Author: Opalim Lifted

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of manipulating Washington into going to war with Iran, describing him as a “serpent”. Araghchi made the accusation on Monday in a post on X, citing comments Netanyahu allegedly made about his influence over the US administration. “In Hebrew, Netanyahu openly crows that he suckered the U.S. Administration into a war on Iran on behalf of Israel. Netanyahu explicitly laughs about how he ‘influenced’ America through 1,000 hours of airtime on U.S. networks,” Araghchi said. “In English, he praises POTUS’ leadership. Serpent,” he added. The conflict between Iran…

US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch further strikes against Iran after the two countries exchanged fire for the first time in a month, raising fresh fears of a wider escalation. Iran launched missiles overnight at two US air bases in Jordan after US forces struck Iran’s Larak Island, where Washington said Iranian forces were preparing to launch rockets and sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. “We’re going to hit them hard,” a Fox News reporter quoted Trump as saying. “There will be a response.” Trump later told reporters in the Oval Office that the renewed fighting did…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed more than 40 staff members for corruption and financial malpractice over the past three years, chairman Ola Olukoyede has disclosed. Olukoyede made the disclosure on Monday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja during a briefing on the commission’s achievements under his leadership. He said more than five of the dismissed personnel were already facing prosecution, while case files involving others were being prepared for prosecution. “In the past two and a half years or three years of my service, I’ve asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption…

Award-winning filmmaker and author, Omoba Deji Adesanya, has launched a 584-page book documenting the history, politics, economy, culture, education, traditional institutions and notable personalities of Sagamu, Ogun State. Titled A Handbook of Sagamu, the book was publicly presented on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Centenary Hall, Ewusi Street, Sagamu. The event attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, business personalities, professionals and other distinguished guests. Adesanya said the book was inspired by his desire to properly document Sagamu’s rich history and make it accessible to present and future generations. The Chairman and Father of the Day, Asiwaju S.K. Onafowokan, OON, described…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it recovered ₦1.233 trillion in 34 months under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. In a statement issued on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said Olukoyede disclosed this while presenting an account of his stewardship to the media. According to the EFCC, naira recoveries reached an all-time high of ₦1,233,612,040,411.11 between October 2023 and July 2026. The commission also recorded recoveries of $684,478,457.32, £373,905.78 and €9,343,803.66 during the period. Of the naira recovery, about ₦397.26 billion, representing 33 per cent, was recovered directly for the Federal Government. The remaining ₦836.34…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that it removed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s candidates for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly elections and replaced them with “impostors”. The NDC had on Sunday accused INEC of altering its list of nominated candidates, with Moses Zuwoghe, the party’s national chairman, alleging that 10 “strange names” appeared on the list published by the commission. But Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, described the allegation as “serious” and said the commission has no legal authority to nominate candidates for political parties. Speaking to newsmen on Monday,…

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in Argentina’s history. Messi, who captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup and the 2026 final, confirmed his decision on Monday. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves the national team as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. His international career was marked by years of disappointment before a dramatic turnaround. After losing the 2014 World Cup final and successive Copa America finals, Messi finally won his first major…

Obafemi Martins, the former Super Eagles striker, says Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, is the individual who can “change” Nigerian football. Martins spoke on Monday in a chat with Mikel Obi on ‘The Obi One Podcast’. The former Inter Milan forward was reacting to the ongoing crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which has seen a series of resignations and reshuffles in recent days. Martins said Nigerian football administration had been a problem since he was a player, and he volunteered Seyi as the best man to clean up the system. The 41-year-old said the president’s…

Liverpool have completed the signing of France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain for a fee worth up to £123m. PSG initially valued the 23-year-old at £145m, but Liverpool will pay an initial £106m plus £17m in potential add-ons. Barcola has signed a five-year contract to become the fifth new arrival at Anfield this summer, following the signings of winger Victor Munoz and defenders Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. “It took a long time but I’m really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be…

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah illegal in the state, ordering security agencies to immediately halt its operations. Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday following reports of the group’s activities in parts of Jos North Local Government Area. According to Bere, the governor’s directive followed allegations of intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents. Mutfwang warned those involved to stop the activities or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law. The governor stressed that…