Author: Opalim Lifted

Three Nigerians denied entry at OR Tambo International Airport have been cleared and returned to Lagos after diplomatic intervention by authorities in both countries. The incident began on Sunday when a Nigerian traveller, identified as Yemi, claimed on social media that he and others were “unlawfully detained” despite holding valid visas and travel documents. He alleged that officials singled them out, confiscated a phone, and initially blocked their request to book a return flight. However, South African immigration authorities later confirmed that the individuals had departed the country, stressing that the action was taken under strict enforcement of immigration laws.…

Fresh waves of violence have shattered Easter celebrations across Nigeria, as coordinated attacks in Benue, Kaduna and Borno states left several people dead, many abducted and communities destroyed. The renewed bloodshed comes barely a week after the deadly Palm Sunday attack in Plateau State, raising serious concerns over the country’s worsening security crisis. In Benue State, at least 17 residents were reportedly killed in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area, when gunmen stormed the community during Easter celebrations. Witnesses said the attackers opened fire on villagers and set homes ablaze, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes. Hyacinth Alia condemned…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over its failure to investigate allegations of alterations in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill and the Tax Reform Bills. It is alleged that certain lawmakers improperly removed key sections on the electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill during plenary and unlawfully altered aspects of the tax reform bills. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/634/2026, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to compel the CCB to probe allegations that…

The Nigerian Army has rescued 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter church service attack in Ariko village, Kaduna state. The incident occurred on Sunday when suspected terrorists stormed an ECWA church during Easter celebrations, abducting dozens of congregants. In a statement, the army said troops responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from the community. Soldiers, working closely with local residents, tracked the attackers into nearby bush paths and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. According to the army, the troops overpowered the assailants, forcing them to abandon 31 hostages. One of the rescued victims sustained injuries and is…

A compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered bus has exploded at Mando motor park in Kaduna State, triggering fresh concerns over gas safety in Nigeria’s transport sector. The early morning incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, involved a luxury bus operated by Silver Luxury Travel. The explosion reportedly caused a fire that spread to at least two other luxury buses parked nearby. According to the Kaduna State Police Command, the blast was linked to an overfilled gas tank in the vehicle. Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan confirmed in a statement that no casualties or property losses were recorded, despite the intensity…

President Bola Tinubu has approved a payment plan to settle the ₦3.3 trillion outstanding debt in the power sector under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced the approval in a statement on Sunday. The approval comes almost four weeks after the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) said gas firms were planning to stop supply to thermal power plants over an estimated ₦3.3 trillion debt owed by generation companies (GenCos). On February 19, APGC said the federal government owes GenCos about ₦6.5 trillion. According to Onanuga, the…

The Iranian military has warned the United States and Israel that the “entire region will turn into hell” if the ongoing war escalates further. According to Al Jazeera, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said on Saturday that the illusion of defeating Iran has “turned into a swamp” that will “sink” the US and Israel. “Do not forget that if aggression expands, the entire region will turn into hell for you,” the Iranian military spokesperson said. “The illusion of defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into a swamp in which you will sink.” Earlier, US President…

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or risk “hell raining down” on the country. Trump’s comments, contained in a Truth Social post on Saturday, mark a resumption of his threats to Iran last month over the closure of the waterway. “Remember when I gave Iran 10 days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT? Time is running out — 48 hours before all hell will rain down on them. Glory be to God!” the US president wrote. Earlier in March, Tehran said the strait, one of the world’s busiest oil…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the immediate suspension of preparations for its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise. The directive was issued through an internal memo signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country have been instructed to halt all publicity and logistical arrangements tied to the exercise with immediate effect. The commission said the suspension will remain in place pending further notice. INEC also announced a change to its schedule, confirming that its planned meeting with RECs will now be held virtually. Commissioners were advised to remain in their…

Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven have been crowned Eredivisie champions for the third consecutive season after Feyenoord failed to beat FC Volendam on Sunday. The 0-0 draw confirmed PSV’s unassailable 17-point lead, sealing their 27th league title in dominant fashion. PSV had earlier edged FC Utrecht 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, putting Peter Bosz’s side on the brink of glory. They needed Feyenoord to drop points—and that’s exactly what happened, as Robin van Persie’s team were held in Volendam. Even if Feyenoord had won, PSV’s superior goal difference would have kept them firmly in control of the title race. Story of…