Top Nigerian News Headlines for Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Here are the major news stories making the rounds across Nigeria’s newspapers today Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

1. Police, Protesters Clash in Abuja Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The Free Nnamdi Kanu protest swept through the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Monday, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and security agencies.
Several protesters, including Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, were arrested. The police fired teargas to disperse the crowd near Aso Villa as activists, led by Omoyele Sowore, demanded Kanu’s unconditional release.

2. Sit-at-Home Grounds Activities in South-East Over Kanu’s Detention

Economic and social activities were paralyzed across major cities in the South-East on Monday as residents observed a sit-at-home to demand the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Reports indicated that roads were deserted while schools, markets, and offices remained closed across Enugu, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, and Anambra States.

3. Boko Haram Kills Army Commander, Soldiers in Borno Ambush

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, alongside several soldiers during a fierce confrontation with Boko Haram terrorists in the Kashimri area of Bama LGA, Borno State.
The troops were reportedly ambushed during an operation to clear insurgent hideouts in the area.

4. ASUU Holds Crucial NEC Meeting to Decide on Ongoing Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will hold a decisive National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today, Tuesday, following Monday’s chapter votes on whether to continue its ongoing strike.
Sources reveal that a majority of the union’s chapters voted in favor of continuing the action amid unresolved issues with the Federal Government.

5. Presidency Vows Sanctions on Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Over Protest

The Presidency has vowed to sanction Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, for joining Monday’s protest in Abuja.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga described Ejimakor’s action as “unethical,” saying it violated professional conduct. The Nigeria Police Force has also announced that Ejimakor and other arrested protesters will be arraigned in court soon.

6. ADC Suspends South-South Vice Chairman Usani Usani

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended its South-South Vice Chairman, Dr. Usani Usani, over alleged activities capable of undermining the unity and progress of the party.
The party said the suspension followed recommendations from its disciplinary committee.

7. Armed Robber in NYSC Uniform Arrested in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old armed robber, Chinecherem Ugwuagu, who disguised as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
Police said the suspect was caught along the Enugu Onitsha Expressway by operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol team.

8. Court Adjourns ‘Obi of Lagos’ Arraignment to October 31

The planned arraignment of self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” Chibuike Azubuike, and three others was stalled on Monday at a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square.
Justice Abdul-Raheem Muyideen adjourned the case to October 31, 2025, following the absence of one of the defendants. The group faces charges of conspiracy and unlawful assembly.

9. ADC Warns FG Against Using Coup Rumours to Intimidate Opposition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the Federal Government against using the alleged coup plot reports as a pretext to clamp down on opposition figures.
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesperson, the ADC warned against “extra-judicial surveillance or intimidation of dissenting voices.”

10. Naira Strengthens Against Dollar at Official Market

The Naira recorded significant gains against the U.S. dollar on Monday at the official market, appreciating to ₦1,465.29/$1, up from ₦1,475.35 on Friday, October 17.
The rebound marks a positive shift after last week’s decline, according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

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