Author: Opalim Lifted

Diplomatic efforts to end the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran have intensified, with Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan emerging as key mediators. According to a report by The Washington Post, the three countries are acting as intermediaries in ongoing discussions between Steve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi. Officials revealed that a series of urgent phone calls took place over the weekend through Tuesday, with mediators pressing both sides to de-escalate as the war approaches its fourth week. Oman is also said to be playing a behind-the-scenes role, drawing on its experience hosting earlier nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran…

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced the date for the unveiling of nominees for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2026 edition. In a recent Instagram post, the organisers revealed that the nominees will be announced on March 29, 2026. MultiChoice also named award-winning actor Chimezie Imo as the host of this year’s nominee announcement. “The spotlight is on… and it’s time to get to know your nominees. Watch the #AMVCA12 Nominee Announcement LIVE | March 29 | 7PM WAT on #AfricaMagic channels,” the post reads. In January, the organisers opened the call for entries for the 12th edition of the…

The United States government is under mounting criticism over allegations it collected more than $1 billion in immigration fees for services that were never delivered, affecting applicants both at home and abroad. The claim was made by policy analyst David J. Bier during testimony before the Senate. He argued that current immigration measures have effectively halted application processing while authorities continue to collect fees. “This is the largest fraud in the history of the US immigration system,” Bier told lawmakers. “It is likely the first $1 billion theft of processing fees for services never rendered.” The controversy follows a series…

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season. The 33-year-old Egypt international, who joined Liverpool from Roma in June 2017, confirmed the news in a video message on his social media accounts. “Unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell,” Salah said. “I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.” Salah signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool in April 2025 but will leave on a free transfer after the club said they had “reached an agreement” over his future. By his own…

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, following arguments from both defence and prosecution. El-Rufai was arraigned on Tuesday over allegations of conversion of public property and money laundering, charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The former governor arrived at the court premises around 9:00 am under heavy security, transported in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for about 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom. Security presence was heightened in and around the court ahead…

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has released a detailed compliance guide for operating drones in Nigeria, warning that violations could lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or seizure of equipment. The guide, developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and security agencies, outlines strict steps individuals and organisations must follow before flying unmanned aerial vehicles. Strict rules before take-off According to the NCAA, Nigeria’s airspace remains tightly controlled, and no drone operation is permitted without proper authorisation. Operators are required to first obtain security clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser by applying for an End…

The Labour Party Nigeria has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to southern Nigeria, ruling out any aspirants from the north. Nenadi Usman, the party’s national chairperson, announced the decision on Tuesday in Abuja, describing it as final and already agreed within party structures. “We have taken a firm decision that we will not field any aspirant from northern Nigeria. The ticket has been zoned to the south,” she said. Usman stressed that any attempt by a northern contender to enter the race would not be accepted by the party. Despite confirming the zoning arrangement, she declined to name a…

Ahmad Umar, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has refuted claims that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a recent visit by Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate. In a Tuesday post on his X page, Obi alleged that Umar was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna last Sunday. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain described the alleged arrest as a troubling sign of democratic backsliding, warning of increasing threats to freedom of speech and political expression. “I have just been made aware that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities…

Nigerian troops have killed scores of bandits in coordinated offensives targeting camps linked to notorious kingpin Bello Turji in Zamfara State and Sokoto State. Security sources said the raids focused on hideouts in Fakai, spanning Shinkafi and Isa local government areas, as part of intensified military operations against armed groups in the North-West. The operation, spearheaded by the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division Strike Force, began in the early hours of March 20, with troops advancing deep into the Kagara Forest, a known stronghold for bandit factions. However, the advance suffered a temporary setback when two combat support vehicles developed mechanical…

Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, has warned that surging global energy costs are already forcing some countries to adopt remote working policies to ease economic pressure. Dangote made the remarks after a courtesy visit to Bola Tinubu following the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. He said the ongoing tensions in the Middle East could continue to push oil prices higher if the crisis is not resolved, with governments struggling to cushion the impact on citizens. According to him, rising fuel costs are affecting small businesses and households, particularly those reliant on generators for daily operations. “People will really feel the…