Author: Opalim Lifted

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.…

Insurance costs across Canada are climbing at an alarming pace, with motorists in several major cities now facing some of the steepest premium hikes in years. A new report shows that the surge in insurance premiums is being driven by a mix of rising repair costs, increased claims, and worsening climate-related risks. Urban centres are bearing the brunt, as higher population density and accident rates continue to push insurers to raise prices. Drivers in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver have been hit particularly hard, with premiums rising significantly compared to smaller towns and rural areas. Industry experts say congestion,…

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, continued on Tuesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, with the court granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission a final adjournment to present its last witness. Presiding judge, Hamza Mu’azu, ruled that the prosecution must be given one final opportunity in the interest of justice, stressing that no further delays would be tolerated. Emefiele is facing an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence during his tenure as CBN governor.…

International travel from Nigeria is facing fresh disruption as airfares surge by up to 100 percent, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to cancel flights. The spike in ticket prices follows a wave of flight cancellations by several international airlines, tightening available seats and pushing demand far beyond supply. Travellers and industry insiders say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with fewer flights operating on key international routes. As a result, ticket costs have doubled in some cases, especially for last-minute bookings. Airlines are reportedly adjusting schedules due to operational challenges, including aircraft availability, foreign exchange constraints, and rising…

Chike, the Nigerian artiste, has taken to social media to accuse a lady, Chioma Ochibili, of defrauding him of a large sum of money. In a series of posts on his X account on Monday morning, the ‘Boo of the Booless’ hitmaker detailed how he invested $20,000 in a business venture proposed by Ochibili, only to later realise the deal was likely a scam. According to Chike, the business opportunity presented to him turned out to be non-existent. He expressed frustration at discovering the truth too late, implying that he may not have been her first victim. “Chioma Nneoma Ochibili,…

Anambra governor Chukwuma Soludo has called on voters in Nigeria’s south-east to support Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying the region should not “waste” votes on alternative candidates. The Anambra governor made the appeal on Tuesday during his second-term inauguration at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square. Soludo was sworn in by Onochie Anyachebelu at 11:47am, alongside his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim. The ceremony drew top political figures, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima and former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. Addressing attendees, Soludo said the south-east must adopt a strategic political approach ahead of 2027. He argued that while the…

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has visited survivors of the deadly bomb blasts in Maiduguri, pledging stronger security measures and intensified efforts to track down those responsible. The IGP made the visit on Tuesday, a day after coordinated explosions rocked three locations in the city, leaving 23 people dead and 108 others injured, according to the Borno State Police Command. The attacks, which occurred at about 7:24pm on Monday, struck a busy market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover—areas known for heavy civilian traffic. During his visit to the teaching…

A senior United States counterterrorism official, Joseph Kent has resigned in protest over the ongoing war involving the US, Israel and Iran, arguing that Tehran posed no immediate threat to Washington. Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), stepped down on Tuesday, becoming the first high-ranking official to quit the administration of Donald Trump over the conflict. In his resignation letter, Kent said he could not support what he described as a war lacking justification. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote. Kent, a former Green Beret with multiple combat deployments, insisted that…

Abiodun Ayoyinka, the comic actor popularly known as Papa Ajasco, has appealed for financial assistance, just days after opening up about the professional and personal challenges he has faced in recent years. The actor first shared his struggles over the weekend, revealing that he has been unable to commercially leverage the popular Papa Ajasco character because the rights are trademarked by producer Wale Adenuga. According to Ayoyinka, the restriction has severely limited his opportunities outside the original show. In a recent video shared on his new Instagram page, the actor made a direct appeal to the public for financial support.…