Author: Opalim Lifted

The African Union (AU) has intensified efforts to mobilise collective action against terrorism across the continent, as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, warned that internal collaborators remain a major threat to national security. Speaking at a high-level security engagement, the AU called on member states to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve border security, and deepen military cooperation to combat the growing wave of extremist violence. The push comes amid rising concerns over insurgent activities in parts of Africa, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, where terrorist groups continue to exploit weak governance structures and local grievances. Oluyede…

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that extra-judicial statements made by Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman were given voluntarily and are admissible in evidence. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, marks a key development in the ongoing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, is being tried alongside Sulaiman on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦10.27 billion. The court had earlier conducted a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements obtained during investigation…

Nigerian troops have killed 61 fighters linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during coordinated operations in Borno State, marking one of the most significant recent blows against insurgents in the northeast. Military authorities said the operation targeted multiple enclaves of the terrorist group, with troops engaging the fighters in intense gun battles across strategic locations. The offensive forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and restore stability in the region. According to officials, the troops also recovered weapons and ammunition during the raids, further weakening the operational capacity of the group. The military maintained that the…

Social media giant Facebook paid content creators nearly $3 billion in 2025, marking a 35 percent increase compared to the previous year, as the platform ramps up efforts to reward original content. The payout highlights a growing opportunity for creators who consistently produce engaging and original posts across the platform. Data shows that short-form video remains the biggest revenue driver. About 60 percent of the total payout went to Reels, reinforcing the platform’s strong push toward video-first content. The remaining 40 percent was distributed across other formats, including photos, text posts and Stories, showing that diverse content strategies still have…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over N3.9 billion in recovered funds to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, reinforcing efforts to tackle corruption in the country’s oil sector. The funds, totalling N3,936,145,822, were formally presented on March 18, 2026, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. The presentation was made on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede by the Commission’s Secretary, Mohammed Hammajoda. Hammajoda said the recovered funds were traced to fraudulent activities involving some actors within NNPCL, uncovered through detailed investigations. He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to fighting financial crimes, noting that the agency remains dedicated…

The Nigerian presidency has pushed back against claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that there is a plot to make Bola Tinubu the sole presidential candidate in the country. The ADC had earlier raised alarm, alleging that certain political forces were working behind the scenes to eliminate opposition and pave the way for a one-candidate presidential race ahead of future elections. The party described the alleged move as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and called on citizens and institutions to remain vigilant. However, the presidency swiftly dismissed the accusation, describing it as baseless and politically motivated. In its response,…

The Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria (SEC) has revealed a sweeping crackdown on illegal investment operators, shutting down hundreds of fraudulent schemes in recent years. SEC says it has dismantled about 400 Ponzi and illegal investment schemes over the past three years. Speaking on the development, Emomotimi Agama said the commission intensified enforcement actions to protect investors from widespread financial scams. According to him, many Nigerians have fallen victim to unregistered platforms promising unrealistic returns, often disguised as legitimate investment opportunities. Agama noted that the SEC has stepped up surveillance, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to curb the rise of…

Pete Edochie, the veteran Nollywood actor, has revealed that six politicians he prayed for ahead of the 2023 general elections emerged victorious. Speaking in a recent interview, Edochie said the politicians approached him individually to seek prayers before the elections. He noted that he offered prayers for each of them without expecting anything in return. According to him, all six candidates he prayed for eventually won their respective elections, a development he described as both surprising and humbling. The actor, known for his strong traditional and spiritual beliefs, said the experience reinforced his faith in the power of prayer. He,…

Nigerians can now legally record police officers during stop-and-search operations, following a landmark court ruling that reinforces citizens’ rights and police accountability. A high court in Nigeria delivered the judgment, affirming that members of the public are entitled to film or document interactions with law enforcement officers, provided they do not obstruct official duties. The ruling comes amid growing concerns over misconduct during stop-and-search operations, a policing method frequently criticised for abuse and harassment. Civil society groups have long argued that allowing citizens to record such encounters would help curb excesses and promote transparency. In its decision, the court clarified…

The Federal Government has introduced a “fly now, pay later” scheme aimed at making domestic air travel more affordable for Nigerians. The initiative, unveiled by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is designed to allow passengers book flights and pay in instalments rather than upfront. Officials say the scheme is part of broader efforts to ease financial pressure on travellers and stimulate growth in the aviation sector, which has been grappling with high ticket prices and fluctuating demand. Under the arrangement, passengers can secure tickets on participating airlines and spread payments over a specified period, subject to agreed terms and conditions.…