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 Florida couple arrested after their 2-year-old was discovered barricaded in a dark closet. 28-year-old James Spiess and 27-year-old Rebecca Worthington are being charged with 2 counts of child neglect after investigators made a startling discovery while following up on a DCF report. When authorities entered the home on Wednesday they saw that the couple had piled a large amount of junk in front of a small closet. The pile consisted of headboards, dog gates, pieces of wood and baby gates all lashed together with bedsheets and belts. The responding officers were shocked to discover a 2-year-old child locked inside of the closet in complete darkness. There was also an infant in the home suffering from severe diaper rash that required hospitalization. The rash went from the baby's thighs to its mid back. Investigating officers discovered that the infant had never been to the doctor since birth.  There were 2 other children living in the home who were placed in the care of family....

 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!  THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE, DR. ALEX C. OTTI OFR, HEREBY REAPPOINTS THE UNDERLISTED ABIANS AS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA TRANSITION COUNCIL CHAIRMEN / MAYORS, & THEIR DEPUTIES. This is in consonance with the provisions of the law since their first tenure appointments terminated on the 31st of May, 2024.           1. IsialaNgwa South LGA:  Chairman- DR. ELELENTA NWAMBUISI ELELE.  Deputy- Mr. Eberechukwu Ahuruonye.  2. Ukwa West LGA:  Chairman- MR. NEWMAN AZU. Deputy- Mr. Anele Michael  3. Arochukwu LGA:  Chairman- CHIEF JOE EZEARU  Deputy- Mr. Okezie Azuma 4. Umuahia South LGA:  Chairman- MR. OBIKE EJIKE NNOCHIRI Deputy- Mr. Olendingwa Nwabueze. 5. IsialaNgwa North LGA:  Chairman- MR. C. Y. NWANKWO. Deputy- Mr. Uchenna Nwanbuko. 6. Umunneochi LGA:  Chairman- MR. NDUBUISI IKE. Deputy- Mr. Njoku Augustine C. 7. Isuikwuato LGA:  Chairman- Air Vice Marshal CH...

 The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has received a warm welcome from his family members after being released from detention. Kyari was released from the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory after spending 27 months in detention. He was arrested on February 14, 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kyari was detained over alleged connections to an international drug cartel. Kyari was seen in the company of his family members, with a design on the wall that reads, “Welcome back.” Kyari, along with four members of the Police Intelligence Response Team—Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu—was arraigned on March 7, 2022. One more photo below. 

 'General Hospital' star Johnny Wactor's co-worker claims safety concerns were dismissed ahead of his murder "General Hospital" star Johnny Wactor's co-worker is speaking out on the actor's behalf after he was senselessly shot and killed, claiming safety concerns were dismissed by their employers' management in the months leading up to his murder.  In a new interview with the Daily Mail, Anita Joy — the co-worker who held him in his final moments after being shot — said the Level 8 staff had been complaining for months over the lack of parking available to them, but their concerns were brushed off.  "Everybody wants to go out and get drunk and have a good time and party, but the people that are serving them are in danger when they go home because we're leaving after everybody's already in bed, and we need to be protected," she told the outlet. ‘We need to have our employers be concerned for us and make things happen, rather than just ...

 Chad Daybell sentenced to death in Idaho for murder of Lori Vallow's 2 children, first wife Chad Daybell, husband of so-called "cult mom" Lori Vallow, was sentenced to death in Idaho on Saturday, two days after he was found guilty of murdering two of her children and his first wife in 2019. On Thursday, a jury convicted Daybell on all counts, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, insurance fraud and grand theft. Daybell, 55, and Vallow, 50, are at the center of multiple murder cases involving not only Vallow's two children, but both her and Daybell's deceased ex-spouses. Last year, a Fremont County jury found Vallow guilty on multiple counts, including two counts of first-degree murder, for the 2019 disappearances and deaths of 7-year-old J.J. Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, with help from her husband.  This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

 PRESS RELEASE   Labours’ N494,000 minimum wage demand amounts to N9.5 trillion yearly, but unsustainable – FG     The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the sum of N494,000 national minimum wage being demanded by organized labour, which cumulatively amounts to the sum of N9.5 trillion bill, is capable of destabilizing the economy and jeopardizing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians. Idris stated this at a news conference in Abuja in response to the threat by the organized labor to embark on strike if their demands were not met. He said the offer of N60,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, which translates to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019, has been accepted by the organized private sector, which is a member of the tripartite committee of the negotiations team. “The Federal Government’s New Minimum Wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage 2019. Labour, however...

 Charges Them to Abide by Their Operational Guidelines To support Traffic Management Personnel, improve traffic flow across the State and ensure orderliness at motor parks, the Lagos State Government has reconstituted and inaugurated Removal of Abandoned Vehicles and Park Monitoring Committees. Speaking during the inauguration on Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa stated that the Removal of Abandoned Vehicles Committee’s primary responsibility is the prompt removal of all abandoned and disused vehicles obstructing traffic and posing security threats to the metropolis. The Special Adviser added that the Park Monitoring Committee responsibility is to ensure orderliness across parks, prevent use and sale of alcohol and other related substances in the park, and clamp down on illegal parks and illegal commuter operations amongst others. He reiterated the State Government’s resolve to ensure the free flow of traffic and the safety of lives and p...

Abuja DisCo to disconnect ministries, agencies over electricity debt - Full list Our take: DISCOs do not give notice when they are disconnecting ordinary Nigerian Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has released the names of 25 customers with outstanding electricity bills. In a notice on Saturday, the DisCo said it will disconnect all clients who fail to clear their debts by June 3. “This is to inform the general public that AEDC will disconnect all customers with outstanding electricity bills on June 3, 2024,” the notice reads. “Timely payment of electricity bills is crucial for the continued operation and enhancement of AEDC’s infrastructure, ensuring we can deliver efficient and reliable service to our community.”  Therefore, the DisCo urged customers with debts to clear all outstanding bills before the deadline to avoid service interruption. FULL LIST OF CUSTOMERS WITH OUTSTANDING BILLS Nigeria Army Nigeria Airforce Defence Headquarters (HQ) Federal Capital Developmen...

 GOVERNOR ODODO FLAGS OFF WET SEASON FARMING IN KOGI ....Allocates 75 Percent Of Farm Lands To Youth and Women Farmers  Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has officially flagged off this year’s wet season farming in the state with the presentation of over 100 tractors to serve about 10,000 farmers in different farming communities across the 21 local government areas in the state.  Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Geregu, Ajaokuta local government area of the state, Governor Ododo noted that investment in agriculture is a critical step towards poverty eradication in the state, adding that 75 percent of the total farmland cleared for cultivation in this year’s farming season will be allocated to youth and women farmers.  The Governor who noted that over 90% of the land area in the state is arable, promised to make Kogi a leading state in agricultural production and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s economy. According to Governor Ododo: "Across the 21 l...

 Compt. Edeldouk Takes Charge at KLTC, Pledges to Improve Revenue Comptroller Joy Edeldouk has taken over the mantle of leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command.  The new Customs Area Controller assumed office after a brief handover ceremony where she took over from the newly appointed Acting Assistant Comptroller-General Martina Tilley-Gyado on Friday, 31 May 2024. Speaking at the event, Ag. ACG Tilley-Gyado described her successor as an officer capable of leading the command to greater heights.  She highlighted the command's achievements, saying, "From January to May 2024, we generated N36.6 billion, that represents a 65% increase when you compare it to the same period in last year". "Under my watch, the command has successfully revitalised operations and expanded terminal availability. Kirikiri Lighter Terminal has also transformed from a simple export transit hub to an Export Processing Terminal (EPT)". She added. She exte...

 CGC Adeniyi Calls for Synergy Among Maritime Stakeholders  ...Encourages Inclusion for Effective Port Community System  The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for synergy among maritime stakeholders for an effective Port Community System (PCS) and improved efficiency in port operations.  CGC Adeniyi made the call on Thursday, 30 May 2024, at the fourth edition of the JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting.  He commended publishers of JournalNG for sustaining awareness of the Port Community System.  The CGC, represented by the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, said PCS would improve physical infrastructure, review, and automate customs procedures.  According to him, "It is the heart of our operations, particularly when 80% of Customs revenue is derived from the Lagos axis, which houses the major ports of the nation. Therefore, the Nigeria Customs Service must collaborate wi...

 Florida man indicted in 15-year-old cold case murder of uncle after investigators match DNA from fork A Florida man was indicted in New York in the 15-year-old cold case murder of his uncle after investigators matched the DNA on a plastic fork he threw away at the crime scene, the Queens District Attorney's Office said.  Anthony Scalici, 41, was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday and arraigned on a second-degree murder charge, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a release.  In 2009, Scalici’s uncle, Rosario Prestigiacomo, 64, was found stabbed to death in his Queens home and the case remained unsolved until February, when his DNA was matched to the utensil in Florida with the help of public genealogy databases.  Prestigiacomo had been stabbed 16 times and was beaten with a shovel before he died, the DA’s office said, according to the New York Times.  Katz said in the release that it’s the first time a homicide suspect was identified and arrested in ...

 ENGAGE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD SOCIAL AMENITIES, ABE URGES LABOUR Congratulates President Tinubu on one year in office Former representative of the Rivers South East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has called on the organized labour in Nigeria to engage the government in building social amenities and not just to ask for money as that would worsen the economy. Abe made the call while speaking on a National Television program in Abuja over the weekend.  He said the amenities would provide comfort and convenience for the basic needs of the workers. Functional electricity, efficacious and sustainable health care, effective and affordable education as according to him is the fulcrum on which a quality life revolves. The Senator said: “I don't believe that they are talking for the workers because if you are a labour movement, when you are discussing this kind of issue, you are not going to sit down and start calculating what one individual will nee...

 PRESS STATEMENT ABIA PDP COMMISERATES WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF ABIA STATE ON THE KILLING OF NIGERIAN SOLDIERS IN ABA The State Chairman of the Abia PDP, Rt. Hon. Dr. Allwell Asiforo Okere, on behalf of the members of the State Working Committee, SWC, members of the enlarged State Executive Committee, SEC, stakeholders and the entire Abia PDP family commiserates with Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti, the government and good people of Abia, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the slain soldiers, on the sad incident which happened at Obikabia, in Aba area of the State yesterday. Recall that three gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were on active duty, were gunned down by unknown gunmen, and sketchy information available to us, has it that two of them are worthy sons of Abia State. The incident is quite regrettable, especially coming at a time when officers and men of the Nigerian military are working tirelessy to rid society of tension and anarchy and set up the ...

 Abeokuta Golf Club Hosts Special Golf Kitty in Honour of Governor Dapo Abiodun's 64th Birthday Celebration In a delightful celebration, the Abeokuta Golf Club, in collaboration with the appointees of Governor Dapo Abiodun, hosted a special golf kitty in honour of the governor's 64th birthday. The event, held earlier today, brought together friends and associates for a memorable outing on the greens. Expressing sincere gratitude, Governor Abiodun acknowledged the efforts of those who organised the event, noting the privilege of being celebrated in such a special manner. The outing was marked by camaraderie and joy, reflecting the spirit of the occasion. This unique celebration highlights the strong community ties and appreciation for Governor Abiodun's contributions and milestones. More photos below.

 “ My first time of performing in a show everyone was using their phone , only my wife  was clapping “  “ It’s depressing as an artiste to be performing and no one standing up or clapping . Most often it’s not cus your songs are not nice , it’s just because they think you are upcoming and your songs don’t matter . Back then my wife was not even singing , she was always there trying to support me . Every artiste wants to see the crowed move when they are performing.  They want to see the crowed vibe

 Russia not 'bluffing' with nuclear threats as Biden greenlights limited military strikes, Medvedev says A senior ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia is not bluffing about using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine and warned that the conflict could spill over into other countries. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of the Security Council of Russia, made the comments after President Biden quietly authorized Kyiv to launch U.S.-supplied weapons at military targets just over the border in Russia that are supporting an offensive against the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. "This is, alas, neither intimidation nor bluffing," Medvedev said Friday, speaking on the potential to use strategic nuclear weapons, per Reuters. Russia has been using staging locations just across the border to enable its attacks against Ukraine and Biden has given Ukraine the go-ahead to use American weaponry to hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit ...

 UVA to pay $9 million to families of victims in 2022 shooting that killed 3 football players, wounded 2 others The University of Virginia will pay $9 million in a settlement reached with the families of the victims of a 2022 campus shooting that killed three university football players and wounded two other students, a lawyer representing some of the victims and their families announced Friday. The school will pay $2 million each to the families of D'Sean Perry, Devin Chandler and Lavel Davis Jr., the maximum allowed under Virginia law, according to attorney Kimberly Wald, who represents some of the families. A total of $3 million will also be paid to the two students who were wounded — Mike Hollins, a fourth member of the football team, and Marlee Morgan. Some of the families, however, are not satisfied and are demanding the immediate release of an independent investigation into the shooting that was completed last year. The probe's focus included efforts by the university to...

 'Serial slingshot shooter’ found dead days after he’s arrested for terrorizing neighborhood An 81-year-old man who was arrested near Los Angeles Thursday for tormenting neighbors by being a "serial slingshot shooter" died just one day after his release from jail. Azusa police said Prince Raymond King was released from jail custody on May 28, and died the next day, May 29, at his home from natural causes. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner attributed his death to heart disease. Authorities were first called to King's home after neighbors turned to police regarding their "quality of life," complaining that King was breaking windows, windshields and nearly hitting people with ball bearings.  Nearly a dozen residents came forward and said that King had terrorized the neighborhood for ten years. During a search of King’s residence, ball bearings and a slingshot were recovered, Azusa police said.  Following his arrest, he was charged with five ...

 Jewish survivor of Hamas Oct. 7 terror attack is 'still reeling,' pleads for peace in Israel Eden Gefner said it must have been a miracle, surviving the Oct. 7th attack — hearing Hamas gunfire break through their front door as she and others hid in their safe room, tensely listening as Hamas terrorists rummaged through their home. Said Gefner, "As the minutes passed by, we started to understand that there [were] so many terrorists in the kibbutz, because you [could] see … people writing in the community WhatsApp group." People were saying, "I can hear them screaming, ‘Kill the Jews!’" she said. Her mind is still reeling from it to this day, she said.  "I can't stop thinking that on Saturday morning, I didn't do anything. I only woke up as a Jew. So I really felt like [we were] in the Holocaust." Gefner, 28, was born and raised in Kibbutz Re'im in Israel. This is just three miles from the border with Gaza — a stone's throw from wher...

 Texas Supreme Court rejects challenge to state abortion ban's medical exceptions The Texas Supreme Court on Friday rejected a lawsuit challenging the state's abortion ban over its medical exceptions. The court ruled against a group of women who suffered serious pregnancy complications and became the first in the country to testify in court about being denied abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. In a unanimous ruling, the court upheld the Texas law after the women filed a lawsuit in March 2023 seeking clarity on when exceptions to the abortion ban are permitted, arguing the law was confusing for doctors who might turn away patients over fears of repercussions. The same issue was at the center of a separate lawsuit brought last year by Dallas mother Kate Cox, who sought court permission to obtain an abortion after her fetus developed a fatal condition during a pregnancy that resulted in multiple trips to an emergency room. She eventually left the state to ha...

 ICC prosecutor Khan co-authored essay saying defendants can’t get fair shake at world court: report JERUSALEM - The British chief prosecutor Karim Khan for the International Criminal Court (ICC) published an academic essay in 2013 that suggested his own current effort to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be a travesty of justice because the court cannot provide due process to defendants.  The Washington, D.C.-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) located Khan’s essay, which was published by Duke University’s Law School, and analyzed key elements of the academic paper. Yigal Carmon, the founder and president of MEMRI, wrote that Khan’s essay, titled "Defensive Practices: Representing Clients Before the International Criminal Court," revealed that "The ICC is incapable of delivering justice." Carmon cited passages from the essay that Khan co-authored with the attorney Anand A. Shah, who is listed as a member of the New York State Bar...

 Kano emirate crisis: Police in dilemma over five court orders – CP •Seek expert legal advice from AGF, IGP •Calm as Sanusi, Bayero hold parallel Friday prayers The Kano State Police Command is in dilemma over the number of court orders it has received on the emirate crisis rocking the state. The command said the conflicting court directives have created a complex situation and consequently appealed to the media for support in navigating the emirship tussle. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Usaini Gumel, made the call during a meeting with the heads of media organisations in Kano yesterday. The CP revealed that the command had received five different court orders from federal and state high courts regarding the emirship dispute and has forwarded them to the Minister of Justice for interpretation. His words: “I have forwarded the five court orders related to the emirship tussle to the Inspector General of Police who has subsequently contacted the Minister of Justice for clarification ...