Author: Opalim Lifted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over N3.9 billion in recovered funds to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, reinforcing efforts to tackle corruption in the country’s oil sector. The funds, totalling N3,936,145,822, were formally presented on March 18, 2026, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. The presentation was made on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede by the Commission’s Secretary, Mohammed Hammajoda. Hammajoda said the recovered funds were traced to fraudulent activities involving some actors within NNPCL, uncovered through detailed investigations. He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to fighting financial crimes, noting that the agency remains dedicated…

The Nigerian presidency has pushed back against claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that there is a plot to make Bola Tinubu the sole presidential candidate in the country. The ADC had earlier raised alarm, alleging that certain political forces were working behind the scenes to eliminate opposition and pave the way for a one-candidate presidential race ahead of future elections. The party described the alleged move as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and called on citizens and institutions to remain vigilant. However, the presidency swiftly dismissed the accusation, describing it as baseless and politically motivated. In its response,…

The Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria (SEC) has revealed a sweeping crackdown on illegal investment operators, shutting down hundreds of fraudulent schemes in recent years. SEC says it has dismantled about 400 Ponzi and illegal investment schemes over the past three years. Speaking on the development, Emomotimi Agama said the commission intensified enforcement actions to protect investors from widespread financial scams. According to him, many Nigerians have fallen victim to unregistered platforms promising unrealistic returns, often disguised as legitimate investment opportunities. Agama noted that the SEC has stepped up surveillance, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to curb the rise of…

Pete Edochie, the veteran Nollywood actor, has revealed that six politicians he prayed for ahead of the 2023 general elections emerged victorious. Speaking in a recent interview, Edochie said the politicians approached him individually to seek prayers before the elections. He noted that he offered prayers for each of them without expecting anything in return. According to him, all six candidates he prayed for eventually won their respective elections, a development he described as both surprising and humbling. The actor, known for his strong traditional and spiritual beliefs, said the experience reinforced his faith in the power of prayer. He,…

Nigerians can now legally record police officers during stop-and-search operations, following a landmark court ruling that reinforces citizens’ rights and police accountability. A high court in Nigeria delivered the judgment, affirming that members of the public are entitled to film or document interactions with law enforcement officers, provided they do not obstruct official duties. The ruling comes amid growing concerns over misconduct during stop-and-search operations, a policing method frequently criticised for abuse and harassment. Civil society groups have long argued that allowing citizens to record such encounters would help curb excesses and promote transparency. In its decision, the court clarified…

The Federal Government has introduced a “fly now, pay later” scheme aimed at making domestic air travel more affordable for Nigerians. The initiative, unveiled by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is designed to allow passengers book flights and pay in instalments rather than upfront. Officials say the scheme is part of broader efforts to ease financial pressure on travellers and stimulate growth in the aviation sector, which has been grappling with high ticket prices and fluctuating demand. Under the arrangement, passengers can secure tickets on participating airlines and spread payments over a specified period, subject to agreed terms and conditions.…

Insurance costs across Canada are climbing at an alarming pace, with motorists in several major cities now facing some of the steepest premium hikes in years. A new report shows that the surge in insurance premiums is being driven by a mix of rising repair costs, increased claims, and worsening climate-related risks. Urban centres are bearing the brunt, as higher population density and accident rates continue to push insurers to raise prices. Drivers in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver have been hit particularly hard, with premiums rising significantly compared to smaller towns and rural areas. Industry experts say congestion,…

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, continued on Tuesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, with the court granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission a final adjournment to present its last witness. Presiding judge, Hamza Mu’azu, ruled that the prosecution must be given one final opportunity in the interest of justice, stressing that no further delays would be tolerated. Emefiele is facing an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence during his tenure as CBN governor.…

International travel from Nigeria is facing fresh disruption as airfares surge by up to 100 percent, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to cancel flights. The spike in ticket prices follows a wave of flight cancellations by several international airlines, tightening available seats and pushing demand far beyond supply. Travellers and industry insiders say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with fewer flights operating on key international routes. As a result, ticket costs have doubled in some cases, especially for last-minute bookings. Airlines are reportedly adjusting schedules due to operational challenges, including aircraft availability, foreign exchange constraints, and rising…

Chike, the Nigerian artiste, has taken to social media to accuse a lady, Chioma Ochibili, of defrauding him of a large sum of money. In a series of posts on his X account on Monday morning, the ‘Boo of the Booless’ hitmaker detailed how he invested $20,000 in a business venture proposed by Ochibili, only to later realise the deal was likely a scam. According to Chike, the business opportunity presented to him turned out to be non-existent. He expressed frustration at discovering the truth too late, implying that he may not have been her first victim. “Chioma Nneoma Ochibili,…