Good morning, Nigeria. Here’s the latest collection of top stories making headlines across the country today, Monday, 19th May, 2025, as compiled by Naturenex.
1. President Tinubu Commends Pope Leo XIV’s Humility After Private Meeting
President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, expressed admiration for the humility displayed by Pope Leo XIV during their recent meeting in Rome.
He highlighted how the Pope’s connection to Nigeria and his modest nature reflect the type of moral leadership the global community is yearning for. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to advancing peace, unity, and progress globally, regardless of racial or religious divides.
According to a post shared via his official 𝕏 handle shortly after the encounter, the President also prayed for divine direction for the new Catholic Church leader.
2. APC’s Osita Okechukwu: Mandatory Voting Not The Solution To Electoral Problems
Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged lawmakers in the House of Representatives to implement essential suggestions from the Uwais Report to boost voter participation in future elections.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Okechukwu commended the lower chamber for acknowledging voter apathy but cautioned against introducing compulsory voting laws. He argued that penalising citizens already disillusioned by electoral malpractices and governance failures would amount to a “double injustice.”
He insisted that systemic issues such as election rigging, compromised court judgments, and bad leadership need to be resolved before considering enforcement mechanisms.
3. Fubara Allegedly Forced Into APC After Tinubu’s Strategic Pressure
Reports suggest that Rivers State’s embattled suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has been pressured into defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following relentless political intimidation and covert negotiations led by President Tinubu.
Sources quoted by SaharaReporters disclosed that a decisive meeting in London marked a turning point, where Fubara was allegedly persuaded to accept strict conditions in exchange for reinstatement. The terms reportedly include sharing control of state resources with powerful figures in the ruling party.
This move, insiders claim, is part of a broader strategy to consolidate political power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
4. NDLEA Nabs 80-Year-Old Ex-Convict, 82-Year-Old Grandma In ₦3.2 Billion Drug Bust
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended two elderly suspects and intercepted illicit drugs worth over ₦3.2 billion in simultaneous operations across the country.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, 80-year-old Ayuba Ashiru was arrested in Kaduna with 2.3 kilograms of skunk. A repeat offender, he confessed to over four decades in the drug trade.
In Abia State, operatives raided the home of 82-year-old Uloma Uchechi Sunday and her daughter Chisom, seizing methamphetamine, tramadol, and cash. Additionally, at Onne Port in Rivers, officials intercepted three million pills of opioids hidden in a container.
5. Nigerian Army Eliminates Key Terrorist Commander Allied To Bello Turji
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Alhaji Shaudo Alku, a close associate of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji.
A statement revealed that Alku was killed in an airstrike executed by Operation Fasan Yama’s air component on Sunday, May 18, targeting terrorist enclaves around Tunfa Primary School in Isa LGA, Sokoto State.
Several other top insurgents were also reportedly neutralised in the coordinated offensive.
6. Notorious Kidnapper Arrested At Abuja Hajj Camp
Security agents in Abuja have apprehended a wanted kidnap suspect, Yahaya Zango, at a pilgrims’ screening camp ahead of the Hajj airlift.
A source at the scene told Daily Trust that Zango was detained during document checks while attempting to join other Muslim faithful en route to Saudi Arabia.
The suspect had been on the run after security agencies declared him wanted over his alleged involvement in multiple abductions within the Federal Capital Territory.
7. Victor Osimhen Guides Galatasaray To Turkish Süper Lig Glory
Nigerian international Victor Osimhen was instrumental in helping Galatasaray clinch the 2024–2025 Turkish Süper Lig title on Sunday, following a decisive 3-0 victory over Kayserispor.
Osimhen struck first in the 26th minute, with Berkan Arslan Yılmaz adding another three minutes later. In a rare moment, veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera sealed the win by converting a penalty in the 89th minute.
The Istanbul giants ended their season with 28 wins, 5 draws, and just 1 defeat from 34 matches, finishing seven points ahead of Fenerbahçe. Osimhen contributed 25 goals and five assists in 29 appearances.
8. Flying Eagles Clinch U-20 AFCON Bronze After Beating Egypt
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles finished third at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout win over hosts Egypt on Sunday.
The tightly contested playoff at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium ended 1-1 in regulation time. With no extra time allowed, penalties decided the outcome, and the Flying Eagles held their nerve to claim a 4-1 victory.
This marks Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal in the tournament’s history.
9. Newcastle United’s Top-Five Premier League Hopes In Jeopardy After Arsenal Defeat
Newcastle United suffered a critical 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Sunday, placing their aspirations of a top-five finish in the Premier League at serious risk.
A lone goal from Declan Rice in the 55th minute was enough for the Gunners to secure victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Following the result, Newcastle sits third on 66 points, but Chelsea and Aston Villa are now level with them on points, separated only by goal difference with one match left in the season.
10. Tina Mba: ‘Actors Who Insist On Always Playing Lead Roles Are Delusional’
Veteran Nollywood actress Tina Mba has criticised actors who refuse to accept supporting roles, describing them as “delusional.”
During an appearance on Lights, Camera, It’s Your Turn, hosted by Tope Olowoniyan, Mba insisted that every role matters in storytelling.
She said, “Sometimes an actor believes that because they have played lead, they must continue to play lead in every film. That is delusional.”
Mba argued that believing supporting roles are inferior reflects ignorance, adding, “It is an uneducated actor that thinks playing lead is the ultimate.”
That wraps up today’s major stories. For more news updates, visit Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
