Author: Opalim Lifted

An outbreak of Meningitis is raising fresh concerns across northern parts of Nigeria, with health authorities urging vigilance as cases rise. Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can spread quickly, especially in overcrowded areas, and can become life-threatening if not treated early. Why cases are rising Northern Nigeria lies within Africa’s “meningitis belt,” a region prone to seasonal outbreaks, particularly during the dry season when dust levels are high and humidity is low. These conditions make it easier for the infection to spread. Health experts warn that…

A new study has found that cannabis is not an effective treatment for most mental disorders, challenging growing claims around its medical benefits. Researchers reviewed existing scientific evidence on cannabis use across a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Their findings showed little to no consistent proof that cannabis significantly improves symptoms in most cases. Instead, the study warns that cannabis use may worsen certain conditions, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Experts noted that while some patients report short-term relief, the long-term effects remain unclear and could be harmful. The researchers stressed that current evidence…

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi has visited former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja following his recent release from custody. The visit comes amid growing political and legal tensions surrounding Malami, who has remained in the spotlight since regaining his freedom. Obi’s Visit Signals Political Interest Obi’s visit to Malami in Abuja has sparked fresh political conversations, with observers interpreting the move as a sign of solidarity and possible alignment amid ongoing developments. Although details of their meeting were not officially disclosed, the visit is seen as significant given both figures’ influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.…

Top military commanders have arrived in Maiduguri following deadly bomb attacks, in what authorities describe as a swift response to a directive from President Bola Tinubu. The deployment comes days after coordinated explosions rocked parts of the Borno State capital, leaving dozens dead and many others injured. The attacks targeted crowded civilian areas, heightening fresh concerns about security in north-east. According to officials, the service chiefs were dispatched to assess the situation on ground and coordinate intensified military operations aimed at preventing further attacks. Their visit is also expected to boost troop morale and reassure residents amid rising anxiety. Security…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to raise human rights concerns with Bola Tinubu during any official engagement with Nigeria. In a statement, SERAP urged the British monarch to use his diplomatic influence to address alleged rights violations and governance issues under Tinubu’s administration. The organisation stressed that respect for human rights remains essential to Nigeria’s democratic credibility and international reputation. SERAP argued that the United Kingdom maintains strong historical and diplomatic ties with Nigeria, placing King Charles in a unique position to advocate for accountability, rule of law, and protection of civil…

The African Union (AU) has intensified efforts to mobilise collective action against terrorism across the continent, as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, warned that internal collaborators remain a major threat to national security. Speaking at a high-level security engagement, the AU called on member states to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve border security, and deepen military cooperation to combat the growing wave of extremist violence. The push comes amid rising concerns over insurgent activities in parts of Africa, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, where terrorist groups continue to exploit weak governance structures and local grievances. Oluyede…

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that extra-judicial statements made by Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman were given voluntarily and are admissible in evidence. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, marks a key development in the ongoing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, is being tried alongside Sulaiman on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦10.27 billion. The court had earlier conducted a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements obtained during investigation…

Nigerian troops have killed 61 fighters linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during coordinated operations in Borno State, marking one of the most significant recent blows against insurgents in the northeast. Military authorities said the operation targeted multiple enclaves of the terrorist group, with troops engaging the fighters in intense gun battles across strategic locations. The offensive forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and restore stability in the region. According to officials, the troops also recovered weapons and ammunition during the raids, further weakening the operational capacity of the group. The military maintained that the…

Social media giant Facebook paid content creators nearly $3 billion in 2025, marking a 35 percent increase compared to the previous year, as the platform ramps up efforts to reward original content. The payout highlights a growing opportunity for creators who consistently produce engaging and original posts across the platform. Data shows that short-form video remains the biggest revenue driver. About 60 percent of the total payout went to Reels, reinforcing the platform’s strong push toward video-first content. The remaining 40 percent was distributed across other formats, including photos, text posts and Stories, showing that diverse content strategies still have…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over N3.9 billion in recovered funds to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, reinforcing efforts to tackle corruption in the country’s oil sector. The funds, totalling N3,936,145,822, were formally presented on March 18, 2026, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. The presentation was made on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede by the Commission’s Secretary, Mohammed Hammajoda. Hammajoda said the recovered funds were traced to fraudulent activities involving some actors within NNPCL, uncovered through detailed investigations. He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to fighting financial crimes, noting that the agency remains dedicated…