Author: Opalim Lifted

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Auwalu Samaila, a Boko Haram member, to death by hanging for terrorism offences. James Omotosho, the presiding judge, convicted Samaila after he pleaded guilty to a six-count charge filed against him by the Federal Government. Delivering judgment on Thursday, the judge said the convict showed no remorse despite the gravity of his actions. “It is when somebody is remorseful and seeks forgiveness from God that he can receive mercy from Him,” the judge said. “The convict before me is not remorseful despite the many atrocities and lives lost through his actions. “May…

A cleric, Apostle Benjamin Okon, has described the reported recruitment of “so-called” repentant terrorists (Boko Haram members) into the Nigerian Army as a dangerous decision that could worsen the country’s security situation. Okon, who is the Deputy Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Territory and Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, made this known while speaking at the closing of the 44th Eket Major Convention themed “Crucified with Christ,” held at the Eket Field Headquarters. He called on the administration of Bola Tinubu to urgently purge security agencies of personnel allegedly collaborating with bandits and other criminal elements, stressing…

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of Oseni Omoh Braimah, a brigadier-general, following a Boko Haram attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State. Suspected terrorists attacked the camp of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI in the early hours of Thursday, killing an unspecified number of military personnel. According to Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, the “coordinated terrorist attack” occurred at about 12:30 a.m. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the president extended condolences to the military and the families of the…

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Gombe stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding formal recognition. Gombe, joined by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused a rival bloc led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution. Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the dispute. He warned against what he described as attempts by…

Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires in the summer, the club has announced. Robertson, 32, joined the Reds from Hull City in 2017 for £8m and has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time on Merseyside. In a video announcing his decision, the Scotland captain said: “I think now’s the time for me to move on”. The defender added: “The nine years I’ll look back on with a big smile on my face.” Robertson was a target for Tottenham during the January transfer window, with a…

Ollie Watkins struck twice as Aston Villa claimed a 3-1 win at Bologna, while a ‌Martim Fernandes own goal helped Nottingham Forest secure a 1-1 draw at Porto in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final ties on Thursday. Elsewhere, SC Freiburg took a significant step toward the semi-finals by beating Celta Vigo 3-0 at home. Real Betis drew 1-1 away at Braga on Wednesday. Villa took the lead a minute before the break ⁠through an Ezri Konsa header, with Watkins doubling the advantage in the 51st minute after capitalising on an error from Bologna defender Torbjorn Heggem. The…

Dangote Sugar Refinery has issued a final warning to staff at its Numan operations in Adamawa State, prohibiting the chewing of company sugarcane on factory premises and threatening disciplinary action, including arrest and prosecution, for offenders. In an internal circular dated April 7, 2026, and signed by the Head of Human Resources, Ikechukwu Okorie, the company described the practice as “gross misconduct” liable to summary disciplinary measures. The memo, addressed to all staff, stated that sugarcane is company property with significant value and that indiscriminate chewing and littering of chaff degrade the work environment and undermine housekeeping standards in a…

A Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army is feared to have been killed in coordinated Boko Haram attacks on four communities in Borno State, Banki Ruwa, Ngamdu, Benisheikh, and Pulka near the Cameroon border. A credible military source in Maiduguri said the multiple attacks occurred simultaneously in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting communities on the southern fringe of the Sambisa Forest. According to the source, the first wave of assaults began around 10:30 p.m. in Pulka and Banki Ruwa, in Gwoza Local Government Area, where insurgents reportedly overran a military base. Several military assets were set ablaze during the…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he personally monitors media coverage about himself, saying he prefers to hear criticisms directly rather than rely on aides. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike said he regularly watches prime-time news across major Nigerian television stations, including Africa Independent Television (AIT), TVC News, and Channels Television. According to him, keeping track of media narratives especially from critics helps him stay informed and prepared. “I watch news all the time… I don’t wait for anyone to come and tell me what my enemies are saying about me; I hear it…

Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, says the appeal challenging his client’s terrorism conviction is progressing in line with legal procedures. Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, filed his notice of appeal in February 2026, formally triggering the process now underway at Nigeria’s appellate courts. In a statement on Wednesday, Ejimakor urged the public to ignore speculation and instead follow the clearly defined stages guiding the appeal. He revealed that the first critical step, the compilation and transmission of the Record of Appeal by the Federal High Court in Abuja  has already been completed. This record contains all…