Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to enter his defence in the terrorism charge brought against him by the federal government. Delivering a ruling on Friday, James Omotosho, the presiding judge, held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case that required the defendant to respond. Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to the IPOB leader, had prayed the court to dismiss the case, insisting that the government failed to prove any link between his client’s statements and acts of violence. Agabi…

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the call for proper representation of Nigeria on the United Nations Security Council. Tinubu made the call in his address at the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was represented by Vice-President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. “We are here to strengthen the prospects for peace, development and human rights. Madam President, I want to make four points today to outline how we can do this: “Nigeria must have a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. This…

An early goal from John McGinn helped Aston Villa to kick off their Europa League campaign with a gritty 1-0 group-stage win over Bologna on Thursday, while Olivier Giroud came off the bench to nod in a late winner in Lille’s dramatic 2-1 triumph against SK Brann. Scottish midfielder McGinn’s decisive goal came in the 13th minute, setting Aston Villa off to a positive start in their European campaign at Villa Park. McGinn broke the deadlock when a cleverly worked short corner found him in space outside the box. With precision, he struck a low shot that nestled into the…

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy linked to efforts to secure campaign funds from Libya. The 70-year-old, who led France from 2007 to 2012, will soon become the first former French leader to serve actual jail time. The ruling, delivered by a Paris court on Thursday, shocked many observers with its severity. Sarkozy, visibly shaken as he left the courtroom, denounced the decision as “scandalous” and vowed to appeal. “If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high,” he…

Abuja is set for a major transformation, according to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of the Solomon Lar Way project a key road linking Obafemi Awolowo Way to the Airport Expressway Wike declared that the capital will be on par with some of the world’s best cities before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term. “All of us can see that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, the narrative has changed,” he said. “By the grace of God, before the first tenure of Mr President ends, Abuja…

Paul Okoye, the Nigerian singer popularly known as Rudeboy of the P-Square duo, has threatened legal action against a social media user who accused him of sexually assaulting a domestic helper. The allegation stemmed from online debates concerning his marriage to a younger woman. The controversy ignited on Tuesday when the 43-year-old singer posted a birthday tribute to his 25-year-old wife Ivy Ifeoma, drawing public commentary on their 18-year age gap. Within these discussions, an X user with the handle @chubbiedivan made a serious accusation. The user alleged that during Okoye’s previous marriage to Anita Isama, he “raped/coerced their domestic…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned of heavy rainfall and possible flooding in 15 states and 69 communities between September 24 and 28. In an advisory on Wednesday, the ministry of environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre said the forecast covers Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara. Communities at risk include Yola, Yenagoa, Warri, Benin City, Oguta, Kano, Jibia, Akure, Oyo, Ahoada, Shagari, Serti and Gusau, among others. “The heavy rainfall forecast for these locations may lead to overflow in the identified communities and their environs. Stakeholders are therefore…

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has warned Nigerian security agencies that military crackdowns will only worsen insecurity in Katsina State and beyond. Speaking during peace talks in Matazu Local Government Area, Ummaru declared that killing bandits is counterproductive. “If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20. Kill 20, another 30 will rise — both in our bushes and villages,” he said in a clip shared by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication. The bandit boss accused government and security operatives of being more interested in profit than protecting lives, while also criticising locals for tipping off authorities. He…

Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the event and presented Nigeria’s statement at the general debate. In his speech, the presidency sought for debt forgiveness and a permanent seat for Nigeria on the United Nations security council. Read his full speech below: Madam President, 24th SEPTEMBER 2025 Check Against Delivery Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Delegates, The chaos that shadows our world is a reminder that we cannot afford the luxury of inaction. We would have been consumed by…

Ayodele Ademiluyi, a human rights lawyer, has filed a suit at the federal high court in Abuja against Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, over the donation towards the National Library project. Those joined in the suit are the president, attorney-general of the federation, Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, Chinwe Veronica, national librarian/chief executive officer of National Library of Nigeria; National Library Of Nigeria Board; Nigerian Educational Research Development Council; Zenith Bank PLC; and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). On September 1, the first lady announced that she would dedicate her 65th birthday, celebrated on September 21, to the…