Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 18th March, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the NaijaChoice News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 18th March, 2026.

1. 23 Confirmed Dead, 146 Injured In Maiduguri Explosions

The Borno State capital of Maiduguri descended into panic and grief on Monday night after three powerful explosions ripped through crowded locations in the city, killing at least 23 persons and injuring 146 others in what authorities described as suspected suicide bombings.

The blasts struck almost simultaneously around 7:30pm at the entrance gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the bustling Monday Market, and the Post Office business hub, areas normally teeming with residents and traders shortly after breaking the Ramadan fast.

Surajo Abdullahi, Zonal Coordinator at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the casualty figures while speaking to reporters. He disclosed that 169 victims were immediately evacuated to three major hospitals in the city for urgent treatment.

2. Supreme Court Upholds AMCON’s ₦22 Billion Sale Of Lagos Continental Hotel

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling marks the final resolution in a prolonged legal dispute over the Lagos Continental Hotel (also referred to as Lagos Intercontinental Hotel), a prominent five-star luxury property on Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a judgment delivered on February 20, 2026, a five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, upheld the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)‘s sale of the hotel for approximately ₦22 billion (equivalent to about £10.5 million at the time of reporting). The court dismissed appeals from the former owners, affirming AMCON’s statutory powers to dispose of the asset as part of recovering non-performing loans. This decision prioritizes public interest in debt recovery and financial accountability in Nigeria’s banking sector.

3. Seyi Tinubu: Have Faith in My Father’s New Direction

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has passionately called on Nigerians to keep faith in his father’s leadership, declaring that the administration is taking the country in a bold new direction never witnessed before.

The first son of the president made the remarks in a message that has since gone viral across social media platforms, urging citizens to remain optimistic despite prevailing challenges.

“ Have faith in my father; he is steering Nigeria in a direction never, ever seen before,” Seyi stated emphatically.

4. Lagos Woman Drags TikTok Star Peller to Court, Demands N395 Million Over Defamation

Popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, is facing a N395 million lawsuit from a Lagos woman who accuses him of defamation, cyber harassment and invasion of privacy following a heated confrontation at a popular eatery.

NaijaChoice News has sighted the pre-action letter dated March 10, 2026, and signed by Lagos lawyer Bola Osineye of FA Garrick & Co., on behalf of Osarobo Odigie. The claimant is demanding the huge sum as compensation after Peller allegedly abused her verbally, recorded her without consent and posted the clip online, where it went viral.

5. There Are Multiple Suicide Bombers Deployed In Borno – Army

The Nigerian Army has raised fresh concerns over the presence of multiple suicide bombers in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, warning residents to stay away from crowded places amid heightened security threats.

The alert follows Monday evening’s deadly suicide attacks which claimed 23 lives and left 108 others injured, sending shockwaves across the metropolis.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, said the coordinated attacks targeted busy public locations in a bid to cause maximum casualties and widespread panic.

6. NBA Slams Abuja Judge for Ordering Sowore’s Lawyer to Kneel in Open Court

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the action of Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who directed lead defence counsel Mr Marshall Abubakar to step out of the Bar and kneel down during proceedings involving activist and former presidential candidate Mr Omoyele Sowore.

NaijaChoice News reports that the incident occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, while Mr Abubakar was addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date in a case bordering on alleged cyber offence. The matter stems from a Facebook post Sowore made in June 2025, in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal,” prompting charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

7. FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-el-Fitr as Ramadan Fasting Ends

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, signifying the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. This comes as astronomical calculations and global Islamic calendars indicate that the 29 or 30-day fasting period, which began around February 17-18, 2026, is expected to conclude on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, paving the way for Eid prayers on Thursday.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on NaijaChoice News. See you again tomorrow.