The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Friday inspected the ongoing Quick-Fix Project in the Warri Refinery, Delta State.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited made this known on its X (Twitter) page on Friday.

Photos from the inspection were captioned, “The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has just arrived in Warri Refinery for the 13th Refineries’ Rehabilitation Steering Committee Meeting.

“Accompanied by the Group CEO, NNPC Limited, Mr. #MKKyari, the Minister will also inspect work progress on the ongoing Quick-Fix Project in the Refinery.”

A 14-year-old schoolgirl and a coach driver were killed in a bus crash in Merseyside, North-West England, on Friday morning.

Daily Mail reports that the school bus was carrying 54 pupils from West Kirby grammar school and Calday Grange grammar school in Merseyside when the bus crashed with a car and flipped onto its side.

Witnesses also claimed that the children were escaping out of the back window after the crash.

The children were taken to an emergency centre where they were medically assessed, 39 have been discharged but the remainder have been taken to hospital for further treatment.

The police further disclosed in a press conference that two of the children were seriously injured and were taken immediately from the scene to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The area manager of Merseyside Fire and Rescue service, Mark Thomas, also mentioned that firefighters worked with emergency services colleagues at scene to stabilise the vehicle and assisted casualties exiting the bus.

Following a suicidal bomb blast at a religious procession in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, officials said the death toll has rose to at least 25.

“At least 25 people were killed and more than 80 injured — including 20 critically injured people,” Zubair Jamali, home minister of Balochistan, told AFP.

Earlier, six people were reported to have lost their lives while more than 30 were wounded on Friday, in a blast near a mosque in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, local media reported.

The Assistant Commissioner of Mastung district said the explosion happened as people gathered for a procession marking the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.

The country’s interior ministry confirmed a blast carried out by “terrorist elements”.

“The attack on innocent people who came to participate in the procession of Eid Milad-ul-Nabi is a very heinous act,” it said in a statement.

Balochistan’s Minister for Information Jan Achakzai posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the number of dead was rising.

While the celebration of the prophet’s birthday is accepted by the majority of Islamic sects, certain denominations view it as an unwarranted innovation.

The Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Lukman Adeleye, fulfilled his promise to the people of Ikoto community in Odogbolu Local Government Area by donating a 500 KVA transformer.

The donation was made to address the issue of persistent darkness in the community. Adeleye emphasised his commitment to serving the people and keeping his promises.

He mentioned, on Thursday, that during his election campaign, he pledged to restore electricity to the community if elected. Despite the challenges in his constituency, he fulfilled this promise by investing over 8 million naira in the project.

“This is in line with my policy of ‘promise made, promise kept’. I am always sad each time I visit the community because of the total darkness, which usually pervades the area.

“It has always been on my mind and I am happy today as I mark my 100 days in office, which coincidentally falls with the birth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) that I am putting back the community on the national electricity grid,” Adeleye noted.

The community head of Ikoto, Chief Olugbenga Adebanjo, and residents expressed their gratitude to the legislator for his efforts in bringing electricity back to the area. This initiative aligns with Adeleye’s policy of “promise made, promise kept,” and it coincided with his 100 days in office.

In addition to the transformer donation, Hon. Adeleye has been active in sponsoring resolutions and empowering young people with cash gifts to support their small-scale businesses.

The police on Thursday said they have arrested alleged gang leader Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, Sammy Larry, as widely known, in connection to the ongoing investigation into the controversial death of Afrobeats musician Promise Aloba, whose stage name was Mohbad.

“Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, aka Sam Larry, is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with an ongoing investigation,” the police said in an update on Thursday.

Sam Larry was named as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Mohbad a few weeks ago. He is a known ally of musician Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley, who is another person of interest in the case.

Footages that emerged following the death of Mohbad on September 12th documented the series of abuses and maltreatment the deceased was subjected to after he departed from the Naira Marley-owned Marlian Records label.

In one of those footages, Sam Larry, who singer Portable name-dropped as the founder of the notorious ‘One Million Boys’ gang known for assaults, armed robbery and raping, could be seen disrupting a Mohbad video shoot set alongside Omoniyi Temidayo a.k.a Zlatan.

Sam Larry had been out of the country since the footage started circulating online, but a video posted on social media late on Thursday showed him being escorted by three men from the airport.

President Bola Tinubu’s government has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress against embarking on a nationwide strike.

The federal government called on the unions to shelve their proposed strike and refrain from actions capable of undermining the subsisting court orders.

The government stated this in a letter signed by the minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and addressed to Femi Falana’s law firm, counsel to the labour unions.

The attorney copied the labour minister, the chief of staff to the president, the national security adviser, the inspector general of police and the SSS director-general in the letter.

The National Industrial Court had on June 5 restrained the NLC and the TUC from embarking on any industrial action over the removal of fuel subsidy.

The justice minister argued that the planned strike by the unions would violate the subsisting order of the court if they embark on the indefinite strike from October 3.

Mr Fagbemi told the unions to respect the court’s order and allow room for ongoing negotiations between them and the federal government.

“These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication. Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on June 5 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice,” the letter explained.

It added, “We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside.”

Mr Fagbemi noted that the public expects the unions to lead in obedience and observance of court orders, not in breach.

“It is, therefore, the earnest expectation of this office that your distinguished law firm will advise the labour unions on the need to protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders,” the federal government letter stressed.

It impressed the unions that “their proposed strike action is in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.”

Nigerian tourism minister has been hospitalised in Abuja after suffering acute poisoning from unknown origins, Peoples Gazette was told, as her family members fear time was running against their efforts to save her life.

Lola Ade-John, 60, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, shortly after she started manifesting symptoms of her poisoning, according to family sources familiar with her ordeal.

She has spent four days at the facility as of Friday morning, The Gazette heard.

Ms Ade-John, a career banker and tech investor, has been on a machine to aid her breathing, our sources said.

The specifics as to what substance she ingested and how could not be immediately established by The Gazette.

The police and the State Security Service did not immediately return a request on whether or not any investigations had been opened into the matter.

Her worsening situation has further set the family against the government, with the permanent secretary of her ministry said to be in disagreement as to whether she should continue receiving treatment at a public hospital or be moved to a better-equipped private facility downtown.

The permanent secretary, Ngozi Onwudike, was said to have insisted that the minister should not be transferred because the FMC is a public hospital and its services wouldn’t attract substantial charges to the government, a position her family rebuffed. But they remained with her as they could not raise funds to move her to a private hospital, our sources said.

A phone number for the permanent secretary did not connect on Friday morning.

A spokesperson for the FMC did not immediately return a request seeking comments from The Gazette about Ms Ade-John’s condition.

Ms Ade-John was appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu in August. She was immediately touted as one of the few cabinet members appointed from outside the political beltway.

She was based in London for years before she was asked to return to the country to serve by the president.

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele says up-and-coming artistes should be well-informed before signing contracts with record labels.

Ms Akindele said this on the sidelines of the Prime Video five-part mini-series premiere titled ‘She Must Be Obeyed’, held at Filmhouse, IMAX Cinema, Lekki, Lagos.

The mini-series is about the lives of three successful music stars, their rivalry and backstabbing. The series premiered on Friday on Prime Video.

“It is extremely important for young and up-and-coming artistes to ensure that they study their contracts to know the details and what they are going through,” said Ms Akindele.

“We put out content that affects young artistes, and that is why we came up with this series so that when they watch it, they will learn a lot of things and be very careful.”

The Nollywood star added, “Young artistes need to be educated, and we need to organise a lot of seminars and workshops for them to know that they are important. The young talents are very hungry to be seen as they want to showcase their talent.

“But unfortunately, they don’t study their contracts, they don’t get a lawyer or families that are experienced to educate them. The series will teach them a lot of things that will help them grow and learn the basic things in the industry.”

She noted that the series centres on the competition in the entertainment industry.

“The main character, ’SHE’, is very condescending and a bully. Just like in every sector, you have bullies everywhere as long as there is hierarchy. You get to see competition, drama, fashion, and music and we had to showcase what young talents go through,” Ms Akindele explained.

She added, “The series is an eye-opener for everyone, and most importantly, it is very educative as well as entertaining. So, I encourage everyone to watch it.”

Stakeholders in the correctional sector have called on state governments to formulate and implement laws to aid in decongesting the prisons.

The stakeholders made the call at a National Dialogue on Enlisting State Corrections in Nigeria organised in collaboration between Hope Behind Bars Africa, USAID and Palladium in Abuja.

According to Funke Adeoye, executive director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, most criminal laws in Nigeria are state laws that create more offenders than congested prisons, making the federal government spend more to cater to inmates.

Ms Adeoye said the laws could be corrected when states are made to set up their facilities. She said most laws are similar to increased custodial measures, adding that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act creates room for alternatives to incarceration known as non-custodial sanctions.

“We have a large number of awaiting trial inmates in Nigeria. About 70 per cent of people in prison are awaiting trial and we also have a data that 90 per cent of people we find in our facilities are actually state offenders,” stated Ms Adeoye.

“That is because most of the criminal laws are state laws and so this is an issue that needs to be addressed because we cannot have the federal government just taking care or feeding people that are incarcerated, even though many of them are state offenders.”

She added, “I think there is also data to show that billions of Naira is being spent by the Federal Government on feeding these inmates. So we are hopeful that at the end of this conversation today, we will have a trajectory as to where to go in terms of the management of state corrections in Nigeria.”

Ms Adeoye said there were so many things that needed to be done concerning state laws, and conversations had started regarding looking at alternatives to incarceration.

She said that the administration of criminal justice also creates room for local and state sanctions, and it was important that states begin to include some of these sanctions in their laws.

The controller-general of corrections, Haliru Nababa, stated that the state attorneys general and commissioner for justice will have to step in to see how they can tackle this particular problem.

“If somebody has committed a crime and is taken into custody, let him be prosecuted urgently. If he is found guilty, let him be sentenced. If not, let him just be released.

However, if someone is accused of committing an offence and it is not established, let the prosecutor, the police, the state justice, the chief judge and the other stakeholders do the needful. For him now to stay long is what brings about this delay in dispensation of justice,” Mr Nababa said.

Lazarus Apir, advocacy manager of Strengthening Civic and Local Engagement (SCALE), a project supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said having the correctional service on the exclusive list for a long time is a disadvantage.

“So with the amendment to the constitution, getting the states involved in correctional services is, of course, the way to go,” Mr Apir said.

“So we felt the need that this kind of conversation needs to happen because it’s new to the states.”

On Thursday, the Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) crushed more than 470 motorcycles impounded for operating illegally in Abuja.

The task force impounded the motorcycles during an operation from the Carwash Bus Stop, Lugbe, through Gosa, Bill Clinton Drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe Junction and Kubwa.

Over 400 motorcycles were earlier impounded and crushed on August 31 during a similar operation for the same offence.

Obokutom Nyah, FCTA secretary (transportation secretariat) told journalists during the exercise that the decision to crush the motorcycles was in line with the provisions of the law.

Mr Nyah warned commercial motorcyclists to limit their operations to designated areas, stay clear of the city centre and stop constituting a security threat.

He explained that areas are designated for different kinds of vehicles, adding that commercial motorcycles are only allowed to operate in the suburbs.

“So, we encourage the operators to respect their boundaries because if you cross the line, you will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Also, Abdulateef Bello, the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services director, said the number of motorcycles operating within the city was outrageous.

Mr Bello said the task force would extend its operations to night hours, adding that currently, between 200 and 400 motorcycles are being impounded every week.

He added that the task force was considering arresting residents who patronise motorcycles as part of efforts to strengthen the level of enforcement.

He advised residents against patronising motorcycles but should learn to walk short distances for their safety.

The director further advised people investing in the commercial motorcycle business to rethink, stressing that the FCTA would invest its resources to curtail them.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has advised parents to live up to their responsibilities of raising their children well for the good of society.

The minister made the call in Abuja on Thursday at the inauguration of a document titled ‘Parenting for Peace (P4P): Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) Training of Trainers’ (ToT) guide’.

She said it was the duty of parents to mould the children from the age of six months to ensure they grow to be responsible citizens.

“I usually carried out drug tests on my children when they were growing. Parents should be ashamed of themselves when a child is going the wrong way,” said Ms Kennedy-Ohanenye.

The minister also advised that parents should be cautious about the behaviour they display before their children, saying, “Children learn very fast from the behaviours of their parents.”

She said the way a woman lives with her husband at home would determine how the children would grow to live.

David Gatare, chief of party of CIPP, said Mercy Corps was proud to work in crisis areas to cushion conflict and economic shocks while providing humanitarian assistance and building resilient communities.

Mr Garare said over three million people in the past five years had been impacted through the organisation’s peace-building, governance and conflict resolution initiatives, education, financial inclusion and environmental sustainability.

He added that the organisation was driven by the vision of a Nigeria where all citizens, including young women and men, are empowered, engaged, resilient and productive.

“At Mercy Corps, our work is on gender, peace and security; it focuses on addressing and mitigating gender dynamics that perpetuate and exacerbate conflict while including diverse groups and members of the society,” stated Mr Garare.

Blessing Amadi, the deputy chairwoman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, also said parents should create time for discussions with their children.

According to her, having time with the children, listening and giving them advice form part of good parenting, which parents should imbibe. She called on parents to apply disciplinary measures in their homes to teach the children how to be responsible and to know the consequences of all actions, whether good or bad.

Ms Amadi said that parents need to educate the children by getting involved in their assignments and guiding them to know the rudiments of education.

She also said parents should be concerned with the security of their children at home and in school and teach them the dangers of random movements without authorisation.

“The children should also be guided on the responsible use of technology devices,” she added.

Yobe says it has so far distributed food items to 137,000 households as palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

Muhammad Goje, executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, told a news conference in Damaturu on Wednesday that rice, maize, pasta, and condiments were distributed to the beneficiaries.

He explained that the items were distributed to beneficiaries in Damaturu, Fine, Potiskum, Bade, Geidam and Jakusko local government areas.

Mr Goje said each household received between 20kg and 50kg of the grains, depending on size.

“Sixty-nine per cent of the beneficiaries got the items correctly while the remaining 31 per cent got theirs through clusters,” he said.

Mr Goje added that beneficiaries were identified by registration and recommendations by traditional leaders, places of worship, political parties, orphanages, and People with Disabilities, among others.

He assured that other vulnerable groups in the remaining 11 local government areas of the state would benefit from the items soon.

After a thorough investigation spanning more than 70 days, Private Travis King, a U.S. soldier who entered North Korea without authorisation, has been found guilty of illegal intrusion and is slated for deportation.

According to reports from North Korea’s state-run media on Wednesday, Mr Green crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified buffer dividing North and South Korea, on July 18.

Subsequent reports disclosed that Mr Green confessed to his unauthorised entry into North Korea, citing grievances related to perceived mistreatment, racial discrimination within the U.S. Army, and societal inequalities in the United States.

The agency said he “harboured ill feelings against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army and was disillusioned about the unequal U.S. society.”

The details and timeline of Mr King’s deportation plan from North Korea have not been disclosed, including whether he will be returned to South Korea via the DMZ, which he initially crossed to reach North Korea.

Colonel Isaac Taylor, a spokesperson for the U.S. military stationed in South Korea, emphasised, “Our priority is to bring Private King home, and we are working through all available channels to achieve that outcome.”

Notably, North Korea’s decision to expel an American soldier seeking asylum within its borders is not unusual. Analysts attribute North Korea’s often severe responses to perceived bullying and unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States.

Historically, North Korea has allowed American deserters to live within its territory.Mr King, 23, had been stationed in South Korea as a First Brigade Combat Team, First Armored Division member.

After his release in July from a South Korean detention facility, where he had been held on assault charges, he was accompanied by U.S. military personnel to Incheon International Airport, situated outside Seoul, to board a flight to the United States, where he was expected to face additional disciplinary action.

However, Mr King did not board the plane as scheduled. Instead, he embarked on a bus journey the following day to the border village of Panmunjom, located within the DMZ, which permits tourists to visit.

Mr Taylor explained that the soldier had “willfully and without authorisation crossed the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

In a statement issued last month, North Korea indicated Mr King’s desire to seek refuge in the isolated communist nation or potentially in a third country.

Mr Green marks the first publicly known case of an American held in North Korean custody since Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained for a month after illegally entering the country from China in 2018.

In previous instances, American civilians accused of illegally entering North Korea have faced prosecution, sentencing to hard labour, or occasionally, release and expulsion.

Robert Park, a Korean American missionary who crossed the border between China and North Korea in 2009, endured a 43-day captivity in the North before being deported to Beijing.

In a similar incident in 2013, Merrill Newman, an American retiree, was held for 42 days before being flown from Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, to Beijing.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has handed over two suspected oil thieves to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials for further interrogation.

The suspects were handed over to the NSCDC on Wednesday at the premises of the naval base in Warri.Solomon Paul, the executive officer of the NNS Delta, handed the suspects to the representatives of the NSCDC on behalf of the commander, NNS Delta, Chindo Yahaya.

Addressing journalists, Mr Yahaya said the suspects were apprehended on September 17 at the Asugbo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

He said the feat was made possible by the NNS Delta patrol team and staff of the Ocean Marine Solution (OMS), an accredited indigenous Nigerian maritime security solutions provider.

“The team searched the surrounding area and intercepted three persons in a canoe boat 20 metres away from the vandalised pipelines,“ he said.

The naval officer said the suspects attempted to escape but were intercepted and brought to the navy base, and after interrogation, they claimed to be fishermen.

He said fishing gear was not found with them, and neither did the patrol team observe fishing nets or hooks within the immediate environment they were apprehended.

Mr Yahaya added that the suspects could not explain why they attempted to escape and the whereabouts of their accomplice.

He said there was a need for a thorough investigation to ascertain those responsible for the illegal connection on the oil pipeline in Asugbo Creek for appropriate legal action.

Victor Igbinoba, divisional head officer, NSCDC in Warri South Local Government Area, received the suspects on behalf of the corps.

Mr Igbinoba promised that the suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.

Tanzania has culled millions of quelea birds to prevent them from destroying rice fields, using drones and planes to monitor commercial farms, the country’s plants and pesticides watchdog said Wednesday.

The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) which is also responsible for controlling desert locusts, killed five million quelea birds in the northern region of Manyara last week where about 1,000 acres of commercial crops were under threat.

“We killed swarms of five million destructive birds and now we are monitoring other zones,” Joseph Ndunguru, acting director general of TPHPA, told AFP by phone.

The tiny red-beaked birds, which move in large flocks, are notorious for ravaging crops, with invasions generally occurring during the onset of the dry season in September and October.

Ndunguru said the agency targeted the swarms with aerial spraying over a four-day period, killing them before they damaged the paddy fields in northern Tanzania.

Aerial surveillance is now under way in other regions, he added.

According to TPHPA, the birds are capable of destroying more than 50 tonnes of food crops in a single day.

Quelea birds are thought to be the most numerous bird species in the world, with governments across Africa initiating aerial and ground efforts to contain them in the past.

Nigeria has lost the joint bid with the Benin Republic to host the African Cup of Nations in 2027, as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are named joint hosts of the 2027 tournament, AFP reports.

This comes after the Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh arrived in Egypt on Tuesday with representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation to bid to host AFCON in 2027.

It was reported that Nigeria’s only hosting of the AFCON was in 1980 when Christian Chukwu led the team to victory in front of enthusiastic home fans, including former President Shehu Shagari.

The joint hosting with Ghana ended in disappointment as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions claimed the trophy at the National Stadium in Lagos.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has joined in felicitating the Muslim faithful on the occasion of celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

In his Eid-El-Maulud message.Akpabio, on Wednesday, enjoined the Muslims to pray for the national leaders and the country itself.

Akpabio’s goodwill message was issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

“The occasion of the birthday of the Holy Prophet is a reminder to all adherents of the Islamic religion to rededicate themselves to prayerful support for those in authority and for the nation,” Akpabio said.

The senate president further charged the citizenry to focus on the positive atmosphere in the country, so as to achieve a collective goal of “renewed hope.”

“Even more, it is an opportunity for every one of us to devote ourselves to uncommon godly citizenship and love for one another. It is time for everyone whether Muslim or not to accentuate the positive ambience of our nationhood towards the collective goal of renewed hope for all,” the statement added.

He further advised the Muslims to emulate the positive marks on humanity that were left behind by the prophet.

The Abia State government has vowed to retrieve dilapidated Federal Government tourist centres in the state and turn them into profitable ventures.

The Senior Special Assistance to Governor Alex Otti, on Tourism and Entertainment, Martins Justice, said the move was geared towards revamping the state economy through tourism.

Justice who spoke on Wednesday in Umuahia, the state capital, said they intend to leverage the theme of the 2023 World Tourism Day which focused on green investments and tourism, to project the rich tourist and cultural potential of the state to the world.

He pointed out that tourism can boost the economy of the state, given its ability to promote the green economy and lifestyle of the residents of the state.

He said, “Governor Alex Otti is positioned to drive a regional and national tourism growth and is poised to strive to position Abia as a safe destination of choice for quality entertainment, leisure, and tourism, this little drops can already be seen in the lightning up of major Abia Cities within the past few weeks and remedial works on connecting roads within the cities, these efforts are to foster sense of security and a round the clock economic drive for the state.

“Upon resumption of office, I have taken the time to study and understand the key challenges of the tourism sector in Abia State, that also includes the dilapidated tourist sites, the existing capacity gaps within the sector, and challenges of hospitality institutions within the state, and we are jointly developing a blueprint for action in achieving the mandate of Dr. Alex Otti’s led administration drive for a more robust and inclusive economy.

“Tourism is not just about visiting new places; it’s about forging connections, understanding different cultures, and appreciating the incredible diversity of our world. It transcends borders and fosters a sense of unity among people.

“It has the power to break down stereotypes, promote tolerance, and build bridges of understanding. In a world where conflicts and divisions often dominate headlines, tourism becomes a force for peace and harmony.

“Yet, the impact of tourism extends far beyond cultural exchanges. It is a formidable driver of economic growth, providing livelihoods to millions of people around the globe.

“Small and large businesses, from local artisans to international hotel chains, rely on the tourism industry for their sustenance. As we emerge from the challenges posed by the global pandemic and insecurity, tourism can be a crucial catalyst for economic recovery and resilience,” he concluded.

A 46-year-old American, Gerardo Cabanillas, who spent nearly 30 years in prison for kidnap, robbery and rape since 1995, has been declared innocent and freed, prosecutors have announced.

He was convicted in 1996 and spent 28 years in prison after he confessed to being one of two armed men who approached a couple, forced the man out, and drove the woman to an abandoned house where both raped her.

Daily Mail reports that his case was reexamined by the Conviction Integrity Unit of the District Attorney’s office, after which a judge reversed his conviction, found him factually innocent and ordered his permanent release.

DNA testing on the rape kit, which the Innocence Project asked to be tested in 2019, showed that two other people committed the assault.

Also, victims of the attacks, who identified Cabanillas from photo lineups, later expressed doubts in court and said they were pressured into identifying him.

“Cabanillas, who was 18 years old at the time, was arrested a few days after the incident because he generally matched the description of the suspects,” the District Attorney, George Gascon said.

The DA said despite there being no physical evidence connecting Cabanillas to the crime, he was charged with 14 felony counts and would have spent the rest of his life in prison if not for the DNA evidence.

“He always maintained that on the date of his arrest, he was coerced by the investigating detective into giving a false confession with a promise that he would be released on probation.

“After a thorough review of all the evidence, including expert analysis of the purported confession and an interview with the sexual assault victim, we lost confident in the conviction in this case,” Gascon said.

“I extend my deepest apologies to Mr. Cabanillas for the miscarriage of justice and the failure of our criminal legal system,” the DA said after he was exonerated.