Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced five men to 25 years imprisonment each for their roles in supporting terrorists linked to the November 2025 attack on St. Joseph Catholic Church in Papiri, Niger State. Justice Binta Nyako handed down the sentence on Thursday after the defendants pleaded guilty to four terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Department of State Services (DSS). The convicts — Yusuf Muhammad (also known as Bature), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tukur (Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim and Musa Alhaji Adamu (Gado Banufe) — were arrested by DSS operatives on May 31, 2026. Two…

South Korea came from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 as substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winning goal in the 80th minute of their World Cup opener. Son Heung-min and company had dominated the game against the Czechs, who did not have a shot on target until their captain Ladislav Krejci rose to head home a long throw from Vladimir Coufal for the opening goal in the 59th minute. Former Tottenham forward Son, captaining his nation, had attempted five of South Korea’s eight efforts in the first half, but his biggest chance was blocked by keeper Matej Kovar. But Feyenoord…

Co-hosts Mexico kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday. The hosts made an electric start in front of a packed home crowd, taking the lead after just nine minutes. South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole was dispossessed by Erik Lira, allowing Julian Quinones to pounce and fire a powerful effort through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the first goal of the 2026 World Cup. Quinones came close to doubling Mexico’s advantage before halftime, but his first-time…

Mexico forward Julian Quinones etched his name into World Cup history by scoring the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the tournament’s opening match against South Africa national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The hosts made a dream start in front of their home supporters as Quinones capitalised on a defensive error from South Africa before calmly slipping the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The opening fixture revived memories of the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser, when South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala stunned Mexico with a memorable strike to score the first goal of…

The Federal Government has declared Friday a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, made the announcement on Thursday, according to a statement by Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary at the ministry. “June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country,” the statement reads. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the preservation of democratic ideals, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. He said the ministry, in coordination with relevant security…

About 10 people have been confirmed dead and seven others injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated along the Bagega–Anka road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The latest explosion happened when a Volkswagen Golf 3 station wagon carrying passengers from Bagega to Anka reportedly struck an explosive device believed to have been planted by suspected bandits operating in the area. The state police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, told journalists that an initial count recorded one death and seven injuries after security operatives were first deployed to the scene for assessment. However, according to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama,…

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over his repeated failure to appear before lawmakers investigating the company’s finances. Lawmakers are examining audit reports covering 2017 to 2023, which reportedly contain unresolved entries and discrepancies valued at over N210 trillion. The queries were forwarded to the committee by the office of the Auditor-General for the Federation. The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, representing Gombe North, said it had resolved to exercise its constitutional powers after Kyari allegedly ignored several invitations.…

An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja that the aircraft unveiled as Nigeria Air in May 2023 was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines for a three-day display before being returned to Addis Ababa. Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness in the trial of Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation, gave the testimony on Wednesday before Sylvanus Oriji, the presiding judge. The EFCC is prosecuting Sirika on a six-count amended charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of more than N2 billion. Fatima Sirika, his daughter;…

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, has been appointed to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa later this summer. The contest between PSG, who won the Champions League last term and Aston Villa, who triumphed in the Europa League, is scheduled to take place on 12 August in Salzburg. In a statement, European football’s governing body said that decision had been taken after discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Omar Artan is an…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, organised by the FIFA World Cup, begins today with a Group A fixture reportedly featuring co-host Mexico against South Africa at 1 p.m. local time in Mexico City. The expanded tournament features 48 teams and 104 matches across co-host nations Mexico, the United States and Canada, marking the largest edition in the competition’s history. South Africa arrive as one of Africa’s standout qualifiers under head coach Hugo Broos, with the squad leaning on momentum from strong qualification performances. Their campaign has been backed by widespread domestic support, including coordinated messages from top clubs such as…