Author: Opalim Lifted

The police special fraud unit (PSFU) in Lagos has invited the management of Secret Reporters, an online news publication. In an invitation letter dated January 19, 2026, and signed by Matthew Obiuwevbi, a deputy commissioner of police, on behalf of the commissioner of police, the PSFU said it is investigating a matter that requires clarification from the news organisation. “This Unit is investigating a case in which the need to obtain certain clarifications from you has become imperative,” the letter reads. “This i s a fact-finding investigation which is pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police Force…

Nigeria has emerged as the single largest driver of West Africa’s booming diesel imports from India, accounting for 63 per cent of the country’s daily diesel needs despite repeated policy pledges to boost local refining. Diesel shipments from India into West Africa have surged to record levels, underlining the region’s deepening dependence on overseas refined fuel. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that Nigeria’s local refineries supply only about 6.1 million litres of diesel per day, far below estimated daily demand of roughly 17 million litres. According to the regulator, the Dangote Refinery contributes…

Diesel imports from India into West Africa have surged to record levels, underlining the region’s deepening dependence on foreign refined fuel despite years of policy pledges to boost local refining capacity. Latest data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that Nigeria still imports about 63 per cent of its diesel needs, even with new refineries coming on stream. Dangote, Waltersmith, Edo and Aradel refineries together supply just 6.1 million litres per day, far below estimated daily demand of around 17 million litres. Shipping data from S&P Global Commodity at Sea reveal that Indian diesel exports…

Gospel singer Alayo Melody has opened up about the circumstances surrounding the death of popular singer Bunmi Akinnanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi. In a video on Instagram, Melody said that plans to fly her to India for medical treatment were halted because she was too weak to fly. Alayo explained it took over three attempts to get visa approval but by then doctors had already declared her unfit to travel. He expressed gratitude to those who supported Omije Ojumi during the illness, mentioning Prophet Sam Ojo and Prophet Taiwo Ojo, who covered the costs of her visa processing and…

The recent online clash between Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has reopened old conversations among music fans. The debate centres on influence, legacy and how much of Fela’s spirit can still be heard in today’s sound. As the exchange played out across social media, many listeners returned to Wizkid’s catalogue. They began placing it side by side with the works of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. Beyond the online argument, fans have pointed out that several of Wizkid’s records carry musical elements that feel familiar. Not copying, but similarities in rhythm,…

Tigran Gambaryan, the former Binance executive detained in Nigeria for almost eight months in 2024, has taken a swipe at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning its ability to uncover large-scale financial fraud. Gambaryan was reacting to the EFCC’s claim that Nigerian banks, fintech firms and microfinance institutions enabled widespread fraud amounting to N18.7 billion by failing to conduct basic customer due diligence. In a blunt post on Friday, the former head of financial crime compliance at Binance said the anti-graft agency would struggle to spot fraud even if it was obvious. “EFCC couldn’t detect widespread fraud if…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has accused banks, fintech firms and microfinance institutions of fuelling large-scale fraud by failing to carry out basic customer due diligence. The allegation was recently made in Abuja by Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC director of public affairs, during a media briefing on investigations into two major fraud schemes that affected more than 900,000 Nigerians. Uwujaren said EFCC findings revealed that a “new generation bank”, six fintech companies and several microfinance banks compromised standard banking procedures, allowing fraud proceeds to be converted into digital assets and moved to “safe destinations” without triggering red flags. According…

The family of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, has called off her planned burial. The update was shared on Saturday by Lanre Alewilese, a close associate of the singer and a member of the burial planning committee. In the statement posted on social media, Alewilese said all burial plans had been cancelled due to unresolved issues within the family. He added that the committee regretted any inconvenience caused. “To whom it may concern: This is to inform you that all plans & arrangements for the burial of our Late Sister & Colleague; Lady Evang. Bunmi…

Arsenal welcomed the return of Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie to training ahead of Sunday’s match against Manchester United but manager Mikel Arteta flagged concerns over their opponents’ renewed intensity under Michael Carrick. United beat second-placed Manchester City 2-0 last weekend under the guidance of interim manager Carrick, extending Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to seven points. Arteta acknowledged the challenge posed by United compared to Arsenal’s 1-0 victory in their August meeting. “Yes, with Michael coming in it’s going to bring new ideas, the intensity rises up, you could see in the Manchester derby with their…

Nigerian former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s appointment is more than ceremonial. It is both symbolic and strategic, signalling a stronger African voice in reshaping how global development cooperation works. As a former Vice President of Africa’s largest economy, Osinbajo brings first-hand experience of the pressures facing developing countries from mounting debt and infrastructure deficits to climate vulnerability and the limits of aid-dependent growth models. His perspective comes at a critical moment, with more than 50 countries worldwide, many of them in Africa, struggling under severe debt distress. Speaking on the coalition’s objectives, Osinbajo stressed that development cooperation is not…