Author: Opalim Lifted

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have launched an investigation into an Enugu-based man accused of defrauding victims of nearly ₦20 million through fake visa deals. The suspect, Osogu Christian Ogbonna, is being probed by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate for allegedly obtaining ₦19.9 million from three individuals under the pretence of securing international travel documents. Three petitioners, Osmond Chukwuebuka Ugwu, Ugwu Chidubem and Amadiani Gilbert Chinedu, reported the alleged fraud to the commission. Ugwu told investigators he met Ogbonna in 2018 while seeking to travel abroad. The suspect allegedly posed as a visa agent and offered…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Andrew Odekina before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged ₦9,873,215 fraud. Odekina was brought before Justice Mojisola Dada on Monday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the anti-graft agency, sitting in Ikoyi. He faces a one-count charge bordering on retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, contrary to Section 17(a) and (b) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004. According to the prosecution, Odekina and others still at large allegedly received and retained the sum of ₦9,873,215 in his account with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in 2025.…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the £746 million Nigeria-UK port redevelopment agreement, warning that the deal may favour the United Kingdom at Nigeria’s expense. The agreement, finalised in London, was announced following talks between Keir Starmer and Bola Tinubu at Downing Street. It is aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island port complexes in Lagos. Nigeria’s minister of finance, Wale Edun, said the deal aligns with the government’s focus on infrastructure, energy, and industrial development. He added that strengthening bilateral partnerships would attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs. Under the arrangement,…

Leo Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of OnlyFans, has died aged 43 following a battle with cancer. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the news, saying the Ukrainian-American businessman “passed away peacefully” after a prolonged illness. His family has requested privacy. An online obituary indicated that Radvinsky died in Pompano Beach, close to his residence in Boca Raton, where he lived with his family. Radvinsky built a vast fortune through his majority stake in Fenix International Limited, the firm that owns OnlyFans. His net worth was estimated at $4.7 billion. He acquired the platform in 2018 from the Stokely family in…

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all police units and tactical squads across state commands. The force described the report as misleading, clarifying that no such sweeping directive was issued. In a statement released on Sunday, force spokesperson Anthony Placid said the claim was a “misrepresentation” of the IGP’s actual instructions following a virtual meeting with senior officers. According to Placid, the IGP is aware of growing public concerns over the operations of tactical squads and the unchecked creation of multiple units by commissioners of police and…

The global economy could face severe consequences if the Middle East conflict continues for more than six months, according to TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne. Speaking to Chinese broadcaster CGTN in Beijing, Pouyanne said Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already disrupted oil supplies, with about 10 million barrels per day stuck in the Gulf. “All the economies of the world will be damaged” if the conflict drags on, he warned. In normal times, around 20% of global oil passes through the strait. Currently, inventories are helping cushion the impact, but a prolonged war would put economies under serious…

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to step up efforts to tackle insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the threat remains a major barrier to development. The president made the remarks on Sunday while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. Tinubu described insecurity as the “next phase” of the country’s challenge, stressing the need for coordinated action. “Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity,” he said. Tinubu seeks international backing The president revealed ongoing efforts to secure international support, particularly in military equipment and logistics. He cited recent engagements…

President Bola Tinubu has warned that the escalating tensions in the Middle East could worsen inflation in Nigeria, putting further pressure on citizens’ purchasing power. The president spoke on Sunday while hosting Vice-President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence to mark Eid al-Fitr. Tinubu said the ongoing crisis involving the United States, Israel and Iran is likely to trigger higher global energy and transportation costs, with direct consequences for Nigeria’s economy. “We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power,” he said. He urged…

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has urged governments, businesses and households to cut fuel consumption through remote work, reduced travel and energy-efficient practices as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global oil supply. In a recent report, the agency warned that the ongoing war has triggered what it describes as the largest oil supply shock in history, pushing crude prices to about $112.2 per barrel and tightening global markets. According to the IEA, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have dropped sharply—from around 20 million barrels per day before the conflict to minimal levels—intensifying supply concerns. Demand-side measures…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the successful export of 456,000 tonnes of refined petroleum products to five African countries, marking a major milestone in its regional expansion drive. In a briefing on Sunday, the company revealed that it had completed the sale of 12 cargoes of fuel, shipped to Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo. The development follows the refinery’s ramp-up to its full production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day in February. According to the refinery, the products were sold on a Free on Board (FOB) basis to international traders, who are responsible for transporting the fuel…