Author: Opalim Lifted

The Ministry of Finance says the Federal Government is closely monitoring escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States (US), Israel, and Iran, and remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic stability. According to a statement on Wednesday by Uloma Amadi, an assistant director of information and public relations at the ministry, the government is tracking oil prices, exchange rates, capital flows, and their potential impact on Nigeria’s economy and external reserves. The ministry said the Economic Management Team (EMT), chaired by Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance, convened a meeting to assess the potential impact of the…

Iran has warned it will not allow “a single litre of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the United States, Israel and their allies, raising fears of a sharp spike in global energy prices. Spokesperson for Tehran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, said the escalating conflict in the Middle East could push crude oil prices as high as $200 per barrel. His comments come amid rising tensions following threats from Donald Trump, the US president, who warned Iran would face “death, fire and fury” if it disrupted shipping through the Strait of…

Another stellar display on their artificial home turf at the Aspmyra Stadium earned Norway’s Bodø/Glimt a 3–0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie on Wednesday. The Portuguese side joined the long list of big-name European clubs that have travelled to the small fishing town inside the Arctic Circle and left empty-handed, as Bodø/Glimt cruised to an emphatic victory that puts them firmly in the driving seat for a place in the quarter-finals. Luis Suárez blazed an early chance over the bar for the visitors, but after that their hosts took control.…

Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the ongoing conflict with the United States. The decision was confirmed by Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s sports minister, during an appearance on state television on Wednesday. Citing safety concerns following the death of Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, Donyamali stated, “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.” The 48-team tournament is scheduled to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Iran had been drawn in Group…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ufoma Immanuel over an alleged $1.5 million investment fraud before Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos. Immanuel was arraigned on Wednesday alongside his firm, Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, on a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and forgery. According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly induced Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited to invest $1.5 million between April 2022 and October 2023. The EFCC told the court that the investment was presented as funding for projects linked to Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited, business development…

Several members of the Iran women’s national football team have refused to return home after competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, fearing possible execution following death threats linked to a political protest. Reports say some players declined to board a flight back to Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem during their opening match of the tournament. The protest reportedly came just two days after strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, placing the players under intense scrutiny from Iranian authorities. Players seek asylum in Australia According to reports, five players — including the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued new baseline standards requiring banks and other financial institutions to adopt automated anti-money laundering (AML) systems to strengthen the detection of suspicious transactions. The directive, contained in a circular dated March 10, 2026, applies to deposit money banks, mobile money operators, international money transfer operators, payment service providers and other regulated institutions in Nigeria. According to the regulator, the move is aimed at improving financial crime detection as the country’s financial services sector becomes increasingly digital. The circular titled “Issuance of Baseline Standards for Automated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Solution for Financial Institutions…

The House of Representatives has amended the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise dual membership of political parties. Under the new provision, individuals found guilty of belonging to more than one political party at the same time will face a fine of N10 million and a maximum prison term of two years. The lower legislative chamber passed the amendment during Wednesday’s plenary. The amendment introduces three new subsections to Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which deals with political party membership. The amendment provides that any individual found to be registered as a member of more than one political party…

Authorities in Ghana have arrested 93 Nigerians in a major crackdown on alleged internet fraud and immigration violations in the capital, Accra. The operation was carried out by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) following an intelligence-led raid on a suspected cybercrime hub at Devtraco Estate. According to a statement issued by Anima Quainoo, the suspects include 91 men and two women. Officials said the raid also led to the rescue of 73 victims, who reportedly suffered severe abuse and torture while being held by the suspects. Authorities recovered a range of items believed to have supported the illegal operations, including…

Human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner Omoyele Sowore has declared his intention to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, promising sweeping reforms in electricity and security if elected. Speaking in Abuja, Sowore said fixing Nigeria’s power sector would be a top priority of his administration, describing electricity as the foundation for economic transformation. The activist said reliable power supply would unlock industrial growth, reduce unemployment and help tackle the country’s worsening insecurity. “The whole idea of energy is what will bring about an industrial revolution in this country. If we get power right, we can tackle…