Author: Opalim Lifted

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned proceedings to May 28 for a hearing in a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen the investigation into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. The judge fixed the date after the applicant informed the court that all respondents had been served with the processes in the suit. The respondents are the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command. The suit was instituted by a non-governmental organisation, the Registered Trustees of Break…

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised fresh concerns over what it describes as a growing flood of counterfeit and toxic consumables across the country, warning that millions of Nigerians may be at risk. The group accused key regulators, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) of failing in their core duties, alleging that weak enforcement has turned markets into hubs for fake and substandard goods. According to HURIWA, major cities including Abuja are witnessing a surge in counterfeit wines, adulterated beverages and substandard processed foods.…

Thirteen young travellers from Cross River State abducted on their way to a Christian conference in Abuja have reportedly been starved and brutalised by their captors, as kidnappers demand N10 million ransom for each victim. The group was seized eight days ago in Aloma Village, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, while travelling from Calabar to attend an international conference organised by the Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide in Kwali. What began as a religious journey has turned into a distressing ordeal, with families describing worsening conditions in captivity and growing fears for the victims’ survival. Among those abducted is…

Amnesty International has raised alarm over a Federal Capital Territory High Court ruling involving Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and officials of the Department of State Services, warning it could shrink civic space in Nigeria. The case stems from a 9 September 2024 incident when DSS officials visited SERAP’s Abuja office without prior written notice, questioned staff, and reportedly stationed operatives outside the premises. SERAP later described the encounter as intimidation and harassment. Following the incident, two DSS officials filed a defamation suit against the organisation — a move widely described as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP),…

As the world marks World Asthma Day, experts are warning that Nigeria’s asthma burden is worsening due to poor diagnosis, rising inhaler costs and increasing environmental pollution. An estimated 13 to 15 million adults in Nigeria live with asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that requires lifelong management. Yet access to essential treatment remains a major challenge. At the centre of modern asthma care are preventive inhalers, particularly those recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma, which combine inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators. These medications help control airway inflammation and prevent severe attacks. However, findings from a market survey show that…

Former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, has withdrawn from the Cross River North senatorial race following what he described as a request from President Bola Tinubu. In a statement released on Monday, Ayade said he returned to Abuja for a high-level consultation with the presidency, during which he was asked to step down his senatorial ambition. He said he complied with the request despite expressing disappointment over the outcome. “From the sequence of events that followed my return, Mr President wants me to withhold my Senate ambition. I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill…

Three people have died following a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus infection aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondius, with the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming at least one case and investigating additional infections. The global health body said six individuals have been affected so far, while five more cases remain under investigation. One patient is currently receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa. WHO disclosed that epidemiological investigations, laboratory testing and virus sequencing are ongoing to determine the source and full scope of the outbreak. Medical care is being provided to both passengers and crew on board the vessel. Efforts are…

It is not the record that Chelsea’s owners dreamed of when they bought the club four years ago — Monday’s 3-1 home defeat by Nottingham Forest means the Londoners have now lost six league games in a row for the first time since 1993. It could have been worse. Until João Pedro’s spectacular overhead strike in the 93rd minute, they were on course to suffer six consecutive league defeats without scoring in any of those matches for the first time in their 121-year history. With the former European champions plummeting down the league table, the sole comfort for their fans…

Jeremy Doku scored two stunning goals including a 97th-minute equaliser to salvage a draw for Manchester City in a six-goal thriller at Everton, but the result dealt a blow to the Premier League title hopes of Pep Guardiola’s side. The breathtaking encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium means City trail leaders Arsenal by five points with a game in hand, but Mikel Arteta’s Gunners now have their destiny in their own hands. In a sensational Monday night match, City were left frustrated as Everton soaked up pressure and were in need of inspiration Doku provided it three minutes before half-time with…

Trade tensions between the European Union (EU) and the United States have escalated after fresh tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, prompting urgent talks between top officials. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade commissioner, is set to meet Jamieson Greer on Tuesday. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of a G7 ministerial gathering in Paris. The discussions follow Trump’s announcement on Friday that the US plans to raise tariffs on EU vehicle imports to 25 per cent starting this week. He also accused the EU of failing to comply with a prior trade agreement. The European Union has…