charges of money laundering.
Evidence presented in court showed that funds meant for the Ministry of Defence were transferred into multiple corporate accounts and used for personal gain.
The accounts, held under company names, were not directly linked to Nwabuoku, a move that appeared intended to hide the source of the money.
The court detailed how millions of naira were deposited into accounts of companies including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited.
For instance, N262 million went into Temeeo Synergy Concept, N202 million into Turge Global, and N281 million into Laptev Bridge Limited. The judge said these transactions were unlawful and formed part of a deliberate plan to convert government funds to private use.
Justice Omotosho stated that Nwabuoku could not provide evidence of legitimate businesses to justify the large sums he controlled.
6. ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ – Wike Tells PDP Members To Contest 2027 Elections
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) interested in contesting elective positions in 2027 to put away the fear of losing.
HE urged them to confidently contest positions at both state and federal levels, stating that not having governors from the PDP going into the 2027 polls should not deter members from participating in the process, adding that the situation won’t determine the outcome of elections.
Naija News reports that Wike made the declaration on Monday while speaking at the 107th NEC meeting of his faction of the PDP in Abuja.
“Those afraid that they will not win elections because they don’t have a governor from the PDP in their state, that is a lie. Remove fear from your body and have confidence,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor also assured members of the party that the planned national convention of the party, slated for March 29 and 30, 2026, would hold as scheduled.
7. Why I Use My Daughter, Not Husband For Content Creation – Kiekie
Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, has stated that she has set boundaries between her personal and professional life
Speaking at The Creative Blueprint 2.0, Kiekie explained that she doesn’t feature her husband, Tunji Ilori, in her content because “he is not funny”.
The actress added that she features her daughter Nola on her social media because “she is made for the camera”.
She, however, clarified that there is a limit to how she features her daughter in her content, stressing that she only creates content with her during academic breaks.
She emphasised the need for content creators and celebrities to set boundaries between their brand and personal lives.
8. ‘I Am Not A Rapist, I Am Not A Paedophile’ – Baba Ijesha
Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has denied being a paedophile or rapist, claiming he was lured into the incident that led to his imprisonment.
Naija News reports that the actor spoke during an interview on Monday with veteran broadcaster, Yinka Ayefele, on Fresh FM.
Baba Ijesha insisted that he was unaware of the gravity of the allegations at the time and maintained his innocence.
He said, “I am not a paedophile, I am not a rapist. It was destiny that punished me. I did not know the meaning of rapist, paedophile, until the controversy.
“They said I used car key to deflower the minor. My side of the story will be revealed in a movie.”
Recounting the events leading to his arrest, the actor alleged that he was invited under the pretext of a movie role.
Baba Ijesha further claimed that he unknowingly participated in a staged situation involving a minor.
9. Osimhen Undergoes Successful Surgery After Liverpool Injury
Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has undergone successful surgery after suffering a fractured forearm during Galatasaray’s heavy UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
Naija News reports that Victor Osimhen picked up the injury in last week’s Round of 16 clash at Anfield after an aerial collision with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. Despite receiving treatment and continuing briefly with his arm bandaged, he was forced off at half-time as the pain worsened.
Galatasaray confirmed earlier today, March 23, that the striker had gone under the knife.
“Our player Victor Osimhen, who was injured and unable to continue playing in our away match against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, underwent a successful operation today at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, performed by our club doctor, Op. Dr Yener İnce,” the club said.
10. Super Eagles Of Nigeria Unveil New Kits After World Cup Setback
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have unveiled new kits earlier today, March 23, 2026, following weeks of disappointing results on the pitch.
The Super Eagles unveiled the new kits via their official 𝕏 account, weeks after Nigeria failed to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and also failed to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.
The home shirt arrives in a light green base, layered with darker green panels and a faint dotted fade. It carries the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) crest.
For the away kit, the brand opts for a white base, lifted by bold green flame-like patterns sweeping across the shirt. A dark green V-neck collar and black-trimmed cuffs round off the design.