Author: Opalim Lifted

The former property manager of a San Diego apartment complex where two of the 9/11 hijackers lived has spoken publicly for the first time about their relationship with Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi national accused of helping the pair settle in the United States. Holly Ratchford, who managed Parkwood Apartments in San Diego, California, said Bayoumi introduced her to Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar in February 2000. The two men later became two of the 19 al-Qaeda members who hijacked four passenger planes during the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. Ratchford told the BBC that Bayoumi had brought…

Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has called for greater action to protect the environment, stressing that leaving the Earth better than it was found requires more than good intentions. Osinbajo made the call while reflecting on the annual Open Day for Gardeners, describing the gathering as a cherished annual meeting of friends centred on flowers, green spaces and beautiful landscapes. The event, he noted, is not limited to gardeners, but welcomes everyone who appreciates nature, enjoys peaceful green spaces or simply wants to take part in the fun and games. The keynote theme for this year’s gathering was “Leaving the Earth…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed how public funds were allegedly moved from a local government account to a private company before being transferred into cryptocurrency wallets. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed this on Monday while briefing media executives and journalists in Abuja, saying the commission could not ignore suspicious movements of public money. Olukoyede did not identify the local government, private company or state involved in the transaction. He said the commission’s Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department detected the suspicious transactions and froze the funds for 72 hours to determine their destination and purpose. The…

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Federal Government 14 days to ensure the immediate listing and hearing of Nnamdi Kanu’s pending appeal. The group also threatened to mobilise for a boycott of the 2027 general elections across the South-East and other areas it describes as Biafraland if the government fails to act. IPOB’s Head of Directorate of State, Mazi Chris Nwaogu, issued the ultimatum in a video broadcast on Monday amid renewed concerns from Kanu’s family over delays in hearing his appeal against his conviction and life sentence. Kanu’s family recently disclosed that he had written to…

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of manipulating Washington into going to war with Iran, describing him as a “serpent”. Araghchi made the accusation on Monday in a post on X, citing comments Netanyahu allegedly made about his influence over the US administration. “In Hebrew, Netanyahu openly crows that he suckered the U.S. Administration into a war on Iran on behalf of Israel. Netanyahu explicitly laughs about how he ‘influenced’ America through 1,000 hours of airtime on U.S. networks,” Araghchi said. “In English, he praises POTUS’ leadership. Serpent,” he added. The conflict between Iran…

US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch further strikes against Iran after the two countries exchanged fire for the first time in a month, raising fresh fears of a wider escalation. Iran launched missiles overnight at two US air bases in Jordan after US forces struck Iran’s Larak Island, where Washington said Iranian forces were preparing to launch rockets and sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. “We’re going to hit them hard,” a Fox News reporter quoted Trump as saying. “There will be a response.” Trump later told reporters in the Oval Office that the renewed fighting did…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed more than 40 staff members for corruption and financial malpractice over the past three years, chairman Ola Olukoyede has disclosed. Olukoyede made the disclosure on Monday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja during a briefing on the commission’s achievements under his leadership. He said more than five of the dismissed personnel were already facing prosecution, while case files involving others were being prepared for prosecution. “In the past two and a half years or three years of my service, I’ve asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption…

Award-winning filmmaker and author, Omoba Deji Adesanya, has launched a 584-page book documenting the history, politics, economy, culture, education, traditional institutions and notable personalities of Sagamu, Ogun State. Titled A Handbook of Sagamu, the book was publicly presented on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Centenary Hall, Ewusi Street, Sagamu. The event attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, business personalities, professionals and other distinguished guests. Adesanya said the book was inspired by his desire to properly document Sagamu’s rich history and make it accessible to present and future generations. The Chairman and Father of the Day, Asiwaju S.K. Onafowokan, OON, described…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it recovered ₦1.233 trillion in 34 months under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. In a statement issued on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said Olukoyede disclosed this while presenting an account of his stewardship to the media. According to the EFCC, naira recoveries reached an all-time high of ₦1,233,612,040,411.11 between October 2023 and July 2026. The commission also recorded recoveries of $684,478,457.32, £373,905.78 and €9,343,803.66 during the period. Of the naira recovery, about ₦397.26 billion, representing 33 per cent, was recovered directly for the Federal Government. The remaining ₦836.34…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that it removed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s candidates for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly elections and replaced them with “impostors”. The NDC had on Sunday accused INEC of altering its list of nominated candidates, with Moses Zuwoghe, the party’s national chairman, alleging that 10 “strange names” appeared on the list published by the commission. But Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, described the allegation as “serious” and said the commission has no legal authority to nominate candidates for political parties. Speaking to newsmen on Monday,…