Top stories from all Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday 18 June

Here are the top stories from across the country

1. A London court acquitted Diezani Alison-Madueke, one of the defendants on bribery charges

Nigeria’s former Oil Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was found not guilty of all corruption-related charges brought against her in the UK, ending one of the most closely watched international legal cases involving a former Nigerian public official.Read more

2. Nigeria and Cameroon sign an MoU regarding security around their shared border

Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing security along their southern borders, in a significant step to enhance regional stability and address growing security threats on both land and sea.Read more

3. INVESTIGATION: How neglect and broken promises crippled the Imo Rubber Plantation

In the interior of Emeabiam, a community located between the Uramurukwa and Otamiri rivers, there are around 1,260 hectares of rubber plantations. Deep within the plantation, many trees remain unused, their bark dry and peeling. Some of them still have faint traces of tapping, but there are no spouts, cup hangers, or collection cups to distribute and collect the latex. Read more

4. Opposition lawmakers accused Tinubu’s government of neglecting security and the economy

Opposition members in the House of Representatives launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s government, accusing it of failing to stem the tide of insecurity, worsening economic hardship and growing threats to democratic governance.Read more

5. INEC updates SDP leadership record, recognizing Gombe as national chairman

The leadership dispute within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) took a new turn on Wednesday when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially recognized Prof. Sadiq Gombe as National Chairman of the party, replacing former chairman Shehu Gabam, whose dismissal from the party remains the subject of controversy.Read more

READ ALSO: MACBAN demands justice after fatal attack on Fulani travelers in Benue

6. Nigeria’s external balance strengthened as the current account surplus jumped to $4.98 billion

Nigeria recorded a significant improvement in external sector performance in the first quarter of 2026, with the current account surplus increasing to $4.98 billion, an increase of 255.7 percent from the previous quarter. This growth was largely driven by stronger revenues from exports of crude oil, gas and refined oil, coupled with a sharp decline in the fuel import bill.Read more

7. MACBAN demands justice following fatal attack on Fulani travelers in Benue

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of a Fulani traveler and injury of two others in Okpokwu Local Government Area, alleging that the victims were attacked while on a private trip to visit family members.Read more

8. “I’m the boss,” Trump told world leaders at the G7 meeting

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday told global leaders that “I’m the boss”, as he and other G7 leaders pledged support for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia.Read more

9. Judy Austin, ex-husband is increasingly causing controversy surrounding the actress’s marriage to Yul Edochie

The drama surrounding actress Judy Austin’s union with fellow Nollywood star Yul Edochie, has become even messier, as the actress’ ex-husband alleged that the couple was dating under his roof long before their affair became public knowledge.Read more

10. WORLD CUP: Sadiq Umar, says he may retire from Super Eagles soon

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar lamented Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing that he may soon retire from the country’s national team squad.Read more