Author: Opalim Lifted

Brighton capitalised on a disastrous mistake from Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana to condemn their hosts to a fourth defeat in five Premier League home games and leave Ruben Amorim’s side rooted in the bottom half of the table. The visitors were already leading thanks to goals from Yankuba Minteh and Kauro Mitoma when Onana came sliding out to collect a low Yasin Ayari cross. It seemed an easy enough take but somehow Onana managed to grab the ball, then release it. Substitute Georginio Rutter could not believe his luck as he turned the ball into an empty net, with…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a system upgrade and maintenance of its passport portal for applicants within the country. In a public notice issued on Sunday via official social media page, the NIS assured the public that other services, including passport applications for Nigerians abroad, remain fully operational during the maintenance period. The service stated that its team is “working tirelessly” to complete the upgrade and restore full functionality to the portal within 72 hours. “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and deeply appreciate your patience and understanding,” the statement read, adding that the upgrade…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised an alarm over the emergence of a new sect identified as ACHAD Life Mission International, reportedly linked to human trafficking and child separation. In a circular dated January 14, the immigration said the new sect has its headquarters in Kaduna state, while its leader, simply identified as Yokana, lives in Jos, Plateau state. The circular issued by AA. Aridegbe, principal staff officer to the comptroller general of the Nigeria Immigration Service, alerted all state commands, directorates, zones and training institutions about the activities of the new sect. “I am directed to inform that…

Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) have killed a son of Bello Turji, a notorious bandit terrorist and leader, in a string of attacks on hideouts in Zamfara. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the operation was carried out by officers of Operation Fansan Yanma. The publication said the strikes were a combination of ground and air attacks which dismantled key hideouts in Fakai, a stronghold where terrorist leader and his associates have long operated in the Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara. Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that Turji lost family members and…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged US President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming administration “to promptly identify US-based proceeds of corruption traced to former and current Nigerian public officials and their associates and to ensure the full recovery and return of any such stolen assets to Nigeria.” SERAP said, “any return of proceeds of corruption from Nigeria must meet strict transparency and accountability standards to ensure the funds are used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people.” SERAP urged him to “direct the US Department of Justice to promptly initiate civil asset forfeiture proceedings against proceeds of…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged music businessman Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu and his record label EeZee Conceptz with the exploitation of the gospel singer Judikay. Onyedikachukwu is the founder of EeZee Conceptz. On February 25, 2019, Judikay entered a five-year management agreement with the label, which ended in 2024. In June 2024, the singer (born Judith Kanayo) petitioned the EFCC and accused Onyedikachukwu of falsifying accounts. She claimed Onyedikachukwu and his label committed theft against her to the tune of £800,000. Judikay said the label partnered and executed several contracts with digital streaming platforms and third parties on…

Abdulganiyu Jaji, the controller-general of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), says there is an urgent need to review safety protocols governing the transportation of petrol across the country. Jaji spoke in Abuja on Saturday while reacting to the tanker explosion that claimed over 50 lives at Dikko junction in the Gurara LGA of Niger state. He also said petrol marketers should caution their tanker drivers against reckless driving on highways. There has been an increase in cases of petrol tanker explosions across the country, raising concern about the safety procedures related to conveying the flammable product. He decried the rising…

Donald Trump, the United States (US) president-elect, has officially launched a new meme coin called $Trump. Trump announced the launch on X on Saturday and encouraged his supporters to embrace the initiative. Less than 24 hours after the launch, the meme coin has reached a market capitalisation of $31 billion, according to GeckoTerminal,a cryptocurrency aggregator. As of 4:40am, an hour after Trump announced the launch, the meme coin was trading at $4.29, however, the asset has increased in value by 414.7 percent, as it currently trades at $20.59. “My NEW Official Trump Meme is HERE! It’s time to celebrate everything…

Substitute Darwin Nunez scored a late double to guide Liverpool to victory at Brentford and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points. It looked like Liverpool’s wait for a league win in 2025 was going to stretch to three games until Nunez stepped up in stoppage time. Nunez grabbed the opener in the 91st minute with a simple finish from close range after meeting a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Uruguay forward scored again two minutes later, showing patience in a crowded area to round off a counter-attack as Brentford were caught…

Justin Kluivert scored a hat-trick as Bournemouth claimed a thoroughly deserved victory at St James’ Park to stretch their unbeaten Premier League run to 10 matches and wreck Newcastle’s own nine-match winning streak. The Magpies were hoping to set a new club record of 10 straight victories in all competitions, but struggled to replicate the form that had them tipped as title challengers. Bournemouth made the much brighter start and took a deserved lead when Kluivert coolly steered Antoine Semenyo’s cutback into the far corner. Newcastle equalised with their first real opportunity as Bruno Guimaraes rose highest to nod Lewis…