Author: Opalim Lifted

Chappal Energies, a Nigerian-owned firm, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made no attempt to contact its chief executive officer (CEO), Ufoma Immanuel, through any official channels before declaring him wanted. In a public notice on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency declared Immanuel wanted for an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence and forgery. The company acknowledged the notice in a statement on Thursday. Chappal said enforcement actions under Nigerian law are guided by established procedures that require reasonable attempts at direct engagement through official channels before issuing or acting on a warrant. “To our knowledge, no…

President Donald Trump has launched a special fast-track visa scheme for fans heading to the 2026 World Cup but the US has made it clear that a match ticket alone won’t guarantee entry. Announcing the initiative in the Oval Office on Monday alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump said the new “FIFA Pass” would help deliver a smooth experience for millions of visitors expected next year, despite concerns about his tough immigration policies. “For anyone planning to join us for the World Cup, apply right away,” Trump urged, framing the event as a centrepiece of his second term and America’s…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed fresh terrorism charges against seven commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), all allegedly linked to separatist agitator Simon Ekpa. In a statement on Thursday, Favour Dozie, deputy director of public relations and strategic communications, said the accused individuals received money and operational support from Ekpa and other foreign-based members of his faction. The charges — marked FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025 — were lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 19 November. One of the defendants, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, was described as an “illegal migrant” from Niger Republic…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have climbed three spots from 41st to 38th in the world in FIFA’s latest rankings. According to the list released on Wednesday by the world football governing body, the three-time African champions remain in fifth position on the continent. The Super Eagles improved ranking comes despite missing out on the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the final of the African playoffs over the weekend. The Super Eagles had earlier defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time in the semi-final of the playoffs. In FIFA’s latest log, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and…

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total revenue of N2.09 trillion for October to the federal government, states and local government councils. The figure represents a decrease of N9 billion or 0.42 percent compared to the N2.10 trillion distributed in September. According to NAN, the allocation was made during FAAC’s November meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja. The publication said a communique issued at the end of the meeting by Bawa Mokwa, director of press and public relations at the office of the accountant-general of the federation (OAGF), showed that the N2.09 trillion distributable revenue comprised N1.37…

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of terrorism. The sentencing was delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu received a life sentence for counts 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the seven-count charge. The Biafra Radio director also received 20 years’ imprisonment on count 3 and five years on count 7. Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had successfully proved all allegations, noting that Kanu offered no credible defence and “deliberately refused” to challenge the evidence…

A federal high court in Abuja has found Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), guilty on all seven counts of terrorism filed against him by the federal government. Delivering judgment on Thursday, James Omotosho, the presiding judge, held that the prosecution had successfully established every allegation. He noted that Kanu offered no credible defence and “deliberately refused” to challenge the evidence presented in court. Omotosho described the IPOB leader as “a person who cannot be allowed to remain in the company of sane minds”. He added that Kanu’s long-held claim of being a freedom fighter could…

A federal high court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first of seven terrorism charges filed against him. In his judgment on Thursday, presiding judge James Omotosho referenced evidence presented by the prosecution, including video interviews showing Kanu making violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens. The first count accuses Kanu of making a September 2021 broadcast “with intent to intimidate the population,” allegedly threatening that “people would die” and that “the whole world would standstill.” The prosecution described the broadcast as an act of terrorism under Section 1(2)(b) of…

Nigeria’s security apparatus has been placed on its “highest alert” by President Bola Tinubu following a wave of deadly attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states, the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Idris said Tinubu expressed deep sympathy to families affected by killings, abductions and other violent crimes, stressing that the president had ordered the military, police and intelligence agencies to hunt down and eliminate terrorists, bandits and criminal networks nationwide. The president also directed security forces to ensure the swift rescue of the schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi,…

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has declared that Nigerians are ready to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its defecting governors, insisting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will lead a new political wave. Speaking at the launch of the ADC National Contact and Mobilisation Office in Plateau State, el-Rufai said the public mood clearly shows that citizens have lost faith in the current leadership. “I know everybody is tired of the APC and PDP. Everybody is looking up to the ADC to save Nigeria,” he said. “Governors are defecting from PDP to APC. By God’s…