South Carolina has carried out its first execution in 13 years, administering a lethal injection to 46-year-old Freddie Owens, who was convicted of murder in 1999.

Owens was sentenced to death for killing shop worker Irene Graves during an armed robbery in Greenville in 1997.

Despite a last-minute sworn statement from Owens’ co-defendant, Steve Golden, claiming that Owens was not present during the crime, the South Carolina Supreme Court refused to halt the execution.

The court deemed the new statement inconsistent with Golden’s testimony from the 1999 trial, in which he testified that Owens shot Graves after she failed to open a safe during the robbery.

Owens was executed at the Broad River Correctional Institute in Columbia on Friday evening. He was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. local time (10:55 p.m. GMT) after receiving a lethal injection of pentobarbital. He declined to make a final statement.

The execution marked the end of a 13-year hiatus, during which South Carolina struggled to procure the necessary drugs for lethal injections. Owens, who was 19 at the time of the crime, was sentenced to death in 1999. The day after his conviction, he killed his cellmate, further adding to his criminal record.

Lawyers for Owens made several attempts to halt the execution, including two in September, citing the affidavit from Golden as new evidence of his innocence. However, the court rejected the appeals, stating that Golden’s recent claims contradicted his prior testimony and the statements he made immediately following the arrest.

Prosecutors also pointed to multiple witnesses who testified that Owens had admitted to killing Graves, a 41-year-old single mother of three.

Owens’ mother, Dora Mason, and advocates against the death penalty also appealed for clemency, which was denied by Governor Henry McMaster.

Mason, in a statement just hours before her son’s execution, called the process a “grave injustice.”

Inmates in South Carolina can choose their method of execution—lethal injection, electric chair, or firing squad. Owens deferred the decision to his lawyer, who selected lethal injection.

Journalists who witnessed the execution reported that members of Irene Graves’ family were present.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has uploaded 4.5% of the results from the ongoing Edo State governorship election onto its INEC Result Viewing Portal, IREV.

As of Saturday, reports indicate that 205 out of 4,519 polling units in the state have successfully submitted their results to the portal, which allows for public viewing of the election outcomes.

The Edo governorship election has been marked by various challenges, including delayed arrival of election materials due to heavy rains in parts of the state, especially in Edo Central.

However, the voting process is continuing as the state’s 2.2 million registered voters make their choice for the next governor.

More updates to follow as INEC continues to upload results.

A tricycle rider has reportedly attacked a member of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, identified simply as Toheeb Abbas, who was on an enforcement operation in Ibadan, the state capital.

PUNCH Online investigations revealed that the incident occurred in Mokola, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses stated that the OYRTMA team went to the area to address illegal parking when the tricycle rider, who had parked in front of a commercial bank, became aggressive and attacked Abbas, inflicting serious injuries.

One eyewitness said, “The assaulted officer, Abbas, was severely injured in the attack and was left blood-soaked.”

Confirming the incident, the state Chairman of OYRTMA, Adekoya Adesagba, condemned the attack and stated that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Adesagba described it as a shocking incident, saying, “Attacking our officers is equivalent to fighting the government’s efforts to ensure public safety and protect lives and property. The perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.”

He lamented that the incident highlights the growing concern over violence against enforcement officers in the state.

“We will continue our efforts to maintain law and order on the roads, despite the challenges,” he insisted.

The police say its operatives have apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State where the governorship election will be holding today, Saturday.

The police also pledged to tackle illegal weapons holders and disruptors of the electoral process in the state.

Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, made this known in a statement on Friday night, displaying some of the recovered firearms.

He gave the names of the arrested alleged political thugs as 43-year-old Edwin Obanor, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo

“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, namely: Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo,” the statement said.

Residents of Edo State will be electing a new governor today, Saturday, 21 September, 2024.

The new governor will take over from Governor Godwin Obaseki who will step aside after the expiration of his 8 years administration.

The Federal Government on Friday closed the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

The Federal Ministry of Works plans essential asphalt resurfacing work on Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks effective from Friday, September 20, by 7.00 a.m, through November 20.

Mrs Kesha said, “The closure will be full at some sections of the bridge and partial at other sections. This critical project aims to improve road safety and enhance the driving experience of motorists. The work involves milling of the existing asphalt and relaying new asphalt on the bridge and ramps. This will address wear and tear and ensure a smoother, safer roadway.”

According to her, due to the closure, there will be detours and alternate routes for drivers.

Providing information on how to navigate the area during the closure, she said motorists going to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue, should use the service lane at Alaka to connect Costain and access Eko Bridge.

She said, “Island: Access Costain to connect Eko Bridge and link Apongbon. Apongbon inwards Eko Bridge: Link Costain to access Funsho Williams Avenue. For Costain inwards Alaka/Funsho Williams Avenue: Pass through Apapa Road from Costain and link Oyingbo to access Adekunle then link to the Third Mainland Bridge. Surulere: Use Costain to link Breweries inwards the Abebe Village to connect Eric Moore/Bode Thomas.’’

Mrs Kesha urged residents and businesses in the affected area to plan their travel accordingly.

The federal controller of works assured the public that appropriate signage and traffic control measures would be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians.

She apologised for any inconvenience the development might cause, saying that she appreciated the public’s patience and cooperation as the ministry works to improve the country’s infrastructure.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has promoted 49 senior officers, 21 assistant corps marshals, 11 corps commanders and 17 deputy corps commanders.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, Charles Edem on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Edem said that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume on September 20 approved the promotion for the senior officers.

He noted, “Twenty-one corps commanders were promoted to the rank of assistant corps marshal, 11 deputy corps commanders to the rank of corps commanders. Seventeen others got elevated from assistant corps commander to deputy corps commander. Three of the assistant corps marshals are to proceed on immediate retirement.’’

Mr Edem named the promoted ACMs as the Corps Secretary, ACM LD Shehu, Corps Legal Adviser, ACM KD Gonji, Corps Public Education Officer, ACM Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Intelligence Officer, ACM G Ntukidem.

He named others as the Corps Provost, ACM AT Hassan, the Corps Budget Officer, ACM MR Sabiya, and the Corps Transport Standardisation Office, ACM KA Ibrahim.

He said, “Others are; sector commander Bayelsa, ACM CM Onukwubiri, ACM TA Mohammed, ACM in charge of Command Administration and Strategy, ACM SU Galadanchi, Acting Zonal Commanding Officer RS3HQ Yola, ACM YA Haruna

“Also promoted are acting zonal commanding Officer RS1HQ Kaduna, ACM A Umar, ACM in charge of Monitoring and Evaluation, ACM EF Akinlade, Acting Zonal Commanding Officer RS4HQ Jos, ACM AA Irelewuyi; The Head of Session, Personnel, Administration and Human Resources Department, ACM YD Dio, ACM in charge of Federal Operations, ACM ST Agure, Commandant Road Marshal Assistant Training School, Shendam. ACM M Yakubu, and Acting Zonal Commanding Officer RS11HQ Osogbo, ACM HA Godwin. However, the three promoted senior officers to proceed on immediate retirement are; ACM DI Okuobeya, ACM AS Ochi and ACM Adekanye.’’

In the same vein, among the 11 promoted corps commanders was the Corps Information Technology Officer/ Technical Adviser to the Corps Marshal, Corps Commander Wasiu Adenekan.

Mr Edem said that the newly promoted Deputy Corps Commanders include DCC EE Uzoma and 16 others.

Reacting, the SGF expressed delight with the level of transparency and objectivity heralding the whole process.

Mr Akume urged the appointed officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the corporate vision of the corps.

This, he said, was to eradicate road traffic crashes and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

Mr Akume, however, said that the appointment was part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work.

He added that it was also in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime.

Also, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, equally congratulated the newly elevated officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.

Mr Mohammed emphasised that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.

He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new ranks called for more focus, dedication, commitment and passion.

The FRSC boss admonished those who were not fortunate at the current appointment year to keep faith alive and be loyal to the system.

He promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the corps and beckoned on personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corps’ corporate mandate.

Rwanda has become the first country in Africa to administer vaccines against the Mpox virus.

The African Union’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced on Thursday, September 19, that several hundred high-risk individuals in Rwanda received the mpox vaccine earlier this week.

The initial batch of 300 doses was administered on Tuesday, September 17, near Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has been the hardest-hit by the virus, reporting nearly 22,000 cases and over 700 deaths between January and August.

Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya confirmed that the DRC is set to begin its own vaccination campaign in the first week of October.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection transmitted from animals to humans, and can also spread through close physical contact.

The virus can be deadly in certain cases, causing fever, muscle aches, and large skin lesions resembling boils.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently prequalified the MVA-BN mpox vaccine for the first time, enabling international agencies to begin procuring it.

The vaccine is currently recommended for adults in a two-dose regimen, with the injections spaced four weeks apart.

Africa CDC reports a total of 29,152 mpox cases and 738 deaths across 15 African nations.

Kaseya stressed that the virus is not under control, and noted that testing remains a significant issue, with only half of suspected cases being tested.

The agency aims to increase testing coverage to over 80 percent.

In a separate briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the mpox virus is causing multiple outbreaks in different regions, with the situation in Burundi and the DRC particularly concerning as cases continue to rise.

The police command in Yobe says it has detained a man, Yunus Isa, in connection with alleged murder of his business partner, Lawan Adamu.

A statement by the command’s spokesman, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this on Thursday.

Mr Adamu’s body was found on September 15, with a deep cut in the throat and stab wounds in the Nayinawa area of Damaturu.

The police said credible intelligence led to the arrest of Mr Isa, the prime suspect in the case, at Shago Tara near Nayinawa.

“Investigation revealed that Lawan Adamu was his employer and business partner in the engine oil trade. He (the suspect) borrowed N500,000 from Adamu last year with a profit-sharing agreement.

“However, when he failed to meet the agreement terms, the deceased demanded repayment. Isa callously murdered Adamu to avoid repaying the debt, killing him in cold blood,” the police said.

The police noted that the swift resolution of the case demonstrated the command’s commitment towards ensuring justice and public safety.

He said the suspect would soon be arraigned.

The Katsina State Police Command paraded 16 suspects for various offences on Thursday.

Parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command headquarters in Katsina, Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq said at different locations and dates, the personnel had succeeded in smashing a seven-man syndicate of suspected armed robbery, arresting three suspects in possession of a locally fabricated gun, a notorious motorcycle thief among others.

According to Sadiq “On September 8th, 2024, at about 0200hrs, the command succeeded in smashing a 7-man syndicate of suspected armed robbers responsible for robbing a motorist en route to deliver wrappers and materials valued at around four million naira (₦4,000,000.00).

“Operatives attached to the Funtua Area Command acted on intelligence and swooped in on the syndicate, arresting all seven members. The syndicate used stones to barricade a point along the Kano-Zaria road, forcing the driver to a stop, where they tied and pounced on the driver before loading the stolen items into two of their operational motor vehicles, one Volkswagen Golf III saloon, maroon color, with Reg. No. KMC 850 AJ, and a Ford Focus, Ash color, with Reg. No. RBC 873 XP, which were recovered loaded with the stolen items,” he said.

PUNCH Online learnt that the suspects had stolen, on different dates and times, grains and cooking oil while using the two motor vehicles to facilitate their crimes.

He said the Command has succeeded in arresting three suspects in possession of a locally fabricated gun, further reinforcing the Command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety.

“On August 28, 2024, at about 1600hrs, operatives attached to Dutsinma Area Command arrested the following suspects, Janaidu Yusuf, m, age 28, Abubakar Dahiru, m, age 27, Murtala Halliru, m, age 37 all of Machinjin village, Kankia LGA, Katsina State.

“The suspects were arrested following a meticulous investigation triggered by a social media post. The suspect, Janaidu Yusuf had sometime in the month of August, 2024, posted a picture of himself brandishing a prohibited locally fabricated gun, which drew the attention of the command.

“Upon arrest, Junaidu confessed to have obtained the gun from one Abubakar Dahiru. Further investigation led to the arrest of the said Abubakar, who confessed to have purchased the gun from the 3rd suspect, Murtala Halliru, whom upon arrest, could not give a satisfactory account of how he acquired the gun. Exhibit recovered: One (1) locally fabricated gun with four (4) rounds of live ammunition,” he said.

He added “In a major breakthrough, the command has arrested one Bala Muhammad, age 45, of Jabiri quarters, Funtua LGA, Katsina State, a suspected notorious thief, and recovered a stolen vehicle during a routine patrol.

“On September 8th, 2024, at about 0300hrs, operatives attached to Funtua Area Command apprehended the suspect in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, one Volkawagen Golf III, ash in color, with registration number ZAR 982 YE, while on routine patrol. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to having stolen the vehicle from where it was parked at the frontage of a house in Yakawada village, Giwa LGA, Kaduna State.”

The Command said “On September 2nd, 2024, at about 0315 hrs, the command succeeded in arresting one Umar Muhammed, m, age 25, of Sabuwar Unguwa quarters, Katsina, in connection with a suspected case of theft and vandalism.r

“A distress call was received at the Batagarawa Divisional Police Headquarters on the activities of some suspected thieves and vandals at the Hassan Usman Polytechnic, Katsina.

“Promptly, the DPO dispatched operatives to the scene, where they successfully apprehended the suspects in possession of suspected vandalized armored cable.

“Upon instant search, a digger, shovel, plier, and two handsaws. During the investigation, the suspects confessed to having conspired with the trio of Isma’il, m, Aminu, m, and Sama’ila Abdulrashid, m, all of Katsina State, now at large, in vandalizing the said armored cable. They further mentioned one Mas’udu Amadu, m., age 30, of the same address as the receiver of their stolen properties. The investigation is still ongoing.”

The police spokesman added “Additionally, the command has succeeded in arresting one Ahmad Sulaiman, m., of Abattoir quarters, Katsina, in connection with a suspected case of theft and vandalism.

“On August 9th, 2024, at about 1400 hrs, a report was received at Sabon Gari Divisional Police Headquarters on a vandalization and theft of electric service cable at NAK steel rolling company, Katsina.

“Following the receipt of the report, operatives of the command launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspect on September 9th, 2024, in possession of the suspected stolen electric service cable valued at about fifty million naira (#50,000,000.00).

“Based on credible intelligence, operatives attached to CID while on routine patrol successfully arrested one Aliyu Masa’udu, m, age 18, of Chake town, Katsina, a notorious motorcycle thief.”

“On September 14th, 2024, at about 0200hrs, officers responded to a report on activities of a suspicious person in a residence at Dutsin Safe quarters. Upon arrival, the suspect was caught red-handed attempting to steal a motorcycle.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to conspiring with two other suspects, one Dahiru, m, alias Zomo, of Unguwar Yari, and Yellow, m, of Jibia LGA, currently at large, in perpetrating the act. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had criminally conspired and trespassed into several houses around the area and stolen valuable items,” he said.

Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent Georgian transgender woman was killed in her home just one day after the country’s parliament passed a controversial anti-LGBT law.

The 37-year-old model and influencer, seen as a trans leader in the Georgian community, was found stabbed to death in her flat in Tbilisi on Wednesday.

Authorities have arrested a 26-year-old man, reportedly known to Abramidze, in connection with the murder.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the South Caucasian nation, with rights groups linking the killing to the government’s recent passage of a law that severely curtails LGBT rights.

The new legislation, passed with an 84-0 vote, bans same-sex marriage, gender-affirming surgeries, adoption by non-heterosexual individuals, and the promotion of same-sex relationships in schools.

The ruling party defended the bill, claiming it protects “family values” and shields children from “LGBT propaganda.”

However, LGBT rights advocates argue that the government’s rhetoric has fostered an atmosphere of hostility and transphobia.

Local human rights group the Social Justice Center stated, “Kesaria Abramidze’s killing cannot be viewed separately from this overall grave context.”

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who opposed the law, condemned the “horrendous murder” and called for urgent action on hate crimes and discrimination.

Abramidze, one of Georgia’s first openly trans public figures, was a well-known international trans pageant representative with over 500,000 social media followers.

Activists believe that the government’s language promoting the law directly contributed to her death.

International figures have also condemned the killing. German lawmaker Michael Roth remarked, “Those who sow hatred will reap violence,” linking the murder to the passage of the law.

The legislation has sparked international concern, with European Union officials warning it jeopardizes Georgia’s goal of joining the EU.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, urged the Georgian government to withdraw the law, citing its impact on fundamental rights.

Rights groups have compared Georgia’s new law to similar anti-LGBT policies in Russia, describing it as part of a wider authoritarian agenda.

A Kentucky sheriff has been arrested after allegedly fatally shooting a district judge in his chambers, according to police reports.

District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times on Thursday afternoon at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky.

Sheriff Shawn Stines, 43, of Letcher County, has been charged with first-degree murder. The shooting occurred following an argument between the two officials, though police have yet to disclose a specific motive.

The incident took place at approximately 2:00 PM local time. According to local reports from The Mountain Eagle, Sheriff Stines entered Judge Mullins’ chambers after requesting a private meeting.

Witnesses in the courthouse said that gunshots were heard shortly after the two entered the judge’s chambers. Sheriff Stines reportedly emerged from the office with his hands raised and surrendered to police without resistance. He was handcuffed on the scene in the courthouse foyer.

Kentucky State Police spokesman Matt Gayheart expressed the town’s shock during a news conference.

“This community is small in nature, and we’re all shook,” Gayheart said, adding that approximately 50 employees were present in the courthouse at the time of the shooting. No one else was harmed, though a nearby school was briefly placed on lockdown.

The state’s attorney general, Russell Coleman, has promised a thorough investigation, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “We will fully investigate and pursue justice.”

Judge Mullins’ death has prompted an outpouring of grief, with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressing his condolences on social media: “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”

Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter also released a statement, expressing his shock and sadness over the “senseless act of violence” that claimed the life of a respected member of the judiciary.

The Chief Magistrate Court 3 sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered a college registrar to pay N1 million as damages to a married female lecturer whom he slapped.

The court discharged the Acting Registrar of the College for Legal Studies in Yola, Musa Chiroma, after he paid the N1 million as damages to the lecturer, Mrs. Fadimatu Musa.

Apart from the N1 million in damages and an additional N80,000 as the cost of prosecution, the acting registrar was also required to tender a written apology and an undertaking not to victimize or assault the complainant again.

It was after the court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi, acknowledged the fulfillment of these orders that the matter was struck out, and the defendant was discharged.

The acting registrar was first arraigned before the court on May 13, 2024, charged with assault, criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging her lawful duty, and voluntarily causing hurt, contrary to sections 244 and 219 of the Penal Law 2018.

According to the First Information Report, Chiroma had, on April 15, 2024, assaulted the Assistant Chief Lecturer, who was also the Chairman of the Task Force Committee for the Enforcement of Payment of School Fees in the institution.

He was reported to have beaten Fadimatu because she prevented a student from writing an examination due to his failure to pay the mandatory fees.

During the resumed court proceedings, Inspector Abubakar Nurudeen appeared for the prosecution, and S. N. Agaecheta represented the defendant, while the Head of the Public Sector Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association Women Forum, Mrs. Fatima Bello Raji, was present to ensure justice.

The Katsina government has donated N3.5 million to the families of seven deceased police officers killed by bandits.

The police’s spokesman in Katsina, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the support was presented to the families by the deputy commissioner of police, Aminu Usman-Gusau, on behalf of the commissioner, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa.

“This heartfelt gesture awarded by the Katsina state government aims to support and honour the sacrifices of these brave police officers.

“Each of the families was presented with the gift of N500,000 as a token of appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen colleagues,” he said.

According to him, Mr Aminu-Gusau prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers.

He stated that the command stood in solidarity with their families and acknowledged the selfless service rendered by these brave officers.

He commended Governor Dikko Radda for the gesture, adding that it demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of the families of officers.

Mr Aminu-Gusau said, ”They have paid the supreme price in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry in the state.”

The Federal Capital Territory’s Nigerian Union of Teachers on Wednesday, resumed industrial action over unresolved welfare issues.

The strike was announced in a communique signed by its chairman, Abdullahi Shafa; secretary, Margaret Jethro; and spokesperson, Ibukun Adekeye.

The strike is a continuation of earlier ones suspended by the union in October 2023 and January 2024.

In the communiqué, the union explained that the action was the outcome of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held on Tuesday. It added that the SWEC had deliberated on the 14-day ultimatum given to the area councils’ chairpersons to pay the teachers their entitlements.

The ultimatum expired on Tuesday, September 17.

“The SWEC, therefore, resolved and directed primary school teachers in the FCT to resume the suspended strike action with effect from Wednesday, September 18.

“All public primary schools in FCT should remain closed, and parents are hereby advised to remain guided by this development until the union’s demands are met.

“We appeal to all teachers to remain calm and disregard any counter directives except as directed by the union,” it added.

The union identified one of the unresolved issues as non-payment of 60 per cent of the 25-month-old minimum wage. Other issues included non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases and non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The union is also demanding payment of the N35,000 wage award arrears and the implementation of the template for outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had intervened and promised to pay 40 per cent of the outstanding 25 months’ minimum wage arrears. As part of the resolution for suspending the strike, the six area councils were expected to pay 60 per cent of the minimum wage arrears.

The teachers commended Mr Wike for redeeming the 40 per cent pledge and frowned at the area councils’ chairpersons for failing to fulfil their part of the agreement.

Reacting to the development, Hassan Sule, acting chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), appealed to the NUT to suspend the strike.

Mr Sule said that discussions with the chairpersons of the area councils were ongoing to resolve the issues.

US authorities on Wednesday said Iranian cyberattackers had offered “stolen, non-public” material from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign to staff for his then White House rival, Joe Biden.

US intelligence and law enforcement agencies said the hackers “sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Biden’s campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former president Trump’s campaign.”

Biden was at the time the Democratic presidential nominee, before dramatically stepping aside in July and endorsing his vice president, Kamala Harris.

The joint statement from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said none of Biden’s campaign staff replied to the emails.

In August, the same agencies first attributed the hack to Iran, accusing Tehran of seeking to influence the 2024 election. Iran denies the allegations.

“Foreign actors are increasing their election influence activities” as Election Day in November approaches, the US statement said, singling out Russia, Iran and China as “trying by some measure to exacerbate divisions in US society for their own benefit.”

The US agencies said the Iranian cyberattackers had also attempted to share the information stolen from the Trump campaign with US media organizations. It did not name the outlets.

On Wednesday, the Iranian mission to the United Nations vehemently denied the allegations.

“Already devoid of any credibility and legitimacy, such allegations are fundamentally unfounded, and wholly inadmissible,” it said in a statement.

“Iran neither has any motive nor intent to interfere in the U.S. election; and, it therefore categorically repudiates such accusations.”

The United States goes to the polls on November 5, with both the Trump and Harris campaigns saying they have been targeted by cyberattacks in recent weeks.

US-based tech companies have also said they detected such attacks.
Trump’s campaign on Wednesday said the plot attributed to Tehran was “proof the Iranians are actively interfering in the election to help Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.”

Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said this was “because they know President Trump will restore his tough sanctions and stand against their reign of terror.”

In 2016, a hack of Democratic National Committee emails — blamed on Russians — exposed internal party communications, including about candidate Hillary Clinton.

Trump, who would go on to win that election, was criticized for encouraging the hack.

Harris’s campaign said on August 13 that it too had been targeted by foreign hackers, but did not give an indication of which country was believed to be behind the attempt.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal said it intercepted 51.25 kilogrammes of cannabis indica valued at N256 million in September.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Joy Edeldouk, disclosed this while handing over the seized hard drugs to officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the command in Apapa, Lagos

Edeldouk added that the act violates the provision of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, Section 55 sub-section 1C and 1F.

She maintained that the interception was a testament to the command’s continued dedication and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders from the importation of illicit and harmful substances.

“In line with the CGC’s policy thrust of collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, on Wednesday 11th of September, our vigilant officers, working in conjunction with the NDLEA, intercepted a consignment of cannabis indica weighing 51.25kg valued at N256m”, Edeldouk said.

According to her, the negative impact of drugs, such as cannabis indica, on individuals, families, and society at large ranges from the destruction of lives to an increase in crime, fueling violence, among others.

Edeldouk maintained that by keeping these dangerous substances out of the communities, “we are preventing untold harm and helping secure a safer future for our citizens, particularly our youths who are most vulnerable to the allure of these harmful substances,”

The KLT Customs boss, however, added that the seized drugs, alongside the suspects, were handed over to officers of the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

She vowed to ensure that the suspects face the full wrath of the law, adding that the command remains committed to dealing with any other person caught in the same crime.

Edeldouk warned all unscrupulous importers who might be contemplating testing the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service to desist from that.

She reiterated that the service is unwavering in its duty to protect the integrity of the borders and would not hesitate to bring those involved in illegal importation to justice.

She mentioned that the NCS, in collaboration with other agencies, would continue to intensify its efforts to rid the country of dangerous contraband.

She promised legitimate traders that the service remained committed to ensuring that the facilitation of legitimate trade is unhindered, “but for those seeking to engage in illegal activities, our message is simple, there is no room for criminality in NCS anyone who dares to breach the law of the country would be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,”

The former military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has warned that the economic hardship in Nigeria is getting out of control and he urged the government to act fast.

“The hardship in the land is getting out of control,” he said at his residence in Minna when he received the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi who paid him a birthday visit, yesterday.

General Abdulsalami added, per The Sun: “Everybody is crying about this hardship and it seems to be getting out of control, people cannot afford three square meals, the issue of transportation, the hike in fuel, the hike in school fees for the children and the lack of funds in everybody’s pocket is making life difficult for everybody, Nigerians are suffering.

“We will continue to encourage the government to introduce measures to soften the hardship” adding that ” the federal, states and local governments should see how they can cushion this economic hardship.”

The former military leader, however, disclosed that he belonged to a forum that had made recommendations to the federal government on the way out of the economic hardship in the land.

“I would like to inform you that in some of the proposals we have given to the government on another platform that giving Palliatives is not the answer to the high prices of food and other items in the country.

“There is a need for the government to flood and saturate the communities with food, let them (Government) buy food and sell it at lesser prices to the people so that people will try to buy some of these food items depending on their pockets/ income.

“We have passed these recommendations to the government, we hope they will implement it”, he added.

Former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, September 18, turned himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former Governor was declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged fraud and corrupt enrichment while in office.

A statement released today September 18 by the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said the decision to turn himself in was made after due consultations with family, legal team and political allies.

“The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process. The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.

He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.

It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”

It would be recalled that Bello was sued by the EFCC on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering to the tune of N80bn. However, Bello has consistently refused to honour EFCC’s invitations for questioning, and has consistently boycotted court trials.