Beijing’s scrapping of tariffs for all but one African country will start May 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday, according to state media. China already has a zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African countries, but Beijing said last year it would extend the policy to all 53 of its diplomatic partners on the continent. From May 1, zero levies will apply to all African countries except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Many African countries are increasingly looking to China and other trading partners since US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs worldwide last year. Xi said the zero-tariff deal “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development”, announcing the date as leaders across the continent gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit.

The Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) has warned that Nigeria is at a critical crossroads as cities and communities continue to face recurring flooding and climate-related disasters that demand science-driven, engineering-led solutions. The new chairman urged environmental engineers to embrace innovation and leadership in redefining Nigeria’s sustainability trajectory to achieve long-term, sustainable development. Umekesiobi added that his administration would focus on strengthening institutional governance, expanding membership and chapter growth, enhancing professional development, boosting environmental monitoring and advocacy, and deepening collaboration and community engagement. He called on members to uphold togetherness and professionalism in pursuit of a sustainable environment. The inauguration ceremony also featured the conferment of fellowship on several engineers in recognition of their contributions to renewable energy systems, waste-to-wealth technologies, pollution control, climate mitigation and sustainable environmental policy.

He looked at flight records, examined the evidence and came to a conclusion: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should face police questioning over Jeffrey Epstein. View image in fullscreen Gordon Brown examined the evidence and came to a conclusion: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should face police questioning over Jeffrey Epstein. But Brown had been “told privately” that previous Metropolitan police inquiries “related to the former Prince Andrew did not properly check vital evidence of flights”. She appears to write: “In 2001 I was in London when [redacted] met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew. One Epstein survivor has called on Buckingham Palace to proactively search files and emails relating to the then Prince Andrew.

THE Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational organised crime. He paid glowing tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to justice continue to inspire law enforcement personnel across nations. Marwa expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired would significantly enhance the operational capacity of participating agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and dismantle organised criminal cartels across the region. He expressed optimism that the partnership between NDLEA and the DEA would continue to grow stronger, yielding sustained successes in the shared fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

He spent nine years in the latter, however, powering his way through songs called Widespread Bloodshed and We’re F’n Evil. “Whatever brain disposition that lets you know you’re in a dangerous situation, I don’t think I have,” he says, shrugging. No, Bruner says, it wasn’t weird returning to the recording and hearing his late friend’s voice booming around the studio again. It’s just a clear picture of who we were.”Bruner says Distracted is “the sound of me choosing happy”. If it occasionally sounds troubled or downcast, well, “choosing happy is a hell of a process”.

His remarks set the tone for discussions on Nigeria’s economic prospects and global competitiveness at an exclusive business gala in Lagos. The black-tie gala celebrated innovation, leadership, and strategic collaboration while signalling Flutterwave’s deepening commitment to Nigeria’s business ecosystem. The evening was hosted by Mojibade Sosanya, with Flutterwave Founder and CEO Olugbenga Agboola delivering a keynote reflecting on the company’s journey and its role as a financial infrastructure partner to Nigeria’s largest businesses. Dr. Cosmas Maduka, President and CEO of Coscharis Group, lauded the importance of building resilient, innovative businesses and commended Agboola for his visionary leadership, highlighting Flutterwave’s transformative impact on Africa’s fintech sector. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also shared encouraging remarks, urging Flutterwave to continue advancing globally competitive financial infrastructure from Nigeria.

The African Civil Society Forum has unveiled Nigerian barber, Joshua Aiyenuro, popularly known as T-Jos Signature, as a new Guinness World Records holder for the longest professional barbing marathon—an achievement hailed as a milestone for skilled trades and youth inspiration in Nigeria. Joshua set the record on February 2, 2026, after completing the marathon in Abuja. The forum described the feat as a powerful symbol of resilience, purpose and triumph over adversity. His commitment and discipline, they said, eventually earned him recognition as an official barber to the Super Eagles. The programme targets 1,000 youths in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, translating to 37,000 beneficiaries nationwide.

The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that Morocco remains the host nation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Addressing rumours over the staging of the 16th edition of Africa’s women’s football competition, Motsepe said, “There is discussion taking place, and a lot of competitons. “We can’t change the date because it is part of the qualification pathway for the Women’s World Cup. McKenzie explained that South Africa’s offer to assist was a contingency plan, not a change in hosting rights. The Morocco tournament will also play a role in the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Nigerian Army has arrested one Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General and misleading the public while abusing the prestige of the military institution. “All these claims have been conclusively confirmed to be entirely false and fabricated,” she said, adding that no retired Army General bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf. According to her, one of the publications identified the suspect as “Major General Abdul Rauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit instituted against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages. “The Nigerian Army categorically states that no retired officer of the Nigerian Army bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever held the rank of Major General or above within the service,” she said. “The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in upholding professionalism, integrity and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said

A man identified as Nwalozie Chiwendu is now on the run after killing his brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, of the same compound in Ofeh community in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 4pm on Thursday after the suspect accused his brother of witchcraft and being behind his stagnation in life. “The story is that the younger one took cutlass, butchered his elder brother like meat before people who were around came to hold him. The community is searching for him everywhere to get him to face the full wrath of the law,” he added. We have done all of that and we are still talking with critical stakeholders of the community.

(Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged by the English Football Association after saying referees have to be “neutral” following his side’s controversial clash with Tottenham. Rodri was incensed with referee Robert Jones’ decision to allow Dominic Solanke’s goal in City’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham in the Premier League on February 1. When everything is finished, you are frustrated.”The FA announced on Friday that the 29-year-old had been charged with misconduct over his remarks. That would be a major blow to City’s hopes of overhauling the four-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal. In 2023, then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was handed a touchline ban after suggesting referee Paul Tierney had “something against” his side.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, with governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the election timetable at a news conference in Abuja on Friday. He also said campaigns by political parties, shall begin on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before Election Day. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. INEC had on February 4 indicated that it had completed work on the election timetable and schedule of activities despite the delay.

Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Kano, on Friday, February 13, 2026, convicted and sentenced Kannywood actress Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, also known as Samha, to six months imprisonment for mutilating the Nigerian currency. Following her plea, the prosecuting counsel, Musa Isah, presented the facts of the case and urged the court to convict and sentence her. In court, the actress appealed for leniency, citing that she was a first-time offender and had shown genuine remorse for her actions. Justice Shuaibu subsequently sentenced her to six months’ imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of ₦200,000. The conviction underscores the strict enforcement of laws against currency mutilation in Nigeria.

The Divisional Police Officer of Rimi local government area of Katsina State, CSP Muhammad Kabir, was killed on Friday while leading an operation against suspected cattle rustlers, the state government said. The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs confirmed that three rustlers were neutralised during a joint operation involving security operatives and community members. Upon verification, the DPO immediately mobilised security operatives to the area. “Later, security operatives, supported by local vigilantes, engaged the rustlers again. Three security personnel injured during the operation are receiving treatment at Katsina Teaching Hospital, while the late officer’s remains were transferred to his family in Zaria, Kaduna State, for burial.

Visitors to the United Kingdom who require a visa will no longer receive physical documents from February 25, 2026. According the official UKVI, travellers will now be issued an electronic visa, or eVisa, which must be viewed via a UKVI account before travel. “From 25 February 2026 visitors to the UK, who need a visa, will get an eVisa only. “You can set up a UKVI account if you do not already have one. You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa,” the UK govenrment website confirmed.