Author: Opalim Lifted

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has released Nasir El-Rufai on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, sparking legal and public debate. Sources confirmed that El-Rufai was allowed temporary freedom to attend the burial rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma, who died in Egypt on Friday while receiving medical treatment. The former governor of Kaduna State had been in ICPC custody since February 19, shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Earlier, on March 18, the ICPC disclosed that it had obtained a valid court order to keep him…

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is actively addressing the country’s persistent electricity challenges amid growing frustration over poor power supply. Speaking at the 2026 national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu acknowledged widespread complaints about outages and unreliable electricity. He said the government is taking the concerns seriously and working towards tangible improvements. “We are paying attention to the problems of electricity and power,” the president said, assuring citizens that the situation would improve. Tinubu revealed that a grid asset management company, Camco, is expected to inject about 1,500 megawatts into a new grid…

Rabiu Kwankwaso is set to formally dump the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, in a move that could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Kwankwasiyya movement confirmed that the former Kano State governor will complete his defection during a ceremony in Kano, alongside loyalists from the NNPP. The development follows a recent visit by Rauf Aregbesola, national secretary of the ADC and former Osun governor, to Kwankwaso’s residence in Abuja. While Kwankwaso acknowledged the meeting on his X page, he did not reveal details of their discussions. Speculation…

A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed vaccines and critical medical equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday at the ministry’s cold store facility in Abakaliki, dealing a major blow to the state’s immunisation programme. State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, who inspected the scene, described the damage as severe. He revealed that the facility housed essential vaccines and specialised cold-chain systems used for preservation. Items lost in the blaze include vaccines such as BCG, pentavalent, and HPV, alongside vaccine carriers, cold-chain boxes, refrigerators,…

Mass protests are set to sweep across the United States this Saturday, as millions prepare to rally against President Donald Trump over his leadership style, controversial policies, and the ongoing war in Iran. The demonstrations, organised under the “No Kings” movement, mark the third major nationwide protest since Trump began his second term in January 2025. Activists say public anger has intensified, fuelled by concerns over what they describe as authoritarian governance and an expanding military conflict abroad. Organisers expect more than 3,000 rallies across cities, suburbs and rural communities—an increase from previous protest days. Earlier demonstrations in June and…

Global oil prices climbed on Friday as markets reacted cautiously to US President Donald Trump’s decision to delay a potential strike on Iran, extending uncertainty over the ongoing Middle East crisis. Crude initially dipped but rebounded sharply as trading opened in Europe, with Brent crude nearing $110 per barrel. Prices have surged dramatically since the conflict began on February 28, reflecting deep concerns over energy supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for roughly 20 percent of global oil and gas flows. The White House confirmed that Trump had postponed planned military action against Iranian energy…

Thirteen Nigerians deported from Mozambique without formal charges have sparked outrage and raised fresh concerns over the treatment of citizens abroad. The deportees were part of a group of 42 Nigerians earlier arrested in Maputo. Although Mozambican authorities cited documentation issues, most of those affected reportedly held valid travel and residence permits. Only one individual was said to have an expired visa, which lapsed just a day before the deportation. The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard a South African Airways flight, where they were received by officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Speaking on behalf…

Iran has barred its national and club teams from travelling to countries it considers “hostile”, in a move that could disrupt upcoming international fixtures and raise fresh concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, which said the safety of Iranian athletes could not be guaranteed in certain countries. According to the statement, teams are now prohibited from competing in such locations “until further notice”. The directive follows reports that Iranian club Tractor was scheduled to face a team from the United Arab Emirates in Saudi Arabia as part of…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers to May 10, 2026, from April 21, 2026, as originally stated in the revised timetable. Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, announced this in a statement released on Friday. In the statement titled “Re: Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for 2027 General Election,” Haruna reminded political parties that their membership registers must be submitted to INEC no later than 21 days before their respective primaries. The statement read, “At the meeting of the…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to ensure all 36 states sign the $500 million Subsidiary Loan Agreement tied to the World Bank Group-backed HOPE Governance Programme. The initiative is designed to strengthen service delivery in Nigeria’s basic education and primary healthcare sectors, two areas widely seen as critical to human development. Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Deborah Odoh, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with a World Bank delegation. Odoh revealed that her ministry is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Finance to accelerate state-level participation. She acknowledged existing…