Author: Opalim Lifted

A High Court in Imo State has sentenced Samuel Ehirim, a 42-year-old pastor, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a minor. The judgment was delivered recently by Justice C.O. Chukwumaeze, who held that the prosecution proved its case “beyond reasonable doubt” and established the defendant’s guilt through credible and consistent evidence. Ehirim was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on sexual assault, assault with intent to commit an unnatural offence, indecent treatment of girls under the age of 13, and assault, contrary to the provisions of the Imo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law No. 8…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the federal government of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in detention until after the 2027 general election to weaken the opposition. Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the continued detention of el-Rufai by the APC-led administration was politically motivated. Abdullahi stressed that the party was not against the prosecution of anyone facing legitimate criminal charges but questioned the prolonged detention of the former governor despite the offences being bailable. “When you are holding someone in custody for bailable offences, and…

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has revealed that he once refused to pay a N300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers for the release of his brothers, insisting he would rather they were killed than negotiate with criminals. Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Lawal said the incident happened before he became governor. According to him, the kidnappers initially demanded N300 million, but he rejected the demand outright and told them to carry out their threat if they wished. “I told them I wasn’t going to pay a kobo. If they wanted to kill them, they should…

The Federal Government has approved the adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s unified national emergency number, a move aimed at improving emergency response and ensuring faster coordination among security and rescue agencies across the country. The decision was approved by the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as part of efforts to establish a single emergency lifeline accessible nationwide. The new system is expected to replace the current mix of emergency contact numbers used by different agencies, making it easier for Nigerians to seek help during emergencies. To ensure smooth implementation, NEC also approved the establishment of a…

Kylian Mbappe scored his eighth goal of this World Cup to make up for an earlier missed penalty as France proved too good for Morocco and moved into the semi-finals. Mbappe won the first-half penalty when he was fouled by Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, but his poorly hit spot-kick was comfortably saved by Yassine Bounou. The Real Madrid striker made amends in the 60th minute with a superb curling effort from just inside the penalty area to give France a deserved lead. Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele doubled France’s advantage six minutes later when he was allowed to run…

The Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Ibadan, has congratulated one of its most distinguished alumni and former president, Mr Laolu Akande, on receiving the 2026 Voice of Truth Award, describing the honour as a fitting recognition of his lifelong commitment to ethical journalism, truth and public service. In a statement jointly signed by the union’s President, Adebumowa Jesutomiwo, and General Secretary, Olajide Tikristi, the student journalists said the award reflects Akande’s unwavering dedication to truth, public accountability, courageous reporting and principled journalism. According to the union, the recognition is a testament to a distinguished career defined by integrity…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $2.63 million money laundering case. Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the matter on Thursday, ordered that Bodejo remain in the anti-graft agency’s custody pending the determination of his bail application. The court adjourned the case until July 20 for a ruling on the bail request. Bodejo was arraigned on charges bordering on alleged money laundering and pleaded not guilty to all the counts. Following the arraignment, EFCC counsel,…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the immediate disengagement of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services) as the operator responsible for collecting and submitting Nigerian visa applications in the United States. According to a public notice issued on July 9, 2026, all prospective travellers and Nigerians in the US who require visas to enter Nigeria must now submit their applications directly to the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., or the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta, pending further directives. The NIS assured applicants that the Nigerian Embassy and its consulates have put adequate measures in place to ensure…

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed troops to shoot bandits and terrorists on sight, warning that any soldier who hesitates while waiting for orders will be treated as a criminal. Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of newly acquired security assets in Sokoto State, Musa said security personnel deployed to combat armed groups must act immediately once they identify bandits or terrorists. “Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said. “Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name…

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has appointed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as president of its Board of Trustees (BoT). The appointment was announced on Wednesday at the foundation’s annual general meeting in Lagos. Osinbajo succeeds Philip Asiodu, who stepped down after serving as president of the board for more than 25 years. Speaking at the meeting, R.I.B. Adebiyi, chairperson of the foundation’s National Executive Council (NEC), commended Asiodu for his contributions to environmental conservation and institutional development. She said Asiodu’s tenure was marked by “wisdom, foresight and an unwavering commitment” to environmental protection, adding that he leaves behind a…