Author: Opalim Lifted

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has warned that President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy will remain a fantasy unless Nigeria adopts a new constitution and devolves power from the centre. Speaking in Lagos at a forum titled “Devolution is the Solution: Foundational Reform Agenda for Nigeria’s Transformation,” Agbakoba said constitutional reform has been debated for 25 years without any concrete progress. He faulted the presidency for leaving the task to the National Assembly, calling it “a dereliction of duty.” The senior lawyer stressed that true devolution and fiscal federalism are vital to…

Crystal Palace’s first home match in a major European competition ended in disappointment as they slumped to a surprise 1–0 defeat against AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park. The Cypriot Cup holders snatched victory in the 51st minute after Eagles defender Jaydee Canvot gifted possession to Marcus Rohden, who set up Riad Bajic for a composed, powerful finish. Before the goal, Palace had dominated proceedings. Jean-Philippe Mateta struck the crossbar with an acrobatic volley and went close twice more, including a glancing header just before half-time. The French striker was also denied by a stunning reflex save from Larnaca keeper Zlatan…

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amupitan, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the Presidential Villa on Thursday morning dressed in a white agbada and gold cap. The swearing-in took place at 1:50 pm inside the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. In his remarks, Tinubu charged the new INEC boss to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and strengthen the commission’s institutional capacity. He urged Amupitan to prioritise transparency, fairness and professionalism in future elections. Amupitan’s appointment was confirmed by…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised the alarm over a planned series of coordinated attacks by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on communities in Ondo and Kogi states. In a confidential letter addressed to the Nigerian Army’s 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS identified specific targets, including Oyin-Akoko and Eriti-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, and Owo, the Owo Local Government headquarters. Signed by H. I. Kana, the letter disclosed that ISWAP operatives had begun surveillance on soft targets in the affected communities. The DSS urged heightened vigilance to prevent any potential attack.…

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and publisher, in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Sowore was arrested on Thursday morning shortly after leaving the premises of the federal high court in Abuja. The Sahara Reporters publisher was in court to meet Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is standing trial on charges bordering on alleged terrorism and treason. Sowore had led a protest for Kanu’s release on October 20. During the protest in Abuja, the police shot teargas canisters at commuters and protesters. The police also arrested…

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has decided to represent himself in his ongoing trial after his entire legal team withdrew from the case. At Thursday’s session of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that his client had chosen to conduct his own defence. Other senior advocates on the team also announced their withdrawal, a decision Kanu confirmed in person. When asked by the presiding judge if he wanted a lawyer assigned to him, Kanu declined, insisting on defending himself for now but leaving open the…

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, will formally assume office on Thursday, 23 October 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. An internal memo signed by Deputy Director of Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, confirmed that an inaugural meeting between the incoming chairman and INEC directors will hold at 1:30 p.m. in the Commission’s Conference Hall. Amupitan is expected to resume duties following his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu. His appointment comes after the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s two-term tenure, which spanned from 2015 to 2025 and oversaw two general elections as well…

The Federal Government has unveiled a $220 million investment to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0. Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced the plan in Abuja on Wednesday during the official launch of the new phase, which aims to bridge the gap between learning and earning for graduates. Implemented in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the NJFP 2.0 will equip graduates with work experience, training, and mentorship in sectors such as technology, energy, agriculture, and the creative industries. Shettima said the initiative…

A woman in her 20s from Osan, South Korea, is facing criminal charges after allegedly setting fire to her apartment while trying to kill a cockroach with an improvised flamethrower, causing the death of her neighbour. According to police reports cited by PEOPLE and the BBC, the fire started around 5:30 a.m. on Monday, October 20, when the woman used a lighter and a flammable spray to burn a cockroach in her flat. The blaze quickly spread through the building, forcing residents to flee through windows. Authorities said the suspect, described as “a flight risk,” is facing charges of accidental…

Hugo Ekitike scored against his former club as Liverpool emphatically brought to an end their losing run by fighting back from a goal down to thrash Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. After making a blistering start to the season with seven successive wins in all competitions, the Reds’ form took a concerning dip with four successive losses, including to rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday. Initially, it looked like that poor run of form would continue as they made a stumbling start in Germany and fell behind when ex-Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen struck. But Liverpool turned…