Author: Opalim Lifted

The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked a federal high court to shield the identities of two witnesses expected to testify in the trial of Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai was on Thursday arraigned on a five-count amended charge over the alleged unauthorised access to a telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA). He pleaded not guilty to all counts. After the plea was taken, Oluwole Aladeloye, counsel to the DSS, applied for an order allowing the witnesses to testify under pseudonyms and outside public view. Aladeloye argued that the measure was necessary for security reasons, adding that…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Nasir El-Rufai for allegedly accessing the telephone conversation of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA). The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is being prosecuted on a five-count amended charge before a federal high court in Abuja. At the commencement of proceedings on Thursday, the prosecution informed the court that the charge had been amended from three to five counts. Consequently, Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, struck out the previous charges. El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the five-count amended charge. Bail Application Stalled After El-Rufai pleaded not guilty, Oluwole…

Grammy-nominated Nigerian star Asake has confirmed that his fourth studio album, M$NEY, will be released on May 1, ending weeks of speculation among fans. The Afrobeats hitmaker shared the news on social media, posting a cryptic teaser video that hinted at the album’s concept and artwork. The clip features a marble sculpture being crafted in his likeness by Iraqi-Dutch artist Athar Jabar, sparking intrigue and online buzz. Captioned “M$NEY MAY 1 #MM,” the post quickly gained traction, with fans anticipating another chart-topping project from the singer. The forthcoming album includes previously released tracks such as Why Love, Badman Gangster, and…

Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to disrupt a national summit of opposition political parties. The event is being held today, April 25, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair discussions, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is already en route. In a statement on Saturday morning, Abdullahi said the APC has been working to disrupt the event. “We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, 25th of…

As the world marks World Malaria Day, fresh data shows progress in the fight against malaria, but also highlights a worrying slowdown especially in Nigeria, which still carries the heaviest burden globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria caused an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024. Yet, global efforts have prevented about 2.3 billion cases and 14 million deaths since 2000, with 47 countries now certified malaria-free. The number of malaria-endemic countries has dropped from 108 to 80 over the same period, while more nations are reporting lower case numbers, a sign that elimination is…

Viral videos on social media have shown South Africans displaying hostility toward African immigrants, raising fresh concerns about xenophobia. In one such video, a group of South Africans is seen confronting a Ghanaian, questioning the migrant’s decision to move to South Africa. “This thing of you guys moving from one country to another is no longer working,” a woman said on behalf of the group. “We don’t want these African people anymore. We’re tired of seeing African migrants moving all over the world and refusing to fix their own countries. Now we’re making it very clear to you: we don’t…

The Oyo State Government has confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak, with five reported cases and one fatality, prompting an urgent public health response. Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said confirmed patients are receiving treatment at designated facilities, including the State Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo and the isolation unit at the University College Hospital. She explained that authorities have activated emergency protocols in line with guidelines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. According to her, the state has deployed a coordinated, multi-sectoral response involving health, environment,…

The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force have fixed April 28 to 30, 2026, for the written examination of applicants seeking recruitment as police constables. In a statement by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Njoku Kalu, the commission said the exams will take place at designated centres across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Only candidates who passed the physical and credentials screening will be eligible for the next stage. Qualified applicants are expected to visit the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their examination invitation slips, which contain details…

Summit Household Solutions Limited has opened its ultra-modern manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, as part of its efforts to scale up production of home and personal care products in Nigeria. The plant, which began operations in April 2025, produces items such as dishwashing liquids, handwash, sanitisers, and multipurpose liquid soaps, with an annual capacity estimated at 7,000 tonnes. Commissioning the facility on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mr Kehinde Akintomide, said the investment reflects growing confidence in Ogun State’s business environment. He noted that the state hosts over…

A member of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) task force has been shot dead during a confrontation with security personnel over a vehicle seizure operation in Abuja. The incident occurred on Friday in the busy Wuse 2 district, along Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, sparking panic and tension among residents and passersby. Eyewitnesses said the deceased was part of a task force team attempting to impound a vehicle when a dispute broke out with its occupants, reportedly accompanied by unidentified security operatives. According to accounts, the confrontation began at a traffic light after the vehicle was stopped. The driver allegedly protested that…