Author: Opalim Lifted

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 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…

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…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 22 packages of suspected cocaine worth about N1 billion along the Badagry–Seme corridor. The seizure, conducted by the NCS Seme Area Command, was formally handed over on Friday at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller-general of customs, represented by Timi Bomodi, deputy comptroller-general in charge of enforcement, investigation, and inspection, said the interception took place in the early hours of February 10 at 3:00am. Bomodi explained: “Our officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander carrying 22 packages suspected to be cocaine. The drugs were…

Five US military aircraft and the first batch of United States troops arrived in north-east Nigeria ahead of a joint offensive against ISWAP terrorists in the region. The New York Times reports that a US military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, on Thursday night. By Friday evening, three aircraft were visible at the base, with equipment being offloaded from at least one of them. According to Brant Philip, a counter-terrorism researcher and expert, the military aircraft touched down in air force bases across Nigeria’s northern region over the past few days. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that…

A government ambulance struck and ran over a woman near the finish line during the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on February 14. A viral video of the incident shows runners proceeding along a road before the ambulance approached from behind and hit the victim. The clip has sparked widespread shock and concern on social media, with netizens questioning emergency vehicle protocols, crowd management, and driver response during the race. The Lagos state government described the incident as “unfortunate.” Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy in Lagos, said the ambulance part of the marathon’s medical emergency response team…

Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, has inaugurated a mosque he personally built and named after President Bola Tinubu’s late mother, Abibatu Mogaji. The inauguration ceremony took place on Saturday during Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving event at Oke-Afa in Lagos. The event drew dignitaries from religious, traditional, political, and entertainment circles, including Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Tinubu’s first daughter, who sent delegates in her absence, and Agbu Kefas, governor of Taraba State, who was represented by his special adviser on Islamic matters. Speaking at the event, Ayodele described the project as a “direct divine instruction” he…