Author: Opalim Lifted

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, for allegedly intercepting the telephone conversation of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA). The charge was filed by DSS counsel on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. DSS said the alleged offences contravene the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. According to the charge, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja on February 13, 2026, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone…

Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says the privatisation of Nigeria’s electricity industry has failed and plunged workers, households, and businesses into deeper energy poverty. He said that more than a decade after privatisation, the sector remains characterised by frequent grid collapses, poor supply, and rising tariffs. Ajaero spoke at the annual conference of women and youth of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Abuja, where he called for a comprehensive review of the electricity sector. ‘Privatisation Was a Grand Deception’ Ajaero said electricity generation has remained largely stagnant at between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts,…

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced a temporary shutdown of its offices in Abuja and Lagos to mark Presidents’ Day. In a post on X on Sunday, the mission confirmed that both the embassy in Abuja and the United States Consulate General Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of the US federal holiday. Presidents’ Day is celebrated every third Monday in February in the United States. The holiday creates a long weekend, with federal offices, banks, post offices and many schools and businesses shutting down across the country. The day was originally set aside…

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi, has declared that 2027 votes must count, warning that anyone who frustrates the electoral process will face the full weight of the law. Obi said Nigerians must remain vigilant before, during and after casting their ballots in the 2027 general election. He urged voters to stay at their polling units to witness the counting and transmission of results. According to him, the era of disputed mandates must end. “Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes must count,” Obi stated. “All those who are there not to count the votes will be counted…

The Presidency on Sunday dismissed former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s recent correspondence to the National Security Adviser (NSA) regarding the alleged procurement of thallium sulphate as a calculated attempt to stir political tension and divert attention from corruption allegations levelled against him in Kaduna State. Specifically, it referenced the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s reported unanimous endorsement of a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking an investigation into alleged financial improprieties amounting to N432 billion during his tenure. It added that the anti-graft agencies…

The Oyo State Police Command says two suspected bandits were killed during a gun battle with operatives in Elebe village, Aleniboro area, via Irawo Mine. In a statement on Sunday, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police spokesperson in the state, said the suspects were among about 10 armed men who allegedly planned to attack the community under the cover of darkness. Olayinka added that the police received intelligence from a resident that the assailants had concealed themselves in a farm settlement within the village. He said the suspects were armed with two AK-47 rifles, single-barrel guns, and locally made pistols. According to…

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has asked former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai to submit evidence supporting his allegation that it procured a highly toxic substance. In a formal response, ONSA, led by Nuhu Ribadu, directed El-Rufai to provide any proof regarding the alleged purchase of thallium sulphate to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation. Thallium sulphate is a colourless, odourless chemical compound capable of killing in small doses. In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to Ribadu, El-Rufai claimed that approximately 10 kilograms of the toxic substance had been sourced from a supplier…

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has strongly denied any involvement in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or cattle rustling, following a proposed sanctions bill by US lawmakers. The bill reportedly seeks to impose visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities accused of severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria. Among those listed are Rabiu Kwankwaso, MACBAN, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and groups described as Fulani-ethnic nomad militias. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, MACBAN national president, Baba Ngelzarma, said the association respects the sovereign right of the United States to debate issues of religious freedom and…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that 31 people have died from Lassa fever in just five weeks, raising fresh concerns over the spread of the viral disease. In its latest Lassa fever situation report, the agency disclosed that 754 suspected cases were recorded nationwide. Of these, 165 were laboratory-confirmed, while nine health workers were among those infected. According to the NCDC, nine states have reported at least one confirmed case across 33 local government areas in 2026. However, 92 per cent of all confirmed infections were concentrated in five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and…

President Bola Tinubu will on Monday embark on an official visit to Adamawa State, where he is set to inaugurate major infrastructure projects and hold high-level meetings with stakeholders. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the President will commission several landmark projects in Yola and Jimeta. These include the eight-lane Galadima Aminu Road linking Gimba to the state capital — a project expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity. He will also inaugurate a model school with pre-primary, primary and junior secondary sections, alongside a new multipurpose…