Author: Opalim Lifted

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has formally declared his intention to seek a fifth term in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress. The declaration ceremony took place at the Mallawa Eid Ground in Zaria on Saturday and drew a large crowd of supporters, who staged a solidarity walk across major parts of the city before gathering at the venue. Abbas, who has represented Zaria Federal Constituency since 2011, said his decision to seek re-election was based on his performance record, constituency development projects and commitment to the people. “Today, I…

A cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak has arrived in Spain’s Canary Islands, where passengers are set to be evacuated after weeks stranded at sea. The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius reached the port of Granadilla in Tenerife on Sunday under escort from Spain’s Civil Guard, according to maritime tracking data. Most of the nearly 150 passengers and crew are expected to leave the vessel and fly home, while the ship continues its journey to the Netherlands. Three passengers — a Dutch couple and a German woman — have died during the outbreak, while several others were infected…

An airstrike targeting armed bandits in Shiroro Local Council of Niger State has triggered conflicting claims over civilian casualties after residents alleged that some non-combatants were killed during the military operation. Residents said heavily armed bandits, believed to number more than 500, invaded parts of Shiroro and neighbouring Munya Local Council after reportedly crossing into the area from Zamfara and Kaduna states. The movement of the armed men reportedly forced residents of communities including Kuchi, Chibani and Zagzaga in Munya Local Council to flee their homes over fears of an impending attack. Sources in the affected communities said the bandits…

Aston Villa’s Champions League push stalled as they suffered a European hangover in a 2-2 Premier League draw with already-relegated Burnley on Sunday. Everton’s dreams of qualifying for Europe suffered a setback as substitute Jean‑Philippe ‌Mateta rescued Crystal Palace with a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw, and Nottingham Forest are nearly safe from relegation after a late 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. West Ham United host Arsenal in a late game that could have ramifications at both ends of the table. Any slip up by Arsenal in their final three matches would hand rivals Manchester City an opening to…

Leandro Trossard’s late winner moved Arsenal a step closer to the Premier League title and left West Ham United deep in relegation trouble after a dramatic finale at the London Stadium. Arsenal had been frustrated by the struggling Hammers until Trossard, who struck the woodwork twice within seconds in the first half, broke the deadlock when his shot deflected in off Tomas Soucek with seven minutes left. It came moments after a vital save by Arsenal keeper David Raya from Mateus Fernandes, the victory putting Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. West Ham…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into the alleged disappearance or diversion of ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). In a letter dated May 9, 2026, SERAP urged the president to direct Bosun Tijani and Yomi Arowosafe, secretary of the USPF, to explain the whereabouts of the funds allegedly missing from the telecom intervention agency. The organisation also called on Lateef Fagbemi and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable. According to SERAP, the allegations were contained in the 2022 audited report published…

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated elder statesman and Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti ahead of his 100th birthday on May 11, describing him as a symbol of integrity, service and democratic struggle. In a congratulatory message released on Sunday, Tinubu praised Pa Fasoranti’s contributions to education, politics and the fight against military rule in Nigeria. The president said the nonagenarian deserved the tributes being poured on him because of his “uncommon life of service and immense contributions” to the country. According to Tinubu, Fasoranti distinguished himself through his principles, commitment to noble causes and dedication to national service. “His life…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recovered seven stolen luxury vehicles smuggled from Canada through the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. An internal Customs document dated May 5, 2026, showed that the intercepted vehicles included a 2019 Lexus RX350, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, 2019 Lamborghini Huracán, 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible, 2018 Lamborghini Aventador, and a 2026 Toyota Tundra, all confirmed to have been stolen and illegally exported from Canada before ending up in Nigeria. In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the NCS said the vehicles were intercepted as part of the Service’s…

At least 12 people have been killed in separate attacks on communities in Plateau State’s Riyom and Bassa local government areas amid renewed violence across the state. The attacks reportedly occurred between the late hours of May 8 and the early hours of May 9, heightening tensions in communities already grappling with reprisal killings and insecurity. According to security sources quoted by Zagazola Makama, three persons were killed after suspected militia members attacked Gwa Rim village in Riyom at about 11pm on Thursday. Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), who had earlier been deployed to Angwan Wereng following security threat…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he believes the war with Ukraine is “heading to an end” as Moscow and Kyiv entered a temporary ceasefire and prepared for a major prisoner exchange. Putin made the remarks on Saturday while answering questions from journalists after events marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’sPutin says Russia-Ukraine war coming to an end victory in World War II. His comments came as Russia and Ukraine began a three-day truce and agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners in one of the largest swaps since the conflict escalated in 2022. The Russian leader criticised Western support…