Author: Opalim Lifted

Gunmen have abducted 10 passengers travelling along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road in Ogun State, demanding a ₦25 million ransom for their release. The victims, including a recently discharged member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), were reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday evening, after armed men attacked their commercial bus and took them into a nearby forest. According to a report by The Guardian, one of the two corps members travelling in the vehicle escaped, while the other was among those taken hostage. The family of one of the victims, identified as Dapo, confirmed the incident, saying he was returning to Ibadan…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a minimum capital requirement of ₦15 billion for companies seeking to issue foreign currency-denominated stablecoins in Nigeria, tightening regulatory oversight of the country’s digital asset market. The new rule forms part of the CBN’s broader regulatory framework for stablecoins and other non-security virtual assets, which took effect on November 5, 2026. CBN introduces different capital requirements for stablecoin issuers Under the new regulations, stablecoin issuers are classified into two categories based on the currencies their digital tokens reference. Companies issuing foreign currency-backed stablecoins, including dollar-pegged tokens such as Tether (USDT) and USD…

Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have admitted making written and audio-visual confessional statements tendered by the Department of State Services (DSS). The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, however, pleaded with the court to forgive them and set them free. The admissions were made on Thursday during the resumed hearing of their trial, as both defendants faced cross-examination. They confirmed that they voluntarily made the audio-visual statements and thumb-printed the written confessions in the presence of their lawyers. The DSS had tendered the statements…

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed the strike threat issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja chapter, over the reallocation of portions of the institution’s land to private developers and government agencies. Wike maintained that the union has no authority over land administration in the FCT, insisting that the responsibility rests with the FCT Administration. The minister spoke during his monthly media chat, where he questioned ASUU’s involvement in decisions concerning land allocation and ownership in the nation’s capital. “What is the business of ASUU on our land? How is ASUU the…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the high cost of billboard advertising in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that political campaigns are expensive worldwide. Wike spoke on Thursday during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following complaints by opposition parties over the rising cost of securing billboard spaces in the nation’s capital. Some opposition parties have expressed concerns that the high charges could limit their ability to publicise candidates and campaign messages, particularly as billboards belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly dominate major cities. Reacting to…

The House of Representatives has proposed tougher sanctions for hospitals that refuse, delay or obstruct emergency medical treatment, including the suspension or withdrawal of their operating licences. The proposal is contained in a bill seeking to amend the National Health Act 2014, which passed its second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session. Sponsored by Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the House of Representatives, the bill seeks to strengthen emergency medical services by introducing mandatory timelines for patient assessment, stabilisation and referral. Under the proposed amendment, healthcare facilities would be required to commence emergency assessment, known as triage, within 15 minutes of a…

President Bola Tinubu has asked the National Assembly to approve fresh external borrowing of about $7.7 billion to part-finance the 2026 budget deficit, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio saying the request “effectively supersedes an earlier borrowing proposal of $20.3 billion”. Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter dated October 26, 2026, was read by Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary. The president is seeking approval for external borrowing of N10.79 trillion, equivalent to approximately $7.7 billion at the budget exchange rate of N1,409 to the dollar. In the letter, Tinubu said the request was made pursuant to Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the…

The Ogun State Government and the Federal Government have intensified investigations into recurring methane gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities, assuring residents of efforts to find a lasting solution. The development follows four reported incidents of gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and its environs, which have caused persistent unpleasant odours and raised concerns about possible health and environmental consequences. In a statement issued on Tuesday, and signed by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the state government disclosed that a joint team of experts from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and development…

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned drone operations, fireworks and other devices capable of causing panic ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s one-day working visit to the state on Friday, November 6. The restrictions form part of security measures introduced to ensure public safety and maintain order during the President’s visit. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, announced the directives during a news conference in Uyo on Thursday. He said the command was working to ensure a peaceful visit and protect residents, while urging members of the public to comply with security arrangements. Traffic Restrictions Announced Azare advised residents…

Indonesian authorities have arrested three senior police officers, including President Prabowo Subianto’s chief of staff, over allegations of illegally tapping the president’s telephone and monitoring communications involving dozens of prominent individuals. The arrests were announced on Tuesday, following an investigation into alleged unauthorised surveillance involving government officials, politicians, journalists, civil society representatives and businesspeople. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Indonesia’s top detective, Asep Safrudin, initially identified the suspects by their initials as LSP, ASN and EH. Subsequent reports by the Associated Press identified them as General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, presidential chief of staff; Inspector General Ahrie Sonta Nasution, head of…