Author: Opalim Lifted

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple drug consignments ingeniously concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs and women’s clothing, bound for the United States, the United Kingdom and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The seizures, made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a courier firm in Lagos, led to the arrest of two suspects. One of them, cargo agent Boladale Riliwan, was arrested on 7 October after operatives found 15 parcels of skunk, a potent cannabis strain hidden inside 10 giant rechargeable bulbs destined for the DRC. Five days later, on 12 October, Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot,…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to explain the whereabouts of N18.6 billion allocated for the construction of the National Assembly Commission Office Complex. According to SERAP, the alleged mismanagement was exposed in the 2022 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, released on 9 September 2025. The group demanded that the National Assembly leadership disclose the name of the ‘fictitious construction company’ that reportedly collected the money, along with details of its directors, shareholders and address. In a letter dated 18 October 2025…

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to intensify collaboration with the Commission in the national fight against corruption and financial crimes, describing corruption as a “monster” threatening Nigeria’s progress. Speaking through Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Ibadan Directorate, ACE Hauwa Garba Ringim, Olukoyede made the appeal during a one-day interactive workshop organised for journalists and CSOs in Ibadan. The session created a platform for candid discussions on how to boost transparency, enhance citizen engagement, and strengthen EFCC’s public accountability efforts. Olukoyede commended…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly debunked claims that Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary cancellation was linked to an alleged coup plot within the military. In a statement released on Saturday, Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, explained that the federal government called off the October 1 parade to allow President Bola Tinubu attend a crucial bilateral meeting abroad. He added that the move also enabled security forces to sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry nationwide. Gusau dismissed a viral report alleging that sixteen officers had been arrested over a coup attempt. He clarified that the officers were instead…

Erling Haaland netted twice to continue his sensational goalscoring streak and help move Man City top of the Premier League with victory over Everton. Haaland scored a hat-trick for Norway during the recent international break and his second-half double against the Toffees at Etihad Stadium took his tally to a remarkable 23 goals in only 13 games for club and country this season. The 25-year-old had been kept quiet in the first half but came alive with his first opportunity of the contest, powerfully heading in from Nico O’Reilly’s cross. Five minutes later he converted again, sweeping home from Savinho’s…

A new research from North America has found a simple blood test capable of detecting more than 50 types of cancer. Results from a trial involving 25,000 adults in the United States and Canada show that the Galleri test, developed by American biotechnology company Grail, identified a wide range of cancers. The researchers found that over half of the cancers were detected at an early stage, when treatment is most effective and chances of survival are higher. The test works by detecting tiny fragments of tumour DNA circulating in the bloodstream. Among participants, nearly one in 100 received a positive…

At least 17 people have been killed in violent clashes between criminal gangs and illegal gold miners in Kaduna State, Nigeria, United Nations security report said. The report revealed that the confrontation erupted in Birnin Gwari district after a notorious bandit leader allegedly extorted gold from miners at gunpoint. The enraged miners retaliated, killing the kingpin. His gang later stormed the site in revenge, shooting and killing seven miners. Later that day, the bandits attacked nearby Layin Danauta village, killing nine residents, injuring 13, and abducting several others while torching properties. Birnin Gwari, once notorious for insecurity, had enjoyed relative…

Captain Marc Guehi has told Crystal Palace he will not sign a new contract and will leave next year, says manager Oliver Glasner. Glasner said Palace want the 25-year-old England defender, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, to stay. “They offered Marc a new contract, but he said, ‘No, I want to make something different’, and that’s normal,” Glasner said. Palace could sell Guehi in the January transfer window or he could leave on a free transfer next summer. Glasner said: “It’s how we can deal with this situation. (What) is the best way to get…

The English Premier League has celebrated the wealth of Nigerian football talent that has featured for its numerous clubs over the years. In a post on X on Friday, the league celebrated the “greatness” of Nigerian footballers as part of a thread commemorating its diverse array of talent. Past and present Super Eagles stars were recognised in a poster with the Nigerian map and flag on full display. Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Obafemi Martins, Mikel Obi, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Joseph Yobo, Shola Ameobi, and Victor Anichebe were among those celebrated. Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina,…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rubbished reports linking him to a 2027 presidential bid, insisting he remains fully committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration till 2031. Reacting to a viral online report claiming that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were pushing him to contest the 2027 presidency, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, dismissed the story as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.” In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Olayinka said, “As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu…