Author: Opalim Lifted

Justice Maryann Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has admitted additional documentary evidence in the ongoing fraud trial of former Minister for Power, Saleh Mamman. Mamman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N31.07 billion fraud. The anti-graft agency has filed a nine-count charge against Mamman and seven others, bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and intent to defraud. At Wednesday’s proceedings, the second prosecution witness, Leadu Kpandei, a compliance officer with Guaranty Trust Bank, told the court that the EFCC requested account details of Fullest Utility Concept Ltd…

Sri Lanka has ordered local authorities to switch off street lights during non-essential hours as the country battles a worsening energy shortage linked to tensions in the Middle East. The directive was issued by the office of the commissioner-general of essential services on Tuesday, outlining strict measures to cut electricity and fuel consumption across government institutions. Under the new guidelines, public offices must maximise natural lighting, reduce air conditioning use by relying more on electric fans, and limit elevator usage by encouraging stair use. Officials have also been told to avoid commuting alone in private vehicles, urging a shift towards…

The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has threatened to stage a protest at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention in Abuja over delayed payments for executed government contracts. Speaking during a resumed protest in Abuja on Tuesday, Jackson Nwosu said the association is demanding the immediate release of N150 billion within 48 hours from funds already approved for verified federal projects. According to him, only N21 billion has been paid so far, leaving over N1 trillion in outstanding obligations to contractors. “For AICAN members, the government has only paid N21 billion within this period. What remains is…

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned that courtrooms should not be used as venues for media briefings. NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), issued the warning on Wednesday in a statement shared on the association’s official X account, reacting to a court incident involving human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday. “Courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public, not as arenas for performance, but as sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice. Their openness promotes transparency and public confidence, yet it also imposes a duty of restraint on all who enter,” Osigwe stated.…

Diplomatic efforts to end the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran have intensified, with Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan emerging as key mediators. According to a report by The Washington Post, the three countries are acting as intermediaries in ongoing discussions between Steve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi. Officials revealed that a series of urgent phone calls took place over the weekend through Tuesday, with mediators pressing both sides to de-escalate as the war approaches its fourth week. Oman is also said to be playing a behind-the-scenes role, drawing on its experience hosting earlier nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran…

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced the date for the unveiling of nominees for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2026 edition. In a recent Instagram post, the organisers revealed that the nominees will be announced on March 29, 2026. MultiChoice also named award-winning actor Chimezie Imo as the host of this year’s nominee announcement. “The spotlight is on… and it’s time to get to know your nominees. Watch the #AMVCA12 Nominee Announcement LIVE | March 29 | 7PM WAT on #AfricaMagic channels,” the post reads. In January, the organisers opened the call for entries for the 12th edition of the…

The United States government is under mounting criticism over allegations it collected more than $1 billion in immigration fees for services that were never delivered, affecting applicants both at home and abroad. The claim was made by policy analyst David J. Bier during testimony before the Senate. He argued that current immigration measures have effectively halted application processing while authorities continue to collect fees. “This is the largest fraud in the history of the US immigration system,” Bier told lawmakers. “It is likely the first $1 billion theft of processing fees for services never rendered.” The controversy follows a series…

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season. The 33-year-old Egypt international, who joined Liverpool from Roma in June 2017, confirmed the news in a video message on his social media accounts. “Unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell,” Salah said. “I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.” Salah signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool in April 2025 but will leave on a free transfer after the club said they had “reached an agreement” over his future. By his own…

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, following arguments from both defence and prosecution. El-Rufai was arraigned on Tuesday over allegations of conversion of public property and money laundering, charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The former governor arrived at the court premises around 9:00 am under heavy security, transported in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for about 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom. Security presence was heightened in and around the court ahead…

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has released a detailed compliance guide for operating drones in Nigeria, warning that violations could lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or seizure of equipment. The guide, developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and security agencies, outlines strict steps individuals and organisations must follow before flying unmanned aerial vehicles. Strict rules before take-off According to the NCAA, Nigeria’s airspace remains tightly controlled, and no drone operation is permitted without proper authorisation. Operators are required to first obtain security clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser by applying for an End…