Author: Opalim Lifted

US President Donald Trump said he is not looking forward to a third term in office. Speaking in an interview on NBC, Trump said he would hand over power to a “great Republican” after completing his constitutionally permissible two terms of eight years. “So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do,” he said. “I don’t know if that is constitutional that they’re not allowing you to do it or anything else. But, there are many people…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied a report by BBC News Pidgin regarding the reason for the arrest of controversial social critic, Martins Otse, widely called VeryDarkMan (VDM). BBC News Pidgin had earlier reported that the anti-graft agency, through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of VeryDarkMan over multiple petitions against him on Monday. According to the reports, VeryDarkMan was taken into custody following complaints from several petitioners. They also quoted Oyewale as saying that the critic would be released “when he meets the bail conditions,” and that he was to be arraigned soon. But, the…

Protesters on Monday besieged the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of popular social critic Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). Chanting slogans and waving placards with inscriptions such as “#FreeVDM,” “Activism is not a sin,” “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” and “VDM has committed no offence,” the demonstrators accused authorities of targeting the influencer for his outspoken activism. Some protesters were seen protesting in a moving vehicle, chanting FreeVDM in Abuja streets. VeryDarkMan was recently arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of cyberstalking. His arrest…

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is under fire after a wave of graduates came forward to reveal they received student loans and upkeep payments months after finishing their studies. “I applied for the loan when I was desperate to pay my final-year tuition,” said one ex-student. “The approval came long after I had scraped the money together myself. I’d already graduated when I saw that NELFUND had paid the school.” He added, “They told me to ask the school for a refund. But how do I request that when I’m no longer a student? Worse, I still receive upkeep…

Akintunde Sawyerr, managing director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), has spoken on the misappropriation claims swirling around the scheme. There have been reports of mismanagement of funds earmarked for disbursement to students. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) commenced an investigation into alleged discrepancies in the disbursement of the loan. A report had also claimed that 51 tertiary institutions were involved in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the scheme. Reacting, NELFund said the reports are “unverified, context-free, and inflammatory”. The organisation said the allegations are “false, grossly irresponsible, and damaging” to the integrity…

England striker Harry Kane said it feels sweet to finally end his career-long trophy drought on Sunday, after securing the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in his second season at the German club. The England captain broke a league record two weeks ago with his 60th goal in his first 60 league games for Bayern, and the 31-year-old looks set to become the first player in Bundesliga history to be crowned top scorer in both his first two seasons. “What a night last night, what a celebration with the players, with the staff. I’m sure everyone’s feeling it a little bit this morning, but…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that controversial critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested by its operatives over multiple petitions against him. The anti-graft agency, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, told BBC News on Monday that VeryDarkMan was taken into custody following complaints from several petitioners. “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale said. Oyewale noted that the petitions were from different individuals, and the agency owed them a duty of protection, adding that the EFCC was already planning on arraigning the social…

England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Premier League champions Liverpool at the end of the season. The 26-year-old, who has been at the club since he was six, is out of contract on 30 June and is expected to join Real Madrid. “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season,” Alexander-Arnold announced on social media. “This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.” Alexander-Arnold is one of three high-profile players whose deals at Anfield run…

Nigerian activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, is at the centre of a storm after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—a move his legal team has branded as unlawful and abusive. In a swift response, his legal representative Deji Adeyanju announced he had cut short his trip to Banjul, Gambia, to return to Nigeria and challenge the EFCC’s actions head-on. “I’ll be at the EFCC headquarters with my team to demand answers,” Adeyanju stated, saying he’s scheduled to arrive back in Nigeria by 4 p.m. According to a statement from Adeyanju’s firm, Deji Adeyanju and…

Israel has approved a sweeping new military plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, in a move that is set to deepen the territory’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The newly sanctioned offensive, greenlit by the Israeli cabinet early Monday, involves the “capture and holding” of Gaza territory, officials said. Tens of thousands of reserve soldiers are being called up, as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) prepare for an intensified campaign against Hamas. Civilians in northern Gaza will be forced southwards, with aid deliveries redirected to Israeli-controlled hubs to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas—a move the UN has strongly…