Author: Opalim Lifted

Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a veiled threat against Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, as Israel’s war with Iran enters its second week. Speaking at his first press conference since the conflict began, the Israeli prime minister suggested that no senior figure in Iran’s leadership should feel safe, even as he admitted that Israel’s joint military campaign with the United States might not immediately topple Tehran’s government. Standing between two Israeli flags and answering questions via video link, Netanyahu was asked about possible action against Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. “I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any…

Aston Villa came away from Lille with a 1–0 win thanks to Ollie Watkins’ goal in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, while Bologna and AS Roma played out a 1–1 draw in the all-Italian clash. Porto won 2–1 at VfB Stuttgart, and Panathinaikos beat Real Betis thanks to a late penalty after playing the final half hour with 10 men. Watkins netted his first European goal of the season, and Villa take a slender lead back home for next Thursday’s second leg. The only shot on target in a cagey opening half came late…

King Charles III hosted a reception for the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom, a celebratory prelude to the historic state visit of Bola Tinubu scheduled for next week. The event turned into a vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture and achievement, complete with the aroma of party jollof rice and the soulful rhythms of Afrobeats. Photos shared by the Royal Family showed King Charles III smiling warmly as he interacted with members of the Nigerian community. “It was a wonderful evening,” the Royal Family said in an official statement, thanking everyone who attended. The reception recognised the contributions of millions…

Britain will impose temporary road closures and extend airspace restrictions over Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. Tinubu is expected to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, with an official reception scheduled at Windsor Castle. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to coordinate safety arrangements for the high-profile visit. The police said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are…

Suspected fighters from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly established new hideouts in Tuba settlement near facilities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. Local sources and farmers in Jere said the militants have built a fortified base in the northern part of the council area, raising fears of fresh attacks around the outskirts of Maiduguri. Residents reported seeing about 200 motorcycles parked at the suspected fortress used by the insurgents, suggesting preparations for coordinated raids. The terrorists are believed to be targeting the NNPCL exploration site…

At least one Nigerian has been identified among dozens of people injured during the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as tensions escalate across the Gulf. Authorities in UAE say their air defence systems have been working around the clock to repel retaliatory attacks from Iran following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. According to the UAE defence ministry, a total of 262 ballistic missiles have been detected since the conflict began. Of those missiles, 241 were intercepted and destroyed by air defences, 19 fell into the sea, and two landed inside UAE territory.…

The federal government says it will not intervene to regulate petrol prices despite rising volatility in global oil markets triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Speaking on Wednesday during an interview with Channels TV, Wale Edun, Nigeria’s minister of finance, said the government would instead introduce alternative measures to cushion the economic impact of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Edun said the administration of Bola Tinubu is focused on supporting market-driven pricing while deploying relief initiatives to ease the cost of living for Nigerians. According to him, the president has already approved the distribution…

The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, continued on Wednesday as a prosecution witness presented fresh banking documents before the court. The First Prosecution Witness, Umar Abba, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, tendered the documents before Justice Maryann Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja. Mamman and seven others are standing trial over an alleged fraud involving N31.07 billion. The co-defendants are Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua and Ogunjobi Olusila. They are facing a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Lamido Yuguda as a deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The president said the nomination aligns with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007. “Yuguda’s nomination follows the recent appointment of the erstwhile deputy governor, Bala Bello, as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy,” the statement reads. “The president charges them to discharge their responsibilities with…

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has led a protest demanding the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. The protest took place around the busy Ariaria International Market, one of the largest commercial hubs in southeastern Nigeria. The protesters moved through sections of the market carrying banners and chanting solidarity slogans as they called for the freedom of the IPOB leader. One of the most visible banners seen among the crowd bore the inscription: “Coalition of Lovers of Freedom: Free Our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” as demonstrators continued marching toward…