Author: Opalim Lifted

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…

The Labour Party Nigeria has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to southern Nigeria, ruling out any aspirants from the north. Nenadi Usman, the party’s national chairperson, announced the decision on Tuesday in Abuja, describing it as final and already agreed within party structures. “We have taken a firm decision that we will not field any aspirant from northern Nigeria. The ticket has been zoned to the south,” she said. Usman stressed that any attempt by a northern contender to enter the race would not be accepted by the party. Despite confirming the zoning arrangement, she declined to name a…

Ahmad Umar, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has refuted claims that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a recent visit by Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate. In a Tuesday post on his X page, Obi alleged that Umar was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna last Sunday. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain described the alleged arrest as a troubling sign of democratic backsliding, warning of increasing threats to freedom of speech and political expression. “I have just been made aware that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities…

Nigerian troops have killed scores of bandits in coordinated offensives targeting camps linked to notorious kingpin Bello Turji in Zamfara State and Sokoto State. Security sources said the raids focused on hideouts in Fakai, spanning Shinkafi and Isa local government areas, as part of intensified military operations against armed groups in the North-West. The operation, spearheaded by the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division Strike Force, began in the early hours of March 20, with troops advancing deep into the Kagara Forest, a known stronghold for bandit factions. However, the advance suffered a temporary setback when two combat support vehicles developed mechanical…

Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, has warned that surging global energy costs are already forcing some countries to adopt remote working policies to ease economic pressure. Dangote made the remarks after a courtesy visit to Bola Tinubu following the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. He said the ongoing tensions in the Middle East could continue to push oil prices higher if the crisis is not resolved, with governments struggling to cushion the impact on citizens. According to him, rising fuel costs are affecting small businesses and households, particularly those reliant on generators for daily operations. “People will really feel the…

A California jury has ordered former comedian and actor Bill Cosby to pay $19.25 million in damages to a former waitress who accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting her more than five decades ago. In the civil case decided in Santa Monica, the jury found Cosby liable for a 1972 incident involving Donna Motsinger, now 84. Motsinger told the court that Cosby picked her up in a limousine and gave her wine and a pill she believed was aspirin before taking her to one of his shows. According to court filings, she said the substance left her incapacitated. “Next…

The newly sworn-in President of the Command Secondary School Lagos Old Students Association (CSSLOSA), Kayode Ogunsola, has expressed optimism and a strong commitment to repositioning the institution through strategic alumni engagement, infrastructure development, and value-driven leadership. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Nigeria Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) Hall, featured the swearing-in of new executive members drawn from various graduating sets. Highlights of the event included the presentation of certificates of return to the president and other members of the executive committee. The newly elected leadership is expected to serve a two-year tenure. The event was marked by nostalgic…

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.…