Author: Opalim Lifted

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has distanced itself from political party membership figures released by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the data did not originate from the commission. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Dayo Oketola, clarified the commission’s position on Tuesday following widespread circulation of the figures on social media. “Dear esteemed media colleagues, please note that this is certainly not from INEC. Thanks,” Oketola said in a message to journalists. Yilwatda had, during an interview on ARISE News, claimed that the APC had 12.9 million verified registered members. He…

Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has denied supporting banditry in Nigeria, describing himself as a loyal citizen and dismissing circulating claims linking him to criminal activities as false and manipulated. In a recent statement, the Kaduna-based cleric said he had been repeatedly misquoted in media interviews, public lectures and discussions on how to address insecurity and banditry in the country. Gumi accused some ethnic-interest groups, prejudiced individuals and sectional internet content creators of spreading misleading narratives and using sensational headlines to attract attention despite the human suffering caused by insecurity. He maintained that any video clip, written statement or message…

Ugandan dance troupe the Ghetto Kids have expressed excitement after global music star Shakira invited them to perform at the World Cup final in the United States this summer. The Colombian singer announced on Instagram last week that the group would join her during the tournament’s half-time show, making them the first act selected for the performance. The Ghetto Kids, a dance troupe made up of street children, rose to fame through energetic dance videos filmed on the streets of Kampala. Their performances gained international attention online and later earned them a place on the TV show America’s Got Talent.…

A buffet restaurant in Spain has introduced a controversial “vomit fee” after dealing with a rising number of customers throwing up from overeating. Sushi Toro, located in the Sevilla region, said it decided to impose the extra charge following repeated incidents linked to patrons consuming excessive amounts of food at its all-you-can-eat buffet. According to a notice displayed at the restaurant, customers who vomit after eating too much may be required to pay an additional fee. “If a customer throws up as a result of having eaten too much, the restaurant reserves the right to charge them an extra fee…

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman until June 2, 2026. Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman over an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦10.27 billion. At Monday’s proceedings, the 17th prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, testified during cross-examination by defence counsel A.M. Aliyu (SAN). The witness gave evidence on transactions linked to the purchase of several Abuja properties allegedly…

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against leaving the country without valid travel documents, describing the practice as illegal and dangerous. In a public alert shared on X on Monday, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said all international travel must be undertaken with valid passports, visas where necessary, and other approved immigration documents. DCI AS Akinlabi, Public Relations Officer of the agency, cautioned that attempts to evade official immigration procedures or use unauthorised border routes amount to a violation of Nigerian law. The immigration agency also expressed concern over the increasing spread of fraudulent migration schemes targeting unsuspecting Nigerians, especially…

Iran has begun partially restoring internet access after enforcing what monitoring groups described as one of the longest nationwide internet shutdowns in modern history. The restrictions, which lasted nearly three months, left millions of Iranians disconnected from global online services, with only limited access to a domestic intranet for basic activities such as shopping, education and transport services. Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks confirmed signs of renewed connectivity on Tuesday, saying live metrics showed a “partial restoration” on day 88 of the blackout. However, the group noted it remained unclear whether the move would be permanent. Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, while also imposing a combined N21 million fine on the plaintiff. Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the plaintiff, JohnMary Jideobi, lacked the legal standing to institute the case because he failed to show any personal injury or loss arising from Jonathan’s alleged presidential ambition. The court awarded N20 million costs against the plaintiff in favour of Jonathan and an additional N1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation. In the suit…

France is experiencing unusually high temperatures, with weather officials confirming record-breaking heat for May in several parts of the country as a heatwave spread across regions on Monday. According to Meteo France, at least 10 locations recorded their hottest May temperatures ever over the weekend, including the northwestern coastal towns of Lorient and Noirmoutier. In the city of Rennes, residents sought shelter from rising temperatures that reached 27C on Monday morning. Authorities placed parts of the Brittany region under a yellow heatwave alert for a second consecutive day, urging people to take precautions. A spokeswoman for Meteo France said the…

Britain has recorded its hottest day ever in May after temperatures soared to 33.5C near London during a severe early summer heatwave. According to the Met Office, the new temperature surpassed the previous May record of 32.8C, which had stood since 1922 and was matched again in 1944. The record-breaking heat was recorded near Heathrow Airport on Monday as heatwave conditions spread across southeast England and London. “Temperatures at Heathrow have recently reached 33.5C, provisionally beating the all-time May record,” the Met Office said in a statement shared on social media. The weather agency had earlier forecast temperatures as high…