Author: Opalim Lifted

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has firmly rejected a proposal by US lawmakers seeking the repeal of Sharia law in Nigeria, describing the move as external interference and political intimidation. Sharia law operates alongside statutory and customary law in Nigeria, particularly in 12 northern states where it was adopted in 1999 as a principal body of civil and criminal law. For Muslims, it is regarded as a comprehensive religious, moral and legal framework. US lawmakers renew call The latest call to scrap Sharia law was restated in a report submitted to the White House on Monday. Some…

The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has revealed that more than 10,000 armed bandits are attacking communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area, forcing thousands to flee. Speaking recently during a visit to displaced residents, the governor described the security situation as “very bad”, saying entire villages have been emptied by heavily armed groups. The victims fled from Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, Duguri and Gwana communities in Alkaleri LGA and are currently sheltering in a government learning facility in Kashere, Gombe State. Mohammed said the attackers are not only well-armed but are actively recruiting locals and outsiders, including former illegal miners.…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to roll out a cross-sector digital platform that will enable financial and security regulators to monitor recycled phone numbers and curb fraud associated with SIM card reassignment. Details of the initiative were outlined in a document obtained by Chronicle NG on Friday. The platform, named the telecoms identity risk management system (TIRMS), is scheduled for launch before the end of March. According to the commission, TIRMS is designed to address risks arising from SIM recycling, including cases where new subscribers receive messages intended for previous users or face scrutiny over alleged infractions linked…

The federal government has arraigned senior advocate Mike Ozekhome over the alleged use of a fake Nigerian passport in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom. Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni, son of the late Jeremiah Useni, were docked on a 12-count charge before Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday. The charges centre on allegations that Ozekhome used falsified travel documents in connection with proceedings linked to a UK property dispute. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts. Counsel to Ozekhome, Tayo Oyetibo, and counsel to Useni, F.…

Chelsea will play holders Paris St-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League round of 16 while Manchester City (Man City) will face Real Madrid in the knockout stages for a fifth straight season. Although six Premier League clubs have qualified for the last 16 there will be no all-English ties, with leaders Arsenal to face Bayer Leverkusen. Newcastle United will meet Barcelona, Liverpool take on Galatasaray and Tottenham have been drawn against Atletico Madrid. The first legs will be played on 10 and 11 March, with the second legs to take place on 17 and 18 March. Champions League: Vinicius scores…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has directed passengers and airport users to pick up their GoCashless cards at airports ahead of a new cashless policy set to take effect nationwide. In a terse message received by Chronicle NG, FAAN announced that cash payments will no longer be accepted at its airport revenue points from 1 March 2026. The authority urged travellers and other airport users to register on its official GoCashless portal and collect their cards at designated FAAN airports. The move signals a full transition to electronic payment channels across FAAN-managed facilities, as the agency seeks to…

The Presidency has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) of spreading misinformation about the newly signed Electoral Act 2026. On Thursday, both opposition parties described the amended law as “obnoxious” and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. They alleged it was designed to entrench a one-party state and called on the national assembly to repeal and re-enact the legislation. President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 amendment bill into law on February 18 after it was passed by the national assembly. Key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 include electronic transmission of election…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have rejected the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, warning that it poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy. President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law on 18 February after its passage by the National Assembly. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, NNPP National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, accused the APC-led National Assembly of rushing the amendment with “contemptuous haste” to weaken opposition parties and entrench a one-party system. Ahmed alleged that the law was designed to corrupt the electoral system, compromise democratic institutions and undermine the…

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that it has no legal authority to enforce or suspend the sachet alcohol ban. In a counter-affidavit filed on February 23, 2026, the ministry insisted that the power to implement the prohibition rests solely with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The ministry, through its counsel Jumoke Motilayo Falaye, said it “neither interferes with nor controls NAFDAC’s enforcement decisions”, stressing that it is not an enforcement arm of the federal government. According to the affidavit, NAFDAC derives its authority…

The ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its handling of the recent shooting incident in Edo State, describing the opposition party as “its own nemesis” and accusing it of political recklessness. Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, said in a statement that the ADC was crippling itself through what he described as immature leadership and unfounded allegations. The ruling party faulted the ADC’s claim that the APC was responsible for the reported shooting involving its members in Edo State, insisting that such accusations were made prematurely and without the benefit of…