Author: Opalim Lifted

US President Donald Trump has reversed his plan to impose a 20 percent “safe passage” fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz after intervention from several Gulf countries. Trump announced the levy on Monday while declaring the US “the guardians of the Strait of Hormuz.” He said the payment would help cover the cost of maintaining security in the strategic waterway. The announcement sent oil prices surging, prompting Gulf allies’ leaders to work frantically to get Trump on the phone and persuade him to abandon the proposal. The appeals came from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of more than 40 properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in a major victory for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents failed to rebut the EFCC’s reasonable suspicion that the properties were acquired through unlawful activities. The judge dismissed several applications and motions filed by Malami, members of his family and companies connected to the assets, describing them as lacking merit. She held that the central issue before the court was not…

Troops have arrested a pregnant woman allegedly transporting essential items to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State. Security sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Falmata Adamu, was apprehended on July 13 while troops conducted routine checkpoint operations along the Mandaragirau–Biu Road. “According to the sources, the woman was intercepted after troops discovered items concealed in her clothing during a search,” Makama reported. “The recovered items included 17 torchlights and 19 Tiger batteries, which are suspected to have been destined for a terrorist enclave. “The suspect was taken into custody, while preliminary investigations are…

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has said First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s commitment and punctuality during her 12-year tenure in the Senate earned her both the respect of her colleagues and God’s reward. Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Barau backed a proposal by Senator Abdul Ningi to introduce end-of-session attendance records to recognise lawmakers who remain in the chamber until adjournment. The proposal came as fewer than 50 senators were present in the chamber ahead of adjournment. Using Remi Tinubu as an example, Barau said dedication to legislative duties does not go unnoticed. “I will give you a good example. The current…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted Darius Ishaku, former governor of Taraba State, permission to travel to Dubai for a medical check-up and surgery. Sylvanus Oriji, the presiding judge, granted the application on Tuesday after it was filed by Chris Umar, counsel to Ishaku, on behalf of the former governor. The prosecution did not oppose the application. The judge adjourned the case until October 5, 2026, for the continuation of the trial. Ishaku and Bello Yero, former permanent secretary in the Taraba Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, are standing trial on a 15-count charge bordering…

Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will deliver the keynote address at the launch of a new book examining Nigeria’s democratic experience from 1999 to 2023. The two-volume publication, titled ‘SHADOWS: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)’, spans more than 900 pages and chronicles the country’s political and democratic evolution over 24 years. Amupitan is expected to speak on ‘Strengthening Electoral Institutions: Pathways to Free, Fair, and Peaceful Elections in 2027’, with a focus on reforms needed to improve Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the next general election. According to the organisers, the book…

Taiwo Johns, an official of the Taraba Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has narrated how ₦1.8 billion meant for the purchase of Christmas grains in the state was transferred into his company’s account. Johns appeared before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Monday in the ongoing trial of Darius Ishaku, former governor of Taraba State, and Bello Yero, the state’s former permanent secretary in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Ishaku and Yero are facing trial on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds. They have…

Brent crude oil prices rose by 4.19 percent on Tuesday to $86.79 per barrel, the highest level since June 12. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude surged by 3.16 percent to $80.61 per barrel. The surge came after the US reimposed a naval blockade on Iran, while renewed attacks between Washington and Tehran heightened concerns over energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. On July 12, Iran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after its forces fired a naval cruise missile at a vessel it accused of sailing through an unauthorised route. One month earlier, global crude oil…

The House of Representatives has reversed its earlier approval of the proposed state police bill, paving the way for fresh consideration of a revised version submitted by President Bola Tinubu. The decision was taken during Tuesday’s plenary after Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, moved a motion urging lawmakers to reconsider the legislation. Waive explained that new issues had emerged regarding the bill’s provisions, making it necessary to review its clauses to ensure they align with Nigeria’s national security framework. As part of the decision, the House rescinded its June 11 approval of the bill…

The Senate has asked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to withdraw his call for a United Nations (UN)-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The resolution followed the adoption of an additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during debate on a motion commending President Bola Tinubu, the armed forces and other security agencies for rescuing the victims after 56 days in captivity. The substantive motion was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by 108 senators. On Monday, Makinde had called on the UN and…