Author: Opalim Lifted

Dangote Group has dismissed claims of a fallout between its founder, Aliko Dangote, and Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), describing the reports as false and malicious. The denial follows a viral post on X by a user identified as Oghneminehhhhh, which alleged that Dangote recounted financial difficulties during the construction of his refinery in 2021. According to the post, the project was only halfway completed when Dangote reportedly ran out of funds and sought financial support from business associates, including Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Mike Adenuga. The post further claimed that Elumelu promised to…

The Nigerian Army has arrested a social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, widely known as “Justice Crack”, over allegations of inciting soldiers and breaching military social media rules. In a statement issued on Saturday, Appolonia Anele, acting director of army public relations, said the influencer shared online complaints from soldiers regarding poor feeding and welfare conditions. According to the army, early findings suggest Chidiebere engaged in conversations with some personnel that went beyond airing grievances. Officials claim he may have encouraged discontent within the ranks—raising concerns about discipline and internal stability. Anele pointed to what she described as “subversive discussions”…

Julius Malema, a South African opposition politician, has condemned citizens who launch xenophobic attacks against foreigners in the country over claims of job loss. Malema recently spoke during an event organised to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashawana Foundation. Recently, videos of violent attacks against African immigrants, particularly Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, and Nigerians in South Africa, went viral on social media. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg said two Nigerians — Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed amid escalating xenophobic tensions. Speaking during the event, Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, challenged perpetrators of attacks on foreigners and…

Ipswich Town secured an immediate return to the Premier League after defeating Queens Park Rangers to seal the Championship’s second automatic promotion spot. Relegated 12 months ago after just four wins in their first top-flight season in 22 years, Kieran McKenna’s side have bounced back straight away. With matters in their own hands going into the final day, Ipswich knew that three points at Portman Road would nullify anything promotion rivals Millwall or Middlesbrough could do. Goals inside the first nine minutes from George Hirst and Jaden Philogene set them on their way before substitute Kasey McAteer added a late…

Fear has gripped residents of Katsina State after suspected bandits abducted more than a dozen women and young children during a late-night attack on Sabon Layi community in Bakori Local Government Area. The raid, which unfolded at about 9:45pm yesterday, saw heavily armed attackers storm the quiet settlement and target specific households. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the victims estimated at 15 or more include breastfeeding mothers and infants who were taken alongside them. According to local sources, the assailants headed directly to homes belonging to a man identified as Mallam Aliyu and his younger brother. The attackers reportedly moved with…

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has emphasised the need for Africa to play a leading role in shaping the future of global development partnerships. Osinbajo made the remarks while speaking at the AfricaXchange 2026 held in Nairobi, Kenya. He shared details of the discussions in a post on his official Instagram page. According to Osinbajo, the summit featured a panel discussion on the theme, “Future of Development Cooperation: How Africa Shapes the Next Era of Partnership.” He participated alongside Nardos Bekele-Thomas of AUDA-NEPAD, Mamadou Biteye, and Moky Makura. The session was moderated by William Asiko. The former vice president…

Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have dealt a heavy blow to armed groups in Katsina State, killing four suspected terrorist commanders during a fierce encounter on Friday. The operation, which took place along the Turare–Yantumaki road, saw soldiers repel an ambush and swiftly turn the tide against their attackers. According to the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, the troops were on a fighting patrol when they came under attack around 11:40 a.m. The soldiers responded decisively, pursuing and neutralising all four assailants without suffering any casualties. Authorities identified the slain…

The United States (US) has issued a fresh warning to its citizens in the United Kingdom, urging heightened vigilance after Britain raised its terrorism threat level to “severe”. The alert follows a decision by the UK Government to increase the threat level from “substantial”, signalling that an attack is now considered highly likely. The move came after a stabbing in Golders Green, North London, where two Jewish men Shloime Rand and Moshe Shine were attacked in what authorities described as an antisemitic incident. The Metropolitan Police classified the attack as terrorism, intensifying concerns over public safety. Responding to the development,…

Air Peace has pushed back against criticism following a disrupted London–Lagos flight, insisting passengers were not abandoned despite a lengthy delay that sparked backlash online. The Nigerian carrier said the interruption to its Gatwick service on Friday was caused by a bird strike — a serious aviation hazard that forced the aircraft to be grounded immediately for safety checks. The incident gained traction after Funke Akindele publicly criticised the airline, claiming passengers were left stranded at London Gatwick Airport for hours with little communication. She said travellers had been waiting since early morning without clear updates. Airline cites safety first…

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, has said that Nigeria’s next president, ahead of the 2027 general elections, has already been determined by God. Speaking during a workers’ meeting at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday, Adeboye said the outcome of the election is beyond human influence, insisting that divine will will ultimately prevail. He said, “The next president has already been decided by God, who owns the universe. It is not something we can determine by human effort alone. The will of God will be done.” Adeboye cautioned Nigerians against…