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 African charity sues Prince Harry for libel after fallout A charity co-founded by Prince Harry in honour of his late mother Princess Diana, which he quit following a high-profile dispute, is suing the British royal for libel at the High Court in London, a court record showed on Friday, AFP reported. Harry, the younger son of King Charles, co-founded Sentebale in 2006 to help young people with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana but resigned as a patron in March 2025 after a public falling-out with its chair of the board, Sophie Chandauka. According to a record made public on Friday, Sentebale lodged a defamation claim last month at the High Court against Harry and one of his close friends Mark Dyer, who was also a trustee of the charity. There were no details as to what the lawsuit involved. ‘Forget-me-not’ The charity's co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and the board of trustees joined Harry in leaving Sentebale, which means "forget-me-not" in the local language of L...

 China to eliminate all customs duties on African goods China will eliminate all customs duties on imports coming from 53 African countries, except for Eswatini, effective May 1, Anadolu Agency reported. Beijing aims to give African countries unimpeded access to one of the world’s largest markets, while the new measure covers a wide range of products. The China–Africa trade volume has grown rapidly in recent years, rising from $10 billion in 2000 to $114 billion in 2010 and $187 billion in 2020 — before surging to $278 billion in 2023, $295.6 billion in 2024, and $348 billion in 2025, driven by the improving economic relations between the parties ⁠over the past two decades. China’s exports to Africa over this period surpassed imports. Major economic partner China exported $179 billion to Africa in 2024, while Africa’s exports to China reached a range of $99–116 billion, according to China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). Chinese exports to Africa reached $225 billion, wh...

 Uganda's ex-minister Agnes Nandutu jailed over roofing sheets scandal Former Ugandan state minister Agnes Nandutu was sentenced Friday to four years in jail for stealing thousands of roofing materials for the poor in a scandal that sparked outrage in the country. In 2022, several senior government officials diverted 14,500 iron sheets that were meant for vulnerable communities in the northeastern Karamoja region. Nandutu, former state minister for Karamoja affairs, was found guilty of stealing 2,000 of the sheets, which she allegedly used for personal purposes. She was handed four years behind bars, according to the ruling seen by AFP. Currently a lawmaker allied with the ruling party, Nandutu was also banned from holding public office for 10 years. Apologised for theft During her court appearance, Nandutu apologised for the theft of the iron sheets, the court noted, calling it her "saving grace". "A fine alone, the highest of which is a paltry" 3.2 million Uga...

   A Virginia father lost his life after the kayak he and his 6-year-old son were in, capsized. Neither father nor son were wearing life jackets at the time.  With the weather warming up, this sadly serves as a reminder to wear life vests while out on the water, even if you can swim.  Thankfully, an unidentified good Samaritan entered the water with his boat and was able to get the child to safety.   35-year-old Andrew  Knight lost his life on the evening of Tuesday, April 7th, when his kayak overturned about 50 feet from shore. He tried to save his son.  The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m. at Lake Anna near Mineral, Virginia. According to reports, Andrew was trying to push the kayak back to shore when he slipped beneath the water and never resurfaced. The young boy's grandfather David Drake had this to say about the good Samaritan, "If it wouldn't have been for him, I would have lost my son-in-law and my grandchild because my grandchild was un...

 Lady narrates how man who survived robbery by hiding in ceiling was later killed after sharing how he escaped the first attack A lady has shared a disturbing account of how a robbery incident in her town reportedly ended in tragedy after the victim was targeted again. According to her narration, the man was once robbed at a store but escaped unharmed after hiding inside the ceiling during the attack. She said he later told friends and family he was okay, as long as he wasn’t physically hurt, and went on to explain in detail how he managed to camouflage himself inside the ceiling to avoid being seen. However, she claimed that after he shared how he escaped the first attack, the situation took a tragic turn. Less than two weeks later, the attackers reportedly returned. This time, she said they went straight to the same ceiling spot he had described, pulled him out, and killed him. She added that it was later believed the initial robbery may have been a targeted attack rather than a ...

 Oprah Winfrey reveals she manifested marrying Paul McCartney growing up Oprah Winfrey recently shared a lighthearted teenage dream that never came true marrying Paul McCartney.  During an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the 72‑year‑old media icon revealed that while nearly all her life goals have been realized, her youthful fantasy of becoming Mrs. McCartney was the one exception.  As a teenager, she adored the Beatles, collected trading cards, and considered McCartney her favorite member of the band. Winfrey recalled how she used to imagine McCartney thinking of her, even repeating the phrase “Think of me” each morning in hopes of catching his attention.  Years later, when she finally interviewed the legendary musician, she asked if he had ever thought of her during those years.  McCartney playfully responded, “Every day, babe. Every day,” a moment Winfrey described as sweet and unforgettable. Though she never married the Beatle, Winfrey expe...

 Michael J Fox is alive and 'OK,' speaks out after death concerns Michael J. Fox reassured fans he is alive after CNN mistakenly published a tribute video announcing his death.  The 64‑year‑old actor joked about the error on Threads, writing a humorous post about how one might react to seeing their own obituary on television.  CNN later admitted the video was released in error, apologized to Fox and his family, and quickly removed it from its platforms. The incident highlighted how major news outlets often prepare obituaries for prominent figures years in advance, which can occasionally be published prematurely.  Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, has been the subject of similar hoaxes in the past.  Despite his health challenges, he remains active, recently appearing at PaleyFest in Los Angeles alongside Harrison Ford to promote his guest role in the Apple TV series Shrinking. Fox has also continued to reflect on his career and life, publis...

 Meghan Markle faces Hollywood snub as big names 'distance themselves' Reports suggest Meghan Markle has parted ways with Hollywood powerhouse WME, the talent agency led by Ari Emanuel.  TV host Dan Wootton claimed on his podcast that Meghan had been “dumped again,” pointing to insider accounts that she and the agency ended their relationship months ago.  Meghan had originally signed with WME in 2023 to strengthen her presence in Hollywood, joining a roster that includes major stars like Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson. According to Daily Mail editor Alison Boshoff, the split stemmed from tensions over holiday coverage, with Meghan allegedly frustrated by the lack of support around Thanksgiving 2023.  Wootton described her demands as excessive, saying even an agency accustomed to working with high‑profile clients had reached its limit.  Sources added that Meghan’s fallout with Netflix would not have been reported so openly if WME were still representing her, fu...

Baywatch legend David Hasselhoff, 73, sparks health fears after looking frail with cane David Hasselhoff has raised new concerns about his health after being photographed looking frail and walking with a cane in Calabasas, California.  The 73‑year‑old Baywatch star was accompanied by his wife, Hayley Roberts, who at one point steadied him during the outing.  The sighting follows hip and knee replacement surgeries, as well as a July 2025 incident when he required a wheelchair while traveling through an airport. Sources close to Hasselhoff say his health has been declining for months, with years of alcohol use and self‑medication contributing to long‑term issues.  Insiders revealed he has undergone several major operations, including having a defibrillator implanted to prevent heart problems.  Though now sober, Hasselhoff reportedly acknowledges that each surgery carries significant risks. Despite this, he remains hopeful that his recent procedures will allow him to wa...

 OJ Simpson's haunting words: Late star made chilling comment before his ex-wife was found stabbed to death, claims Arsenio Hall Arsenio Hall recently shared a disturbing encounter with O.J. Simpson that took place shortly before the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.  Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience while promoting his memoir Arsenio, Hall recalled meeting Simpson at a nightclub where he was drinking with members of New Edition.  During the night, Simpson confided that he still loved Nicole and admitted he couldn’t let her go, words that struck Hall as unsettling in hindsight. Hall explained that Nicole and her friend Faye Resnick later arrived at the same club, leading him to realize that Simpson had been deliberately seeking her out.  The timing of Simpson’s comments about his inability to move on from Nicole left a lasting impression on Hall, especially given that not long afterward, she was killed.  Reflecting on the moment, Hall des...

 Abiodun Distributes 40 SUVs to Ogun Monarchs, Charges Communities to Support Investors Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday distributed 40 brand-new SUVs to traditional rulers across the state as part of efforts to strengthen their mobility and support their role in maintaining peace and stability in their domains. The presentation took place during the statutory meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun described the traditional rulers as custodians of culture and tradition and a critical link between government and the people, commending them for their continued support in sustaining the peaceful atmosphere that has enabled development to thrive in the state. The governor also used the occasion to call on monarchs to work closely with their communities in creating a conducive and investor-friendly environment, warning against hostility toward investors. He expressed concern over reports of uncooper...

 EFCC Arraigns One for N4.3m Fraud in Maiduguri The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 9, 2026 arraigned one Abdullahi Aminu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri. The defendant was arraigned on a one- count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation to the tune of N4, 305,000.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand Naira). The charge reads: "That you, Abdullahi Aminu sometimes in 2025 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly convert to your own use the aggregate sum of N4,305,000.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand Naira), monies belonging to Jibrin Abdulrahman purportedly as payment for the supply of rice,  thereby committed an offence contrary to Section  296 and punishable under Section 297 of the Borno State Penal Code Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith Law, 2023." The defendant ...

 Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Confirms Maimota as Head of Civil Service The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, confirmed Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota as the substantive Kano State Head of Civil Service on Wednesday. Her confirmation as a  substantive Head of Civil Service in Kano State is sealing her rise to one of the most powerful administrative positions in the state and signaling a new phase in the ongoing reform of the public service. This was contained in the statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, which came on the heels of a high-profile event marking the unveiling of the sixth tranche of payments aimed at clearing long-standing gratuities and death benefits owed to pensioners and families of deceased civil servants. The timing is anything but coincidental. With the government pushing aggressively to settle inherited liabilities, the confirmation of Maimota is seen as a strategic move to stabilise the bureaucrac...

 INEC POSTPONES VOTER REVALIDATION EXERCISE INEC has postponed the nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 General Election. Statement by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna says the commission reconsiders its earlier position after a meeting with resident electoral commissioners.

OUR LAWS AND DEMOCRACY MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES The Nigerian Bar Association has closely monitored recent political and legal developments as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 General Elections. These developments, particularly those arising from the interpretation and potential application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, raise serious constitutional, democratic, and rule-of-law concerns that require immediate intervention. We particularly deprecate the disturbing involvement by lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties despite the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which stipulates in Section 83 of the Act that “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.” Not only are courts denied jurisdiction to entertain any matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party, but they are also precluded from granting any interim or interlocutory in...

 Mali backs Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara Mali supports Morocco's autonomy plan for ‌Western Sahara, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said on Friday, becoming the latest African country to endorse Rabat's vision for ending a 50-year conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Morocco's proposal would establish a local legislative, executive and judicial authority for Western Sahara elected by its residents, while Rabat would retain jurisdiction over defence, foreign affairs and religious matters. The Polisario ⁠Front wants to hold a referendum with independence as an option. Mali's endorsement follows similar moves ​by other countries in the region. Kenya and Ghana backed Morocco's autonomy plan last year. Burkina Faso ​is one of more than two dozen mostly African states that have a consulate in Western Sahara, reflecting full endorsement of Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory. Western Sahara, a tract of desert the size of ​Br...

 Texas family sues energy drink distributor after teen cheerleader’s death linked to high caffeine intake     The family of a 17-year-old Texas cheerleader is suing a beverage distributor in a wrongful death case, alleging the teen died after consuming high amounts of caffeine from energy drinks that caused an enlarged heart. Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a college-bound high school student from Weslaco, died in October. Her family’s attorney said a Hidalgo County medical examiner determined the cause of death was an enlarged heart linked to stress and excessive caffeine intake. Officials in Hidalgo County did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit claims Rodriguez regularly consumed Alani Nu energy drinks and that the products carried insufficient warnings about potential cardiac risks. It seeks more than $1 million in damages and was filed in Hidalgo County District Court. Rodriguez had no known pre-existing heart conditions, and her attorney said...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU EULOGISES OBA ELEGUSHI AT 50 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Saheed Ademola Elegushi, on his 50th birthday, describing him as a visionary and compassionate leader. In a statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, the President rejoices with the monarch’s family, members of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, the Lagos State Traditional Council, as well as sons and daughters of the kingdom, saying Oba Elegushi has demonstrated vision, grace, wisdom and courage in balancing tradition with modernity. President Tinubu commended the monarch’s commitment to the development of his people, particularly through initiatives in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship since ascending the throne sixteen years ago. He noted that the monarch has embraced technology and global best practices to drive development in areas such as agriculture and skills acquisition. The President also recall...

 Former Baylor Guard Melissa Jones Dies at 36 Former Baylor basketball standout Melissa Jones has d!ed at the age of 36. Her mother, Kathy, confirmed that the former guard passed away on April 3 at her home in Commerce City, Colorado. The cause of death was not disclosed. News of her passing has drawn tributes from across the basketball community, with her alma mater, Baylor University, leading public condolences. In a statement shared on X, the university described Jones as a member of the 2011 graduating class and said her influence on the women’s basketball programme would always be remembered. The school also asked supporters to keep her family and the Baylor women’s basketball community in their thoughts. Her mother, Kathy, described her as a deeply cherished daughter and spoke emotionally about the bond they shared, noting that Melissa was a treasured gift in her life alongside her three brothers. She also reflected on her daughter’s time at Baylor, saying it remained one of ...

 Nigerian Cancer Society petitions EFCC, DSS, Police over alleged false cancer claims The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has filed a petitioned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, against social media influencer, Blessing ‘’CEO’ Okoro over alleged false cancer claims and obtaining donations from Nigerians to ‘’treat’’ herself.  In a statement signed by its National Director of Publicity, Hon. Bashir Mohammed Ranccasu, the Society explained that the action followed growing public concern over the allegations, stressing the need to uphold accountability, transparency and integrity within cancer advocacy and patient support systems in the country. The Society recalled that it had earlier issued a statement condemning the alleged conduct, describing it as unethical and harmful to the fight against cancer in Nigeria. It noted that the seriousness of the allegations and their potential to erode ...

 A 42-year-old woman, Olatunde Funke, who was earlier declared missing in Ilara-Mokin, has been found in a hotel in the Ugbe-Akoko area of Ondo State, sparking reactions over the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The distance between Ilara mokin in Ifedore local government and Ugbe Akoko in Akoko Northeast local government Area of ondo state is about 124 kilometres, with an estimated travel time of between 2 hours and 40 minutes and 2 hours and 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. A source familiar with the situation told newsmen that the woman’s husband had raised the alarm after she suddenly left their matrimonial home without any prior notice, prompting immediate concern and a search effort. “Her disappearance caused serious panic. The family and residents were worried something bad had happened,” the source said. According to findings, security operatives later traced her to a hotel where she was discovered in the company of a 55-year-old man identified as Isa...

 The Abia State Government has called on the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to immediately call off its ongoing strike and allow members to participate in a staff verification exercise. The government also promised that salaries for judiciary workers would be paid within 48 hours if the union’s leadership provides concrete proof that Leave Allowance is not already included in the consolidated salaries they have been receiving. Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, made the appeal on Thursday, April 9, 2026, while addressing journalists at Government House, Umuahia. Uwanna expressed regret that the strike, which began on March 15, 2026, combined with the union executives’ refusal to allow verification of staff, was severely delaying the payment of pensions to retired judiciary workers. “And one wonders, is this a coincidence, or was it a well-orchestrated scheme to continue to earn salaries by ghost workers and persons who have questio...

 The Edo State Government has sealed the Mega Hub event centre in Benin City, barely four days after popular rapper Eedris Abdulkareem criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration during a performance there. The facility, which also operates as an eatery, hosted a party tagged “Mega Rave: A Night with the Legends” on April 3, 2026. During his set, Abdulkareem paused his performance to lambast the Tinubu administration, describing the president as “the worst” in the country and accusing him of failing to visit the scene of a deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State, despite heavy security presence. In a viral video circulating on social media, the rapper mocked President Tinubu’s visit to Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang on April 2, noting that the president addressed politicians and select victims but did not proceed to the community where about 30 people were killed on March 29. He also lamented the prevailing economic hardship, blaming it on the current administration, and warned ...

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE SEVERAL TERRORISTS, RECOVER ARMS AND DISRUPT THEIR LOGISTICS SUPPLIES IN PLATEAU STATE ​In a decisive blow against terrorist elements operating on the Plateau, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, in conjunction with local vigilante groups, successfully neutralized a significant number of terrorists during a coordinated clearance operation across Daba and Seri villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State.  The operation, conducted as part of ongoing offensive clearance operations codenamed Operation WUTAN DAJI, underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring security along identified terrorists' corridors. Accordingly, at about 08:30am, 9 April, 2026, troops established strategic blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and the Odare Forest. During the operation, a large group of terrorists mounted on motorcycles were sighted moving along a known transit route, troops swiftly and decisively engaged the criminals with superior...

 OPERATION HADIN KAI DEBUNKS FALSE CLAIMS ON BENISHEIKH INCIDENT, REAFFIRMS PROFESSIONALISM AND OPERATIONAL SUPERIORITY The Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has noted with serious concern the circulation of false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports across some television stations and social media platforms following the recent foiled terrorist attack on troops’ location in Benisheikh. These narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence. OPHK categorically refutes the claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during the incident. The official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, a...

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATES RENOWNED INDUSTRIALIST, ALIKO DANGOTE, ON HIS BIRTHDAY President Bola Tinubu extends warm felicitations to Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), Africa’s leading industrialist, accomplished businessman, and Chairman of Dangote Group, on his birthday on Friday, April 10.   President Tinubu acknowledges Dangote's outstanding contributions to Nigeria and Africa’s economic growth and industrial development.   “Aliko’s entrepreneurial vision, resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence have transformed industries and positioned Nigeria as a hub for large-scale petrochemical and cement production through his establishment of the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company and cement factories across Africa.   “I salute Aliko for his conglomerate's role in job creation, infrastructure development, and unwavering belief in the Nigerian economy and its potential. Dangote remains a shining example of African ...

Cuba’s president rejects calls to step down amid escalating tensions with Trump administration Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said he will not step down from office, rejecting suggestions that he should resign during an interview conducted in Havana in his first appearance with a U.S. broadcast network. When asked whether he would consider leaving office to help stabilize the country, Díaz-Canel pushed back sharply, saying Cuba’s leadership is not chosen by the United States and insisting the nation operates as a sovereign state. He added that stepping down “is not part of our vocabulary,” and defended Cuba’s political system as one based on domestic elections at the local level. The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Havana and Washington, with the Trump administration increasing pressure on Cuba and openly calling for political change on the island. U.S. officials have described Cuba as facing deep economic challenges and have argued that reforms to its leadership and...

 Trump administration report to accuse Biden Justice Department of anti-Christian bias in draft findings, NBC News reports The Trump administration is preparing to release a report that accuses the Biden Justice Department of exhibiting anti-Christian bias in its enforcement of certain federal laws, including actions involving abortion clinic protections and COVID-era policies, according to details of the draft. The report originates from a Justice Department-led task force created after an executive order signed in 2025 aimed at addressing what the administration describes as “anti-Christian bias.” A final version is expected in the coming weeks, according to officials, though the document itself is not expected to have legal force. The draft claims the Biden-era Justice Department engaged in policies that were hostile to religious expression, echoing long-standing political criticisms made by Trump. Biden, a practicing Catholic, has previously rejected such characterizations. One...

 Scientists discover new potential pathway for non-hormonal male birth control targeting sperm production process Scientists are moving closer to a new generation of male birth control, with researchers reporting a potential non-hormonal approach that temporarily disrupts sperm production. The findings suggest multiple contraceptive options for men could become available in the coming years as development advances. In a new study, researchers explored how a compound can interfere with meiosis, the cell-division process required for sperm to develop with the correct number of chromosomes. In experiments involving male mice, a drug known as JQ1 temporarily halted sperm production by targeting a protein essential to testicular function. While fertility declined during treatment, it gradually returned after the drug was stopped, with the mice later regaining normal reproductive ability and producing healthy offspring. Scientists say the results demonstrate a proof of concept for a reve...

 PRESS RELEASE ASSUMPTION OF DUTY BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, YOBE STATE COMMAND The Yobe State Police Command wishes to formally inform the general public that CP Usman Kamfani Jibrin, psc, has assumed duty as the 34th Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command on 9th April, 2026. He took over from the former Commissioner of Police, AIG Emmanuel Ado, who has been posted out to a higher position in the Nigeria Police Force. CP Usman Kamfani Jibrin is a native of Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Political Science from Bayero University, Kano (1991) and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu (2016). He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1994 (Course 18) and has served the nation diligently for over three decades in various operational, investigative and administrative capacities. Throughout his dist...