Author: Opalim Lifted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) faced a setback on Monday, June 8, 2026, as the re-arraignment of three National Assembly officials over alleged ₦337.06 million fraud could not proceed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jikwoyi, Abuja. The case is before Justice Muhammed Zubairu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the defendants were expected to take plea on an amended 23-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, criminal breach of trust, official corruption and illegal conversion of public funds. The defendants include Aishatu Bappa El-Nafaty, Director of Public Affairs in the Directorate…

Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, bringing an end to a career defined by decisive moments on some of the sport’s biggest stages. The former striker, best known for his spell at Liverpool between 2015 and 2022, lifted a remarkable collection of trophies during his time at Anfield, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Champions League. Origi became a cult hero among supporters for his habit of producing crucial late goals in high-pressure situations. One of his most memorable contributions came in the 2019 Champions League final, when…

The Oyo State Government on Monday demolished a three-bedroom bungalow in Ibadan allegedly used as a hideout by suspected kidnappers linked to a high-profile abduction case. The property, located in Lako Community along the Aiyegun-Anaye Road axis, was pulled down by officials of the state Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Authorities said the action followed investigations into the abduction of Mrs Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were kidnapped in Elewura, Challenge area of Ibadan, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Before the demolition, government officials and…

The Federal Government on Monday signalled that retaliatory measures against South Africa remain a possibility as it condemned the continued harassment, intimidation, and looting targeting Nigerians in the country. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, said Nigeria was deeply disappointed by the response of South African authorities and security agencies to the attacks, even as the government activated emergency arrangements to evacuate distressed Nigerians. Speaking with State House correspondents, Ojukwu dismissed suggestions by some South African officials that many of the affected Nigerians were undocumented migrants. “To say that Nigerians who are in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal…

The Nigerian Air Force has continued aerial surveillance support in efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers taken from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to a statement by NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the development was confirmed during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the Air Force deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing intelligence to support…

Nigeria’s planned repatriation of its citizens from South Africa has been postponed to Wednesday due to “unforeseen logistical considerations.” In a terse statement to journalists, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the flight was initially scheduled for Monday but was later rescheduled. Ebienfa did not provide further details. It remains unclear whether the returnees will arrive in Abuja or Lagos, or how many people will make up the first batch. Chronicle NG gathered that the repatriation flight will be operated by Air Peace. Ebienfa also did not confirm the flight time when asked about Wednesday’s schedule.…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobia, vigilantism, and the harassment of foreign nationals. In a televised national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa said only authorised law enforcement agencies have the right to enforce immigration laws. Ramaphosa sought to balance public concerns over illegal immigration with a strong defence of constitutional values, human dignity, and the rule of law amid recent anti-foreigner protests that have strained relations with several African countries. The president said violence, intimidation, unauthorised demands for documentation, and blocking access to public services such as clinics, hospitals, and schools have no place in South Africa. “Government will…

The Borno State Government has dismissed claims that a ransom was paid before the release of 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a notorious terrorist enclave in the southern part of the state. Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, conveyed the state government’s position on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Monday. On Sunday, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) announced the rescue of the abductees from a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave. In a statement, Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, said the operation, which involved Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, followed weeks…

Rising cooking gas prices are placing fresh pressure on households across Nigeria, with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) now selling for as much as N2,400 per kilogramme in some locations. The sharp increase has compounded the country’s cost-of-living crisis, forcing many families and small business owners to abandon gas in favour of charcoal and firewood despite environmental and health concerns. Across major cities, consumers say the relentless price hikes have made cooking increasingly expensive. While some filling stations still sell LPG for between N1,650 and N1,900 per kilogramme, neighbourhood retailers and informal vendors charge significantly more. In Ibadan, residents expressed frustration…

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Nigeria has attributed the disruptions recorded in the ongoing 2026 WASSCE to a combination of logistical and operational challenges. In a statement on Monday, Moyosola Adesina, Head of Public Affairs for WAEC Nigeria, said the delays were caused by recent protests over abducted schoolchildren, the tragic loss of three WAEC staff members in a road crash in Gombe, and other operational challenges. The examination process came under scrutiny last week after candidates across several states experienced significant delays in the commencement of scheduled papers. On Monday, candidates reportedly waited for hours before sitting for…