Author: Opalim Lifted

Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday carried out the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual near the holy city of Mecca, marking one of the final rites of the annual Hajj pilgrimage as Eid al-Adha celebrations began across the world. From the early hours of the morning, huge crowds of worshippers gathered in Mina, southeast of Mecca, where they threw pebbles at large concrete pillars representing the devil. The ritual reenacts the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who, according to Islamic tradition, stoned Satan at three locations where he attempted to discourage him from obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. More…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a man accused of impersonating a presidential aide and defrauding unsuspecting victims of about ₦25 million through false promises and fraudulent representations. The defendant was brought before a Federal High Court on charges bordering on impersonation, obtaining money under false pretences, and other related offences linked to the alleged scam. According to the anti-graft agency, the suspect allegedly presented himself as an aide attached to the Presidency to gain the confidence of victims before collecting large sums of money from them. Investigators said the accused reportedly promised to facilitate government-related opportunities…

Hope among Islamic faithful that ram prices would ease ahead of the 2026 Sallah (Eid al-Fitr) celebration has faded, as traders and buyers report falling sales and rising costs across Nigerian markets. Eid al-Fitr, also known as Sallah, is a major Islamic festival marked by the sacrificial slaughter of rams, symbolising Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. The celebration typically includes morning prayers, sharing meat with family and neighbours, and preparing traditional meals such as pepper soup, fried meat and stew. However, many households say rising costs have made participation increasingly difficult. The President of the Ram Sellers Association in Gbagada,…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Prevention has cautioned Nigerians against the use of unverified home remedies for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), warning that substances such as bitter kola, salt water, herbs, and seasoning cubes do not prevent or cure the infection. In a public advisory titled “Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Myths vs Facts”, the agency said misinformation circulating online could fuel panic and put lives at risk, especially amid concerns over reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of the region. It stressed that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, but warned that public vigilance…

President Bola Tinubu has assured parents of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states that the victims will be rescued safely, urging affected families not to lose hope. The President gave the assurance in a Children’s Day message released on Wednesday, following separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno on May 15. Suspected terrorists had attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to the Oyo State Police Command, two persons were killed during the attack while about 45 pupils, alongside teachers…

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has issued a strongly worded statement to President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s political leadership, urging them not to release Children’s Day messages while millions of children remain exposed to insecurity, poverty, and poor access to education. In a statement released on May 27, 2026, Ezekwesili accused the government and political class of failing Nigerian children and lacking the moral authority to celebrate them. “Do not dare open your mouths on May 27 to wish Nigerian children a ‘Happy Children’s Day,’” she said. “Do not dare stand in front of cameras… to perform a tenderness…

As Nigeria marked Children’s Day on Wednesday, grief and outrage swept across social media, with many citizens demanding urgent government action over the growing wave of child abductions across the country. The latest outrage followed the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, less than two weeks before the Children’s Day celebration. Across social media platforms, Nigerians said there was little cause for celebration while children remained in captivity, with many using the occasion to renew calls for the rescue of kidnapped pupils. Leading the criticism…

The military said its troops killed more than 317 terrorists and criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects, and rescued 221 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation in May, as the Borno State Government temporarily shut and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students by suspected insurgents. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the military’s operational achievements at a news conference yesterday, saying troops also recovered 93 arms during the period. He added that 18 terrorists surrendered in the North-East, while troops in the South-South destroyed three…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has distanced itself from political party membership figures released by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the data did not originate from the commission. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Dayo Oketola, clarified the commission’s position on Tuesday following widespread circulation of the figures on social media. “Dear esteemed media colleagues, please note that this is certainly not from INEC. Thanks,” Oketola said in a message to journalists. Yilwatda had, during an interview on ARISE News, claimed that the APC had 12.9 million verified registered members. He…

Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has denied supporting banditry in Nigeria, describing himself as a loyal citizen and dismissing circulating claims linking him to criminal activities as false and manipulated. In a recent statement, the Kaduna-based cleric said he had been repeatedly misquoted in media interviews, public lectures and discussions on how to address insecurity and banditry in the country. Gumi accused some ethnic-interest groups, prejudiced individuals and sectional internet content creators of spreading misleading narratives and using sensational headlines to attract attention despite the human suffering caused by insecurity. He maintained that any video clip, written statement or message…