Author: Opalim Lifted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Gidado Ibrahim before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over an alleged N600 million Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) job scam. Ibrahim was arraigned on Monday, February 9, 2026, alongside one Halimat Adenike Tejusho, who is currently at large, before Justice H. Muazu. According to the EFCC, the defendants were charged on an amended six-count charge bordering on fraud, obtaining money under false pretence and forgery involving a total sum of N603,400,000. The prosecution told the court that between August and October 2024, the defendants allegedly obtained the…

An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has told a Federal High Court in Abuja how funds allegedly diverted from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account were used to acquire luxury properties across the Federal Capital Territory. Testifying on Monday before Justice James Omotosho, EFCC Deputy Superintendent Ahmed Abubakar, a prosecution witness identified as PW17, said hundreds of millions of naira linked to the alleged ₦10bn Kogi fraud were traced to high-end real estate transactions in Abuja. The EFCC is prosecuting Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo and nephew of former governor…

The Federal Government has nominated two distinguished Nigerians for election into the African Union (AU) Panel of Eminent Personalities of the African Peer Review Mechanism, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in continental governance and diplomacy. Leading the nomination list is Professor Aminu Gusau, a respected governance expert and visiting professor at the University of Kansas in the United States. He is followed by Professor Oluwakemi Obayelu, an agricultural economist at the University of Ibadan and Nigeria’s female nominee. Professor Gusau is widely regarded as a seasoned technocrat with extensive experience across academia, public administration, leadership development, and anti-corruption reform. His nomination…

Former Anambra state governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi has led a group of protesters to the National Assembly Complex in Abuja over the senate’s rejection of real-time electronic transmission of election results. Among the protesters are student and civil society groups, some members of ADC, and the Obidient Movement — a group of Obi’s supporters. “Allow the elections to go through the normal process. Whoever wins, we would accept,” Obi said as the demonstrators chanted solidarity slogans and songs. “So, why are you bringing this confusion?” BACKGROUND On February 4, the senate passed the Electoral Act…

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a stern warning to motorists including drivers of security and government vehicles against driving against traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, particularly around the Kara Bridge, where major repairs are ongoing. The Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, said offenders would face sanctions, stressing that no individual or agency is above the law. Speaking at the scene of a traffic gridlock on Monday, Hamzat described the continued violation by some security and government drivers as an abuse of office and completely unacceptable. “It is wrong. We have taken details of some…

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will decisively defeat terrorism and banditry, describing insecurity as an unacceptable threat to national unity and economic development. The President gave the assurance on Monday while delivering his opening remarks at the National Executive Council (NEC) Conference on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development. According to Tinubu, insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting the nation, admitting that the activities of terrorists and bandits have caused deep concern across all levels of government. “It is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you that…

Ebo Taylor, the iconic Ghanaian guitarist and composer whose work helped define the highlife genre, has passed away at the age of 90. His family announced the news on Sunday via his Instagram page, although the cause of death was not disclosed. Taylor died at the Saltpond Hospital, according to a statement from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). His death came just one day after he launched the inaugural Ebo Taylor Music Festival, and exactly one month after celebrating his 90th birthday. “The world has lost a giant. A colossus of African music,” the post read. “Ebo Taylor passed…

Nigerian music legend 2Baba has stirred fresh debate in the Afrobeats community after naming Burna Boy as the artist currently leading the global scene. Speaking on a recent episode of the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, the veteran singer was asked to choose one artist from Afrobeats’ widely recognised “big three”, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido. While acknowledging his admiration for all three stars, 2Baba gave a clear verdict. “I have my favourite songs from each of them, but I think Burna is on top of the game right now,” he said. The African Queen hitmaker, whose real…

Pope Leo XIV and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have expressed deep sorrow over deadly attacks on communities in Kwara State, which have claimed the lives of more than 75 people and left many others injured. In a post on X, Pope Leo XIV said he was “deeply saddened” by the violence, offering prayers for the victims and their families. The Pontiff urged Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to protect citizens from continued attacks. “It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life,”…

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of a landed property and two Mercedes-Benz trucks allegedly used in the trafficking of 91.5 tonnes of narcotic drugs. Justice Daniel Osiagor, who presided over the matter on Monday, granted the order following an ex parte application filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The property affected is located at No. 23 Sunny Mbilla East Street, Bucknor Estate, Lagos, while the trucks were allegedly used to transport large quantities of illicit drugs seized at Badagry, Lagos. In addition to the property and vehicles, the court ordered…