Author: Opalim Lifted

The Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, has strongly rejected allegations linking the minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, to the recent violence in Osun State, describing the claims as politically motivated and without merit. Akinola was responding to comments attributed to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, who allegedly connected Oyetola to the unrest. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Akinola said the accusations were a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of the former Osun State governor, insisting that Oyetola had never been associated with violence or the sponsorship of…

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, has confirmed the recovery of a Lexus RX300 belonging to retired broadcaster MS Kitan Oyesiku, who was allegedly killed alongside her security guard. Ojajuni made the disclosure during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the incident, where he received updates from detectives overseeing the investigation. The police commissioner said the vehicle, which had earlier been reported missing from the deceased’s residence, was recovered overnight by police operatives and has been secured as part of ongoing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings. “It is worthy of note…

A prosecution witness in the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has revealed details of multi-million-naira transactions traced to the account of Alkausar Farm, an entity linked to the case. The witness, Munawwarah Anas, a Compliance Officer with Jaiz Bank Plc, testified yesterday before the Federal High Court in Abuja as the fifth prosecution witness in the trial of Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on a 16-count charge bordering on…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following the remand of Omoyele Sowore, activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail. Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, made the order after dismissing an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on grounds of alleged bias. On June 16, the court revoked the bail granted to Sowore and…

Remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Kuje Prison has triggered fresh concerns about the state of civil liberties in Nigeria. The concerns were raised by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi; Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP); the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; and rights lawyer and special counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor. The Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to raise airport cab operators’ tariffs from N500 to N1,500 and enforce stricter vehicle standards at the nation’s airports, insisting the measures are necessary to improve passenger experience and service quality. The development follows threats by members of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) to suspend operations at the airports serving Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from July 1 over what they described as anti-operator policies. At the centre of the dispute is FAAN’s directive requiring airport cab operators to phase out vehicles…

Daniel Munoz’s deflected strike was enough for Colombia to beat DR Congo and secure their place in the World Cup knockout stage. Roared on by the vast majority of the crowd in Guadalajara, Colombia missed a host of chances before Crystal Palace wing-back Munoz broke the deadlock in the 76th minute. Juan Fernando Quintero’s clever pass found its way to Munoz and his left-footed shot took a touch off the defender to wrong-foot DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and sneak in at the near post. A second straight win puts Colombia top of Group K and clinches their place in…

Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, has indicated his intention to file a no-case submission after the Department of State Services (DSS) closed its case in his ongoing trial over alleged breach of national security. At the proceedings on Tuesday, Oluwole Aladedoye, counsel to the DSS, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling additional witnesses. Aladedoye said the agency was satisfied that the evidence already presented before the court was sufficient to establish the offences against the ex-minister. Following the announcement, Paul Erokoro, counsel to El-Rufai, told the court that the defence would be filing a…

Croatia remain in contention for a last-32 spot at the World Cup after beating Panama in Toronto to register their first points in Group L. A win on Saturday against Ghana, who earlier drew 0-0 with England, will confirm Croatia’s place in the knockout phase. Substitute Ante Budimir’s goal nine minutes into the second half eliminated England’s final group opponents Panama, who have lost their first two matches. Panama’s pace in attack had caused problems for the 2018 runners-up during a goalless first period, and Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic reacted to his side’s disappointing first-half display by making two attacking…

England were unable to repeat the flowing football that overpowered Croatia in their first World Cup game as they were held to a draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium. Thomas Tuchel’s side knew victory would confirm a place in the last 32 – but they were left frustrated by the stubborn resistance and organisation from Ghana. England took 57 minutes to muster a shot on target and once again lived dangerously in defence, surviving anxious moments when Ghana hit them on the counter-attack as the contest became a disjointed affair. Tuchel turned to Bukayo Saka, whose minutes are being managed…