Author: Opalim Lifted

An independent investigative panel established by the Federal Government has uncovered widespread inmate malnutrition, alleged corruption in prison feeding contracts, and institutional practices contributing to overcrowding in correctional facilities across Nigeria. In its final report submitted to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on June 3, 2026, the panel recommended an immediate increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from N750 to N3,000. The report, obtained through the Ministry of Interior’s website, followed a nationwide investigation launched in September 2024 to examine allegations of corruption and human rights abuses within the Nigerian Correctional Service. As part of its work, the panel…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is reportedly set to choose former Transport Minister Chibuike Amaechi as his running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election. The development follows weeks of negotiations within the opposition coalition and, if confirmed, would create an Atiku-Amaechi (“AA”) ticket designed to balance the North-East and South-South geopolitical zones. The move comes after the departure of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the ADC to the rival NDC platform, where both politicians are reportedly preparing a joint ticket for…

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country’s progress, even in the face of criticism, challenges, and differing opinions about governance. Tinubu stated that constructive criticism is not only welcome but necessary for leadership and national development, noting that accountability and public scrutiny are essential parts of a functioning democracy. However, he cautioned that such criticism should not translate into despair or loss of confidence in the Nigerian project. According to him, citizens have every right to question government actions, challenge policies, and demand better performance but must continue to believe in the possibility of a…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced five men to 25 years imprisonment each for their roles in supporting terrorists linked to the November 2025 attack on St. Joseph Catholic Church in Papiri, Niger State. Justice Binta Nyako handed down the sentence on Thursday after the defendants pleaded guilty to four terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Department of State Services (DSS). The convicts — Yusuf Muhammad (also known as Bature), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tukur (Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim and Musa Alhaji Adamu (Gado Banufe) — were arrested by DSS operatives on May 31, 2026. Two…

South Korea came from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 as substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winning goal in the 80th minute of their World Cup opener. Son Heung-min and company had dominated the game against the Czechs, who did not have a shot on target until their captain Ladislav Krejci rose to head home a long throw from Vladimir Coufal for the opening goal in the 59th minute. Former Tottenham forward Son, captaining his nation, had attempted five of South Korea’s eight efforts in the first half, but his biggest chance was blocked by keeper Matej Kovar. But Feyenoord…

Co-hosts Mexico kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday. The hosts made an electric start in front of a packed home crowd, taking the lead after just nine minutes. South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole was dispossessed by Erik Lira, allowing Julian Quinones to pounce and fire a powerful effort through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the first goal of the 2026 World Cup. Quinones came close to doubling Mexico’s advantage before halftime, but his first-time…

Mexico forward Julian Quinones etched his name into World Cup history by scoring the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the tournament’s opening match against South Africa national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The hosts made a dream start in front of their home supporters as Quinones capitalised on a defensive error from South Africa before calmly slipping the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The opening fixture revived memories of the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser, when South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala stunned Mexico with a memorable strike to score the first goal of…

The Federal Government has declared Friday a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, made the announcement on Thursday, according to a statement by Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary at the ministry. “June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country,” the statement reads. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the preservation of democratic ideals, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. He said the ministry, in coordination with relevant security…

About 10 people have been confirmed dead and seven others injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated along the Bagega–Anka road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The latest explosion happened when a Volkswagen Golf 3 station wagon carrying passengers from Bagega to Anka reportedly struck an explosive device believed to have been planted by suspected bandits operating in the area. The state police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, told journalists that an initial count recorded one death and seven injuries after security operatives were first deployed to the scene for assessment. However, according to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama,…

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over his repeated failure to appear before lawmakers investigating the company’s finances. Lawmakers are examining audit reports covering 2017 to 2023, which reportedly contain unresolved entries and discrepancies valued at over N210 trillion. The queries were forwarded to the committee by the office of the Auditor-General for the Federation. The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, representing Gombe North, said it had resolved to exercise its constitutional powers after Kyari allegedly ignored several invitations.…