Author: Opalim Lifted

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday paid a visit to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), at his Hilltop residence in Minna, the Niger State capital. Atiku arrived at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, alongside some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including the Assistant National Youth Leader, North Central, Hassana Shuibu Dada. He then proceeded directly to Babangida’s residence. Similarly, Governor Makinde arrived at Babangida’s residence a few minutes after Atiku. Details of the closed-door meeting between the leaders remain sketchy, but it may not be…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has fixed February 12, 2026, to hear multiple suits challenging the legality of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. A three-member panel of the court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, will hear eight separate appeals questioning the validity of the convention that produced the Tanimu Turaki–led National Working Committee (NWC). The appeals stem from conflicting judgments delivered by three judges of the Federal High Court and one judge of a State High Court. In November 2025, a faction of the PDP held…

Yusuf Buhari, son of Nigeria’s late President Muhammadu Buhari, has opened up about the dramatic shift in his daily life after his father left office. “After Goodluck Jonathan called my dad to congratulate him on his election victory, I used to receive up to 2,000 calls a day. The calls came as early as 4 a.m., from old classmates, acquaintances, extended family, and even former staff who had once worked for our family. There were also numerous callers with vague, untraceable reasons, which my assistant politely handled,” Yusuf revealed. “But once my father handed over power to His Excellency Bola…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, by N25 per litre, lowering its depot/gantry rate from N799 to N774 per litre. The Group Commercial Operations Department of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE announced the reduction on Tuesday night through a circular shared on its official X account. According to the company, the new rate takes immediate effect nationwide. “This is to notify you of a change in our PMS gantry price from N799 per litre to N774 per litre,” the circular stated. The refinery explained that the adjustment strengthens…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has permitted licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to access foreign exchange from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) through authorised dealer banks. The CBN announced this on Tuesday in a circular signed by Musa Narkoji, Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, and addressed to all authorised dealer banks and the general public. The apex bank stated that all BDCs duly licensed by the bank can now purchase foreign exchange from the NFEM through any authorised dealer of their choice at the prevailing market rate. According to the circular, the move is aimed…

Andrey Podyelyshev, the Russian ambassador to Nigeria, has dismissed reports alleging the conscription of Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. Last week, a CNN investigation revealed how Africans from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda were reportedly lured to Russia under the guise of civilian job offers such as drivers or security guards. Most said they were promised a signing bonus of $13,000, monthly salaries of up to $3,500, and Russian citizenship at the end of their service. However, upon arriving in Russia, they were allegedly forced into the military and given little training before being deployed to the frontline. They were…

Tottenham Hotspur have sacked manager Thomas Frank after just eight months in charge, with the club drifting dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone. Spurs confirmed the decision in a statement on Wednesday following a dismal run of results that left the north London side 16th in the table, just five points above the drop zone. Pressure had been building on Frank for weeks, but Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United proved decisive. The loss was Tottenham’s 11th in 26 league matches this season and their seventh home defeat in the Premier League campaign. Board Loses Patience “Thomas…

The United States (US) will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to support the country’s fight against insurgency in its northern region. According to Reuters, a US official confirmed that the troops will reinforce a small number of American military personnel already stationed in Nigeria. The move marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral security cooperation. The deployment follows renewed defence collaboration between Washington and Abuja. US President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of Christian persecution, a decision that further shaped diplomatic engagement between both nations. Last week, Dagvin Anderson, commander of the…

Security experts have urged the Federal Government to criminalise ransom payments to terrorists, warning that secret negotiations and payouts are fuelling insecurity across Nigeria. They described the payment of ransom as the “biggest betrayal” in the fight against insurgency, insisting that it emboldens criminal networks and deepens violence nationwide. The call was made during Boiling Point, a media programme broadcast on six radio stations and powered by the National Association of Seadogs, Ash Montana Deck. ‘Ransom Payments Empower Terrorists’ A retired US Army Major, Yinka Ogunsanya, strongly opposed ransom payments to terrorists, arguing that government-funded payouts directly strengthen insurgent groups.…

Gunmen have abducted 15 travellers after attacking a commercial bus along the Utonkon–Okpoga Road in Benue State, worsening security concerns across the North-Central region. The incident occurred at about 7pm on Monday in the Utonkon axis of Ado Local Government Area, along the route linking Ado and Okpokwu LGAs. A youth leader in the Utonkon district, Jude Onwe, said the bus was carrying 16 passengers travelling from Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA to various destinations in south-west Nigeria when it was intercepted. According to Onwe, the attackers blocked the road, stopped the vehicle and forcefully marched the passengers into the…