UK To End Physical Visa Stickers For Nigerians, Introduces Mandatory eVisa From February 25, 2026

The United Kingdom has confirmed that starting February 25, 2026, Nigerian travellers will no longer receive physical visa stickers in their passports, as the country moves fully to an electronic visa system. The announcement was made in Abuja by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which stated that all newly approved Visit visas for Nigerians will now be issued as digital eVisas under the UK’s broader transition to a modernised, paperless border process. Under the updated system, successful applicants will not get visa vignettes placed inside their passports. Instead, their immigration status will be stored online and accessible through a secure UKVI account. Authorities stressed that the visa application steps remain unchanged. Applicants must still complete the online form, visit a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data, and meet all existing requirements. The only difference is how the visa is delivered and verified after approval. UKVI also clarified that Nigerians who already possess valid physical visa stickers will continue to use them until they expire. There is no requirement to switch to an eVisa before the end of their current validity period. British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the transition is designed to make travel smoother while enhancing border security. “We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This shift to digital visas streamlines a key part of the process, strengthens security and reduces reliance on paper documentation,” she said. According to UKVI, the digital system is expected to reduce delays since passports will no longer need to be retained for visa endorsements. Travellers will also be able to check and share their immigration status online at any time. Officials noted that unlike physical stickers, eVisas cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and they allow real-time verification of a traveller’s status. The move forms part of a wider overhaul of the UK’s border management system, marking a significant procedural change for Nigerian visitors, students and business travellers who will now rely entirely on a secure digital immigration record for entry clearance.

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Senator, Kenneth Eze Calls For 16-Year Single Presidential Tenure To Boost Policy Continuity

Kenneth Eze has suggested a major overhaul of Nigeria’s presidential tenure system, proposing a single 16-year term in place of the current arrangement of two four-year terms. The senator, who represents Ebonyi Central under the APC and serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, made the remarks while addressing journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, located in Ezza South Local Government Area. Eze expressed concern that the existing four-year tenure structure disrupts governance and long-term development. He argued that frequent election cycles distract leaders from fully implementing policies and completing projects. “Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned, and policies are not allowed to mature. “Nigeria’s constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, but if you ask me, I will advocate one tenure of 16 years. It sounds controversial, but it will allow policies to run their full course and stabilise the system,” Eze said. He clarified that his proposal should not be interpreted as an attack on democratic values but rather as an invitation to rethink governance structures in the country. According to the lawmaker, any move toward extending presidential tenure would require an inclusive national dialogue and constitutional amendments to ensure that democratic principles, checks and balances, and accountability mechanisms remain intact.

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Sophia Momodu’s Lawyers Vow Legal Action Over Alleged Intimidation In Davido Custody Dispute

The legal team representing Sophia Momodu has declared that it will deploy every lawful avenue to counter what it described as attempts to intimidate counsel or disrupt ongoing court proceedings, amid fresh controversy linked to Afrobeats star Davido. In a statement issued by the management and board of partners at PUNUKA Attorneys and Solicitors, the firm stressed that the custody matter is currently before a competent court in Lagos State and must be resolved strictly through evidence and due judicial process. It maintained that public commentary or online pressure would not sway its professional responsibilities. The reaction followed reports that Davido posted a photograph of one of the lawyers on social media while speaking about developments in his custody dispute with Momodu, triggering intense online reactions. The firm warned that such actions could place legal practitioners at risk of harassment beyond the courtroom. The lawyers underscored that justice thrives on fearless and independent advocacy, cautioning that any effort to undermine the integrity of legal proceedings would attract consequences within the bounds of the law. They further urged the wider legal community, including the Nigerian Bar Association, to condemn conduct capable of eroding professional standards. The latest exchange adds to the long-running custody battle between both parties, a dispute that observers say has increasingly shifted into the public space as both legal and personal tensions continue to escalate.

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EFCC Detains El-Rufai Overnight Over Alleged N423bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, following fresh questioning over alleged financial misconduct linked to his administration. Sources revealed that el-Rufai, a key figure in the African Democratic Congress, appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday after receiving an invitation from the anti-graft agency. After hours of interrogation, officials decided to keep him in custody overnight as investigations continue. “He is in our custody, and he is going to spend the night there.” Insiders said a decision on his release would depend on the outcome of further questioning expected to continue on Tuesday. El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over allegations of diverting N423 billion in public funds and involvement in money laundering. The lawmakers called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to probe the claims. Beyond the EFCC investigation, the former governor has also been invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and is expected to face interrogation on Wednesday. Last Thursday, security operatives attempted to apprehend him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja when he returned from Cairo, Egypt. He later alleged that the ICPC acted on the directive of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, instructing Department of State Services officials to arrest him upon arrival. Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television, el-Rufai said “someone wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, which allowed him to hear the directive ordering his arrest. On Monday, the DSS filed a three-count charge against him for allegedly intercepting the NSA’s telephone conversation. He is expected to be arraigned in court over the matter.

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100 US Military Personnel Deploy To Bauchi To Train And Support Nigerian Armed Forces

About 100 United States military personnel, accompanied by equipment, have arrived at Bauchi Airfield to support the Nigerian Armed Forces in training, technical assistance, and intelligence-sharing, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Monday. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the deployment is part of ongoing Nigeria–US defence collaboration, following discussions during a recent joint military working group meeting. “The arrival of US personnel is planned and deliberate, responding to a formal request from the Federal Government of Nigeria to address specific military training needs,” the DHQ stated. The partnership is intended to provide Nigerian forces with access to specialized technical expertise, strengthening their ability to counter terrorist threats and protect vulnerable communities across the country. Major General Uba emphasized that the US personnel are advisory specialists focused solely on training and guidance, not combat operations. All activities will be conducted under the authority and supervision of the Nigerian government in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria. As part of the cooperation, Nigerian troops and US advisers will participate in joint training exercises and intelligence-focused initiatives designed to improve the military’s capacity to identify, confront, and neutralize extremist groups threatening national stability. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to defeating terrorist organizations that endanger the country’s sovereignty, security, and citizens,” the DHQ said, promising regular updates on the collaboration. This deployment reflects the deepening defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, reinforcing joint efforts to boost national security and combat terrorism.

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Wizkid Named Person Of The Year 2025 At West Africa On Point Awards

Nigerian music sensation Wizkid has been named Person of the Year 2025 (African Artiste of the Year) at the West Africa On Point Awards. The honour celebrates Wizkid’s remarkable contributions to African music and culture over the past year, spotlighting his global reach, chart-topping hits, and role in elevating Afrobeats to the international stage. Fans and industry figures have hailed the recognition as a significant milestone in Wizkid’s career, which already boasts record-breaking streaming numbers and multiple international accolades. The award at the West Africa On Point Awards crowns a year of dominance for the Afrobeats superstar, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s most influential artists worldwide.

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Nigerian Filmmaker Biodun Stephen Opens Up About Undergoing Female Circumcision At Age Six

Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has shared her painful experience with female circumcision, revealing that she underwent the procedure at six years old. During an appearance on the Diary Of A Naija Girl Podcast, Stephen said the procedure was performed by her grandmother as part of a longstanding family tradition. “It was my grandma, God bless her soul. My mom also went through it. It was their culture,” she said, adding that she doesn’t want to dwell too much on the details. Stephen recounted being taken to a location outdoors under her grandmother’s supervision. At first, she was allowed to play and eat, which made her feel safe and unaware of what was about to happen. Later, she was asked to take a shower and then lie down, after which the circumcision was carried out. She described the pain as vivid and unforgettable, lingering in her memory to this day. “I was six and didn’t understand what was happening. My grandma just said, ‘let’s go somewhere.’ They let me play and eat first, which made me comfortable. Then I was told to shower and later to lie down,” she recalled. No one explained the procedure to her at the time. When she returned home, her mother tried to comfort her but the family never discussed it further. “The pain was intense. My mother rubbed me and said, ‘sorry, my baby,’ but that was it. No conversation about why it happened,” Stephen said. She noted that female circumcision was treated as a normal tradition in her family, passed down through generations, even though children were not told its purpose. Stephen’s story sheds light on the lasting emotional and physical impact of cultural practices carried out on children without their understanding.

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FA Cup 2025-26 Fifth Round Draw: Newcastle United vs Manchester City And Full Fixtures List

The fifth round of the FA Cup for the 2025-26 season has been drawn, with eight matches scheduled for the weekend of March 7–8, 2026. The draw, held ahead of Monday’s game between Macclesfield and Brentford, was conducted by former England stars Joe Cole and Karen Carney. Teams are now preparing to battle for a place in the quarter-finals. Each club that progresses from this round will receive £238,500 from the 2025-26 competition prize fund. Final match schedules, including kickoff times, will be confirmed after discussions with the clubs, broadcasters, and local authorities. Fifth-Round Fixtures: Fulham v Southampton Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland Newcastle United v Manchester City Leeds United v Norwich City Mansfield Town v Arsenal Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool Wrexham v Chelsea West Ham United v Macclesfield or Brentford

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