Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court has rejected an application by Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, seeking bail from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a ruling on Thursday, Babangida Hassan, the presiding judge, said Malami’s detention was lawful and backed by a valid court order. Malami, a senior advocate of Nigeria, had approached the court through his counsel, Sulaiman Hassan, arguing that his continued detention by the EFCC in the course of an ongoing investigation was illegal and violated his constitutional right to personal liberty. The EFCC,…

A former senior aide to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has firmly dismissed claims that President Muhammadu Buhari opposed Osinbajo’s 2023 presidential ambition, describing recent accounts as misleading and historically inaccurate. Babafemi Ojudu, who served as Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice President between 2016 and 2022, was responding to excerpts from a new book by Dr Charles Omole, Muhammadu Buhari: From Soldier to Statesman. The book has sparked controversy by suggesting tensions within the Buhari presidency over Osinbajo’s bid. According to Ojudu, the suggestion that President Buhari was unsupportive is “implausible and mischievous”. Drawing on…

President Bola Tinubu will be hosting a national caucus meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa today, bringing together Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, state governors, serving and former top functionaries of the National Assembly, former governors, and members of the National Working Committee of the party. The National Caucus of the party normally holds ahead of the National Executive Council meeting. Today’s meeting is described by party insiders as strategic and consultative, called to strengthen party cohesion and chart key directions for upcoming political engagements. Participants are expected to deliberate…

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, has ordered the deployment of police personnel to places of worship and other public locations across the FCT ahead of the Yuletide celebrations. In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said 2,202 police officers have been deployed across the territory in line with the 2025 festive season operational order to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. According to her, police personnel have been stationed at places of worship, recreational and event centres, major highways, motor parks, and other public spaces. She added that…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five members of a syndicate allegedly defrauding unsuspecting individuals under the pretence of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments. In a statement on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, identified the suspects as Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan. Oyewale said operatives arrested them on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their shrines in Osun and Lagos states “following a thorough surveillance and intelligence on their fraudulent activities”. According to the EFCC spokesperson, the suspects, who operated as herbalists, allegedly defrauded one…

Teenager Lewis Miley scored a dramatic late winner as holders Newcastle United beat Fulham to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. The quarter-final looked to be heading for penalties after Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic’s header cancelled out Yoane Wissa’s opener at St James’ Park. But Miley headed home at the near post from Sandro Tonali’s stoppage-time corner as Newcastle got back to winning ways following a damaging derby defeat against Sunderland on Sunday. The 19-year-old midfielder stepped up when Newcastle needed him most, having selflessly filled in at right-back because of injuries to Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Dan Burn…

Rayan Cherki’s thunderbolt strike helped Manchester City overcome Brentford to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. City, who had not reached the last four of the competition since claiming a fourth triumph in a row in 2021, will face Newcastle in a two-legged semi-final. Brentford started brightly but could not capitalise and were then reliant on stand-in goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson to push away a rising effort from Cherki. Having had a sighter at goal, the Frenchman gave City the lead just after the half hour mark. The forward picked the ball up on the edge of the box, cut…

FIFA has introduced a small number of “more affordable” $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of its pricing structure for the tournament. World football’s governing body says the new ticket price will be available to a certain number of “loyal fans” of the countries that have qualified for the World Cup. A FIFA official close to discussions said: “We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do” – adding the decision was unanimous. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement but added: “As someone…

Gbenga Komolafe has resigned as the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The resignation was announced in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, on Wednesday. Onanuga said President Bola Tinubu has written to the senate for an expedited confirmation of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Komolafe’s replacement. Farouk Ahmed’s resignation as the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was also announced by the presidency. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed was named as the successor to the embattled Ahmed. Appointed By Buhari In 2021 Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Komolafe as the…

Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has resigned following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu, on Wednesday, summoned Ahmed to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following allegations of economic sabotage and corruption. Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also resigned, according to a statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy. Tinubu was said to have nominated successors to the senate for approval. “Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the nominations of two new…