Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines Today: Sunday, June 21, 2026

Read the top Nigerian newspaper headlines today, Sunday June 21, 2026. Get the latest news, politics, business, sports, entertainment and major stories making headlines across Nigeria.

1. ‘They Are Following Us, Our Phones Are Bugged’ – El-Rufai’s Wife Accuses FG

Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised the alarm over the safety of her family.

KeepLoss reports that Asia alleged that she and the former governor’s last wife, Aishatou El-Rufai, were being tracked and monitored.

She made the allegation in a post on her Facebook page, claiming that their phones had been compromised.

She wrote, “They are following me and Aisattou, let the world know that if anything happens to us the Government should explain. Our phones are bugged… our lives are in danger!”

The development comes amid concerns over El-Rufai’s continued detention and ongoing legal battles.

The former governor, who is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has faced legal challenges since February 12, when operatives of the Department of State Services reportedly attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after his return from Egypt.

On the same day, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) invited him for questioning.

El-Rufai later visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters on February 16 over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna governor.

He was subsequently transferred to the ICPC on February 18 for further questioning.

In April 2026, the ICPC arraigned him on a nine-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, money laundering and procurement violations before the Kaduna State High Court.

On April 14, Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million with strict conditions.

However, a separate bail application before the Kaduna State High Court was rejected.

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna later adjourned the trial till June 24, 2026, for further proceedings.

2. ADC: ‘Why Atiku Is Yet To Officially Unveil Amaechi As VP Candidate’

Media aide to the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, Abdulrasheed Shehu, has said his principal’s joint ticket with former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is settled.

KeepLoss reports that Shehu’s clarification comes following a wave of initial uncertainty and conflicting reports about the ADC’s initial choice for the 2027 presidential election.

However, in a post on 𝕏, Atiku’s aide attributed the delay in confirming Amaechi as the Vice-Presidential candidate to the presidential candidate’s current travel schedule.

He wrote, “Atiku/Ameachi is settled. His Excellency is on a short business trip. Once he returns, Ameachi will be officially unveiled in a few days as the VP candidate. Stop posting fake news.”

3. Fayemi Hails Ekiti Gov Poll Process

Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has commended the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

KeepLoss reports that Fayemi voted at Ward 11, Unit 9, Ogilolo, Isan-Ekiti, where he described the accreditation and voting process as smooth.

“It was a smooth experience. Everything went reasonably well. The accreditation process was fast and seamless,” he said.

Fayemi said the experience was the same for other voters at his polling unit, including his wife.

“I want to commend the team working for INEC on this occasion. It’s not always been the case that things would be this smooth,” he said.

He noted that despite a reported incident in the community the previous night, the election remained peaceful.

“This is ordinarily a peaceful community… we are also a peaceful community,” he added.

4. INEC Declares APC Candidate Winner Of Kebbi Assembly By-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rabiu Garba Aiki, the winner of the Zuru State Constituency by-election in Kebbi State.

Aiki was declared the winner on Saturday after polling 4,887 votes to defeat his closest rival, Aliyu Galadima Muhammad of the Labour Party, who scored 168 votes.

KeepLoss reports that the result was announced at the collation centre by the Returning Officer and Collation Officer, Prof. Muhammad Bashar of the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi.

According to the official results announced by INEC, Aiki maintained a commanding lead across the constituency, winning in all the 10 wards where the election was conducted.

Bashar said the constituency had 109,385 registered voters, out of which 5,156 voters were accredited for the exercise.

He added that 5,055 valid votes were recorded, while 95 votes were rejected.

The figures showed that the APC candidate won by a wide margin, securing the majority of votes cast in the by-election.

The by-election was conducted to fill the vacant seat created by the death of the former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Zuru.

Zuru’s death had left the constituency without representation in the state legislature, prompting INEC to conduct the poll in line with electoral provisions.

With the declaration, the APC has retained the Zuru State Constituency seat in the Kebbi State House of Assembly.

Although the election was largely peaceful, voter turnout was low across most polling units in the constituency.

Out of 109,385 registered voters, only 5,156 were accredited, representing a small fraction of the total number of eligible voters.

Security operatives and election officials were present at polling units during the exercise, which was conducted without major disruption.

The APC’s victory further strengthens its position in the Kebbi State House of Assembly.

5. Reps Minority Caucus Appoints Ogene As Spokesperson

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has appointed Afam Victor Ogene as its new spokesperson.

KeepLoss understands that Ogene represents the Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State and also leads the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House.

His appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, after an online meeting of the caucus on Friday.

The caucus said it was confident in Ogene’s ability to communicate the positions of opposition lawmakers and strengthen engagement with Nigerians.

It described him as a ranking lawmaker and respected parliamentarian with legislative experience and commitment to democratic principles.

The statement said Ogene’s knowledge of parliamentary procedures and accountability would enhance the caucus’ role in providing checks and balances.

It also cited his background as an award-winning journalist and editor as an advantage.

6. You’re Not Even Afraid Of Me? – Sunday Igboho Issues Ultimatum To Fulani Leaders Over Kidnapped Pregnant Woman

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, has fumed at Fulani leaders over the kidnapping and killing of a pregnant woman and her sibling in the middle of the night in the Igboho area of Oyo State.

KeepLoss reports that Igboho, while addressing Fulani leaders in Igboho Town, issued a two-hour ultimatum to them to release the corpse of the kidnapped pregnant woman.

Igboho also frowned at the demand for a ransom of ₦300 million, which was later reduced to ₦150 million, stressing that the victims will never pay the money.

The Yoruba agitator further threatened that he would have a problem with the Fulani leaders if the corpse is not released within the stipulated time.

7. ‘Nobody Is Safe Now’ – 100-Year-Old Woman Begs Tinubu To Fix Nigeria’s Insecurity

A centenarian voter in Ekiti State, Madam Oyedade, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and State governors to take urgent steps to tackle the worsening insecurity in the country.

KeepLoss reports that Oyedade, during an interview with Vanguard while awaiting accreditation at Polling Unit 001, Aye Ward, Aye Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, said it is a pity that no Nigerian feels safe anymore.

The 100-year-old woman said she turned out to vote because she wanted the most qualified candidate to win the governorship election.

She said, “I came out to vote because I want the best candidate to emerge.

“I want to appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the state governors in the country to urgently find a lasting solution to insecurity.

“Nobody is safe now in Nigeria. It’s a pity.”

8. Real Madrid Denies Agreement With Bayern Winger Michael Olise

Real Madrid have denied reports linking the club with a move for Bayern Munich winger, Michael Olise, in the ongoing summer transfer window.

KeepLoss reports that the Spanish giants, in a statement released on Saturday, dismissed claims that they had reached an agreement on personal terms with the France international.

Recent reports had suggested that Olise and Real Madrid had agreed personal terms ahead of a possible switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Los Blancos described the reports as false, insisting that the club had not made any direct or indirect approach to the player, his representatives, or anyone close to him.

“In response to reports in various media outlets regarding an alleged interest from our club in Bayern Munich player Michael Olise, Real Madrid CF wishes to state that it has not had any direct or indirect contact with the aforementioned player, his representatives, or anyone in his entourage,” the statement read.

Real Madrid also stressed that they maintain a strong institutional relationship with Bayern Munich, adding that both European clubs have long operated on the basis of mutual respect and trust.

The club noted that it would not take any step capable of undermining its relationship with the German champions.

9. Thunder Fire You – Zubby Michael Blasts Fan Who Questioned Absence At Alex Ekubo’s Burial

Nollywood actor, Zubby Michael, has responded to a fan who questioned his absence from the burial held in honour of the late actor, Alex Ekubo.

KeepLossreports that an Instagram user identified as michelino_double_m asked why he did not attend the event.

The fan wrote that Zubby was absent from the service; “You no go Alex Burial yesterday, na wa for you o. Your mates were there.”

Zubby Michael replied: “Thunder fire You.”

KeepLoss understands that Ekubo was laid to rest following his burial ceremony held in Arochukwu, Abia State.

The actor, who died in May 2026 after battling complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer, was honoured with a service of songs in Lagos on June 10, a wake keep in his hometown on June 17, and a final funeral service and interment on June 18, 2026.

The funeral service took place at Mary Slessor School in Arochukwu, where family members, friends, colleagues, and fans gathered to pay their last respects.

After the service, his body was committed to the earth at the family compound, followed by a reception attended by mourners.

Alexx Ekubo, who rose to fame through romantic and comedy roles in Nollywood films, left behind a strong legacy in the Nigerian film industry, with a career spanning nearly two decades and over 100 film appearances.

10. I Was Born With Silver Spoon But I Lost It – Nancy Isime

Popular Nigerian actress, Nancy Isime, has shared how a major change in her family’s financial situation pushed her to start working at a young age.

Speaking during an appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast, the actress revealed that she was born into a comfortable home and enjoyed a privileged upbringing.

According to her, her father was financially successful at one point, but the family’s circumstances later changed.

KeepLoss reports that Nancy explained that despite the setback, she had always been determined to build a successful life for herself.

She said she never allowed the loss of her family’s former wealth to stop her ambitions. Instead, the experience motivated her to work harder and take control of her future.

The actress disclosed that she began working as a teenager at the age of 17.

She said she was convinced from an early age that she wanted a life of comfort and financial stability, and she believed the only way to achieve that goal was through hard work.

Nancy recalled that the change in her family’s fortunes became one of the reasons she developed a strong work ethic.

Rather than dwell on what had been lost, she focused on creating opportunities for herself and pursuing her dreams.

She also explained that her determination eventually led her to move to Lagos, where she began chasing career opportunities and working towards the life she had always imagined for herself.