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 LASTMA DECORATES PERMANENT SECRETARY OF WATERFRONT AS SPECIAL TRAFFIC MAYOR The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka was today decorated as a Special Traffic Mayor by the Lagos State Traffic Management  Authority (LASTMA). The event, which took place in his office, was conducted by the Team Lead of the Traffic Advocacy and Special Mayor Department, LASTMA, Mr. Jimmy Awoyemi, in the presence of other officials, including the management team of the Ministry.  Mr. Awoyemi later explained what is expected of the new traffic Mayor, especially using his status and office to support the Agency in improving the traffic situation across the State. The Permanent Secretary, speaking after his decoration, appreciated the good work Lastma is doing,g commending the Ministry of Transportation and its leadership for the thoughtful initiative. He promised to carry out his duties as a Special Traffic Mayor to the best of his a...

 Seaplane makes emergency landing on Phoenix street after engine failure; pilot and passengers escape with minor injuries  A pilot and two passengers escaped with only minor injuries after a seaplane was forced to make an emergency landing on a Phoenix street Sunday following an engine failure mid-flight. The aircraft, a 1946 Republic RC-3 Seabee, was being flown on a recreational trip after departing from a private runway in Laveen when the engine suddenly lost power at about 2,500 feet, according to the pilot. As the plane began losing altitude, the pilot, Mike Tragarz, said he initially considered declaring a mayday and attempting to reach Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport before realizing the aircraft could not maintain altitude. Tragarz ultimately guided the plane down onto 7th Street, managing to avoid vehicles, pedestrians, and buildings. He said he scanned for an open stretch of road and was able to identify what appeared to be a clear landing area. At the final...

 Trump removes AI-generated post portraying him as Jesus-like figure after backlash from supporters and religious critics An AI-generated image posted by President Donald Trump that depicted him in a Jesus-like pose was removed about 13 hours after it appeared on his social media platform, following backlash from religious supporters and political critics. The post, shared late Sunday amid a series of other messages, came shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV over comments urging an end to the conflict involving Iran. In his posts, Trump also attacked the pope, saying he was “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” and later adding that he did not want a pope who supported Iran having nuclear capabilities. During an unscheduled White House briefing, Trump acknowledged posting the image but said he believed it showed him as a doctor and humanitarian worker. He described it as related to a Red Cross-style figure and insisted there was no intent behind the religious im...

 Abia State Government Reacts To The Death Of A Trailer Driver After He Was Shot By A Soldier  The Government of Abia State expresses deep sorrow over the tragic and untimely death of Mr. Kelechi Ejiofor, the trailer driver who lost his life following a fatal shooting incident involving a soldier at the Uratta Timber Market, Aba, a few days ago. This heartbreaking development has cast a shadow of grief across the state. The Government extends its sincerest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all those affected by this painful loss. In response to this incident, the Abia State Government is actively engaging with the Military High Command to ensure a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.  We wish to assure the family of the deceased and the general public that justice will not only be pursued but will be seen to be done. Any officer found culpable will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal ...

 Blake Lively 'ruined' in Hollywood after lawsuit and no one is 'shedding tears' over her, source claims Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni has reached a critical stage, and the fallout is already affecting her standing in Hollywood.  After a federal judge dismissed most of her claims including sexual harassment and defamation she is left with only three allegations to prove at trial: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation.  Industry insiders have suggested that her reputation has taken a major hit, with some executives claiming the lawsuit has “ruined her” and that she may struggle to recover professionally.  Lively, however, remains defiant, insisting on pursuing the case not only for herself but for other victims of harassment. Her public statements have drawn mixed reactions. While she expressed gratitude for the chance to present her story to a jury, brand experts warn that her outspoken stance could backfire if...

 Married Zambian man has d!ed in his girlfriend’s house after he l!ed to the wife that he was going to do some pieceworks at some field with his friend. The incident happened in Sinda District of Eastern Province on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Eastern Province police commanding officer, Robertson Mweemba, who confirmed the incident on Monday told journalists that 50-year- old Julius Mwale had on Saturday, around 07:00 hours left his home and told the wife, Tasila Tembo that he was going to do some pieceworks at a certain farm with his friend, Gezani Banda, however, he went to his girlfriend’s house. Banda reported to Police that Mwale was discovered d3ad, in a sitting position at his girlfriend, Anna’s house around 02:00 in the morning.  “At around 18:00hrs, they both went to female Anna’s residence to drink locally brewed beer known as Kachasu. When they reached there, two others joined them. They first had nshima and later bought 4 x 175 mls of Kachasu beer and started drinking,...

 KANO STATE GOVERNMENT PICKS UP 4.4 BILLION NAIRA STUDENTS' NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS EXAMS FEES FOR 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION Kano State Government has approved the sum of four point four billion Naira for the payment of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination fees for more than one hundred and fifty thousand candidates in public schools. Abdullahi Mustapha reports that commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, disclosed that the intervention covers the 2026/2027 academic session and forms part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for students from secondary to tertiary education.

 ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai On A Nine-Count Charge; Separates Trial From Co-Defendant The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court 5 on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering. A statement by Okor Odey Head Media & Public Communications, ICPC indicates that the arraignment followed the amendment of the original charge by the Commission’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, who separated the joint charge earlier filed against Mallam El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule. It adds, the amendment became necessary due to the continued absence of the second defendant, Amadu Sule, who was reported to be unavailable in court on account of a medical condition. Following the development, the court granted the application for amendment, allowing the prosecution to ...

 PLANNING PERMIT: LAGOS GOES DIGITAL The Lagos State Government has formally migrated from analogue and semi-digital processing of planning permits for property owners in the State. This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the  Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun during a press conference held recently at the State Secretariat in Alausa - Ikeja. He said, “Lagos State has entered the dawn of a new era in digital processing of Planning Permissions, Authorisations to Commence Construction Works, Stage Certification, amongst other services". Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, we are actively transitioning from legacy, manual systems toward a highly efficient, transparent, and scalable digital framework. “We are phasing out the old to make way for the new”, Olajide said, adding that there is a need to formally address the public on the massive strides the State has made with the Electronic Physical Planning Process System, popu...

 NUJ Southwest Commends Olukoyede for  Result-Driven Fight Against Corruption The Southwest leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ,  has commended the pragmatic efforts and approach of the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede in tackling economic and financial crimes in public offices and cybercrime among Nigerian youths. The Commendation was given in Ibadan, Oyo State  when the NUJ delegation led by its Vice President, Comrade Aderonke Samo, represented by the Ondo State Chairman of the body, Prince Leke Adegbite paid a familiarization visit to the Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim. “This visit basically is to commend you, for the excellent works you have been doing regarding the fight against corruption, mismanagement of public funds in public service and cybercrimes among our youths in Oyo State and...

 U.S mining firm linked to Bezos, Gates starts lithium exploration in DRC Mineral explorer KoBold Metals, backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has launched a lithium exploration campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Reuters reported. The United States has prioritised DR Congo in its drive to stockpile critical minerals as it tries to diminish China's position in the global mineral supply market. DRC is the world's top cobalt producer and Africa's largest copper supplier, with vast but largely unexplored lithium reserves, making it a key plank in global supply chains for electric vehicles and the clean energy transition. The US established a formal agreement with DR Congo's government last year. Active in Zambia KoBold, already active in copper exploration in Zambia, said the lithium exploration programme spans 13 exploration licences and involves airborne surveys across 30,000 square-kilometres, extensive drilling and large‑scale geochemical samplin...

 PDP Begins Renovation of Wadata Plaza National Secretariat The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has commenced renovation works at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja. Journalists who visited the secretariat at Zone 5 on Monday observed that painting and other renovation activities were still ongoing as the faction prepares for the resumption of staff. The renovation exercise started on Sunday, barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Police unsealed the premises and granted access to the Wike-aligned faction. The barricades that had cordoned off the main office building have now been removed. A few police vehicles were still stationed around the premises, with personnel manning the facility. A party member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that renovation works began on Sunday. “The staff members of the...

 Abia JUSUN Accuses State Government of Plot to Undermine Judicial Autonomy Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State chapter, have alleged that the Abia State Government is attempting to bring the judiciary under the control of the executive arm, insisting that their ongoing strike is aimed at protecting the independence of the judiciary. The union also accused the Accountant General of Abia State, Njum Onyemenam, of allegedly withholding funds approved by Governor Alex Otti for the court session of former Chief Judge, Justice Kalu Amah. Abia State Chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Chinedu Ezeh, made the allegations on Monday at the Umuahia High Court complex while responding to the state government’s challenge asking the union to provide details of its consolidated salary payment table. Ezeh stated that the Abia State Government has failed to fully implement the contents of the agreement it signed with JUSUN on June 14, 2023. He advised the executive arm to all...

 "God sent me there."  These are the words of a homeless man who is being called a hero after coming to the aid of a 6-year-old boy. The 6-year-old boy's mother, 30-year-old Annie Rivera, is facing child neglect charges, and her son has been placed into the care of the state.  These charges come after a late night encounter that has thrust Arnett Johnson into the spotlight, being hailed as a hero by the community.  Arnett has been sleeping on a bench in the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami, Florida, after being released from prison 6 months ago. At approximately 11 p.m. on the evening of April 8th, Arnett was sitting on his bench when he noticed something out of place. There was a young boy wandering around, seemingly lost and confused.  Arnett began to scan the area for a parent or guardian connected to the child. However, when he concluded the child was all alone, Arnett decided he needed to intervene.  Arnett approached the young boy and began to gently ...

 OVER 10 FEARED DEAD AS GUNMEN ATTACK ANKPALI COMMUNITY IN BENUE AGAIN  At least 10 people have been reportedly killed following a fresh overnight attack on Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident, which occurred on April 12, 2026, has left residents in shock and raised fresh concerns about worsening insecurity in the region. Benue State has experienced repeated violent attacks in recent years, particularly in rural communities. These incidents have often led to displacement, loss of lives, and growing tension among residents. According to local sources, armed attackers stormed Ankpali community late Sunday night, killing over 10 residents. Several others are still missing as search efforts continue. The нападение forced many families to flee their homes, seeking refuge in nearby areas amid fears of further violence. Homes were reportedly abandoned overnight as panic spread across the community. Residents described the situation as “heartbre...

 EFCC Warns Banks Against Unsecured Loans in Lagos   The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has cautioned Nigerian banks against granting loans without credible collateral, warning that such practices often lead to insider abuse and non-performing loans. Olukoyede issued the warning recently when he received the Chief Audit Executive of First Bank Plc, Mufutau Olawale Abiola, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Commission in Ikoyi.    Speaking through the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE 1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, Olukoyede expressed grave concerns over how banks in the country grant loans, noting that loans backed only by personal guarantees, including those of top executives, are inadequate and put depositors’ funds at risk.  He said: “We have issues with banks’ mode of giving loans. T...

 JIGAWA STATE'S PROSPECT OF ESTABLISHING MODERN POULTRY HATCHERY & FEEDS MILLS HIGH AS INDIAN INVESTORS VISIT Jigawa state Governor Umar Namadi has received a high-level technical delegation from Srinivasa Farms India, led by the company’s Vice President, Mr. Senthil Kumar Krishnan on the prospect of establishing modern hatchery and poultry feeds mills in the state. A statement by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel Chief Press Secretary to the Governor indicates that the visit follows the Jigawa State Government’s investment mission to India in May 2025, where discussions were initiated on strategic partnerships in agriculture, particularly in poultry development. It adds, as part of their engagement in the state, the delegation is undertaking a four-day technical assessment across Kazaure, Gumel, Hadejia, and Dutse where they will be evaluating both private and state-owned poultry facilities, engaging local farmers, and exploring key areas of collaboration, including the establishment of a...

 OPERATION HADIN KAI - ISOLATED INFILTRATION ATTACK ON CHARLIE 13 LOCATION, MONGUNO  Troops of Sector 3 , Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) came under an isolated Tango terrorist attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno, in the late hours of 12 April 2026. Following intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were put to flight, with troops maintaining control of the location. Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside 6 other gallant personnel. His actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership; courage, selfless service, and leading from the front. His willingness to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle, despite the prevailing danger, stands as a profound testament to his valo...

 Federal High Court Adjourned Leke Abejide’s Suit Against ADC, Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola and INEC to Tomorrow for Judgment The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Liman, has adjourned the high-profile case with Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025 between Leke Abejide (Plaintiff) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (Defendants) to Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for judgment.

 World’s oldest captive gorilla, Fatou, turns 69 with birthday feast at Berlin Zoo  Berlin Zoo welcomed a very special birthday celebration this week as Fatou, the world’s oldest gorilla living in captivity, marked her 69th birthday with a carefully prepared feast. The celebration featured a healthy spread of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce, chosen specifically for the aging primate’s dietary needs. Zoo staff avoided giving her cake or sugary treats, noting that sugar is not suitable for her at her advanced age. Fatou, a western lowland gorilla, has lived at the Berlin Zoo since 1959 after arriving in what was then West Berlin as a young gorilla believed to be around two years old. Her exact birthdate is unknown, but April 13 is recognized as her official birthday. Over the decades, she has outlived many of the zoo’s residents and became its oldest animal following the death of a flamingo that had reached an exceptional age in captivity. Born in the wild in western ...

 Couple goals - Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau attend same Hollywood event as Orlando Bloom in star-filled night Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau made a joint appearance at a high-profile entertainment event in Montecito on Friday night, where her former fiancé Orlando Bloom was also in attendance. The gathering, held for “Beef Season 2” tastemakers, took place in California on April 10 and drew a long list of celebrities from film, politics, and entertainment. Perry, 41, and Trudeau, 54, arrived together and were seen sharing relaxed moments as they posed for photos during the evening.  They appeared alongside Netflix executive Ted Sarandos and his wife Nicole Avant in a group shot that quickly drew attention at the star-studded event. The singer opted for a refined white boucle-style dress, while Trudeau kept things casual in dark denim jeans paired with a khaki shirt and a grey jacket. Orlando Bloom, 49, also attended the event, dressed in a simple black corduroy shirt and matc...

 I would have a baby tomorrow - Lauren Sánchez Bezos opens up about expanding family with billionaire husband Jeff Bezos Lauren Sánchez Bezos has shared that she is open to having another child with her husband, Jeff Bezos, as she reflects on their blended family and recent wedding celebrations. In a conversation with The New York Times published on April 11, the Emmy-winning journalist and former news anchor, 56, spoke candidly about the possibility of expanding their family, which already includes seven children from previous relationships. “I would have another one tomorrow. Tomorrow,” she said, before a spokesperson clarified that she is not currently expecting.  She repeated, “I would have a baby tomorrow,” underscoring how strongly she feels about the idea of growing their family. Lauren and Jeff Bezos, 62, officially tied the knot in a high-profile wedding in Venice on June 27, bringing together their children into one blended family unit. Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder...

 Priscilla Ojo shared all these photos one hour ago on her social media with the caption: " Mama Rakeem stepping out in style to celebrate love 💛💫 at Kiki Festus & Akinfaminu’s wedding" More photos below. 

 Peru delays election results as voting issues force extension for tens of thousands of voters  Peruvian voters will not know the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election until at least Monday, after widespread logistical problems disrupted the voting process, preventing thousands of people both inside the country and abroad from casting ballots. In response, electoral authorities extended voting for more than 52,000 residents in Lima, as well as for registered voters in Orlando, Florida, and Paterson, New Jersey. The decision came after initial vote counting had already begun Sunday evening. Officials first estimated that over 63,000 people would be eligible to vote during the extension, but later lowered that number. Voting is mandatory in Peru for citizens between the ages of 18 and 70, with fines of up to $32 for those who do not participate. The election features an unusually large and fragmented field of 35 candidates, including a former government minister, a comedian,...

Trump threatens 50% tariff on China over reported Iranian air defense shipment, escalating tensions amid Middle East conflict and ceasefire collapse U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to impose a 50% tariff on China after reports emerged that Beijing may be preparing to supply Iran with advanced air defense systems. Speaking in a televised interview, Trump warned that any transfer of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles to Iran would trigger steep economic penalties, saying the tariff would be “a staggering amount.” He also cast doubt on the reporting, dismissing it as unreliable and saying such claims “don’t mean much” to him. The comments came amid heightened tensions over Iran’s military conflict and growing scrutiny of China’s potential role. U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly suggest China could be preparing a shipment of man-portable air defense systems to Tehran, though the claim has not been confirmed. Chinese officials have not acknowledged any arms transfers...

 Suswam Declares For Senate Former Benue State Governor and ex-Senator Gabriel Suswam has formally declared he will contest the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. “Benue State, since I started politics in 1998, is a place where the people believe in one party,” he said. “Benue State for its first 16 years was completely a PDP state. And then subsequently after that, they moved to the APC.” “As a Benue son, I won’t be an exception to what my people want and what my people believe. They now believe in the principles and philosophy of the APC,” he added. On his 2027 ambition, the two-term former governor left no room for doubt: “I’m a politician. And as a politician, if you are still strong enough to contest an election, you always want to contest elections. The only election that I can contest now is the Senate. Of course, I can’t go back to run for governor even if I want to run for that, the const...

 JD Vance and Usha Vance back in spotlight as marriage rumors resurface and past comments raise eyebrows Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, have faced persistent divorce rumors since his election, fueled by speculation about his personal life and public appearances.  The couple attempted to quiet the chatter in January 2026 by announcing they were expecting their fourth child, joining their three children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.  The announcement came amid online claims of marital strain, including rumors of an alleged affair between Vance and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, which began after the two shared a hug on stage at a public event. Adding to the speculation, Usha was spotted at several high-profile events without her wedding ring, including appearances with First Lady Melania Trump in North Carolina and at a Red Cross holiday event in late 2025.  Her bare finger quickly became a talking point, with many interpreting it as a sign of trouble in th...

  This was her own choice - Britney Spears checks into treatment facility after DUI arrest, sources say Britney Spears has reportedly checked into a rehabilitation facility following her recent DUI arrest, in what insiders describe as a personal decision to seek help and focus on her well-being. A representative for the singer confirmed that the 44-year-old voluntarily entered the treatment centre, signalling a significant step in addressing her struggles. According to details shared in the transcript, the decision comes after what those close to her described as a difficult period marked by issues involving alcohol and prescription medication. An insider said Britney had reached a breaking point, describing the moment as one where she realised she had “hit rock bottom.” Her move into treatment follows her arrest in Ventura County, California, on March 4, where she was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities reportedly stated at the time that the...

 Pope Leo begins first trip to Africa Pope Leo XIV is embarking on the first-ever papal trip to Algeria on Monday, aiming to promote Christian-Muslim coexistence at a time of global conflict and honour the locally born inspiration of his religious spirituality, St. Augustine. Leo’s two-day stop in Algeria opens an intense 11-day tour of four African nations — Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea — that will bring history’s first U.S.-born pope deep into the growing heart of the Catholic Church.

 French lawmakers debate bill to return colonial-era looted African artefacts France's lawmakers will on Monday debate a bill to simplify the return of artworks looted during the colonial era to their countries of origin. France still has in its possession tens of thousands of artworks and other prized artefacts that it looted from its colonial empire. The draft legislation to return them was unanimously approved by the upper house in January, and now needs to be backed by the lower house, the National Assembly, before it can become law. President Emmanuel Macron has made it a political promise to return the cultural items, and has gone further than his predecessors in admitting past French abuses in Africa, AFP reported. Speaking on a visit to the Burkina Faso capital Ouagadougou shortly after taking office in 2017, Macron vowed that France would never again interfere in its former colonies and promised to facilitate the return of African cultural heritage within five years. Desig...

 President Trump slams Pope Leo as ‘weak’ and posts bizarre image of himself as Jesus healing the sick US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Pope Leo XIV for his stance on the Iran war, describing him as “WEAK” on crime and “terrible” on foreign policy, in a late-night post which also saw him uploading an A.I.-generated image of himself dressed as Jesus. This comes days after Pope Leo said Trump’s warning that an “entire civilisation will die tonight,” in reference to Iran, was “unacceptable.” The pope has also suggested that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fuelling the war between the United States and Iran. In his lengthy Truth Social post, the president said he does not “want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States”. He claimed that the Catholic Church’s leadership had been “arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggested that he preferred the pope’s brother. The president went on to suggest that h...

  BENUE WOMAN BATTLES GIANT CATFISH ALLEGEDLY TARGETING BABY AT RIVER OKPOKWU  A woman identified as Mama Idoko has drawn attention in Benue State after reportedly fighting off a massive catfish at River Okpokwu, which she claims attempted to swallow her baby. The dramatic encounter has sparked widespread reactions, with many praising her courage while others question the unusual claim. The incident is said to have occurred along the River Okpokwu, a local water source frequently used by residents for domestic activities, including drinking and washing. According to Mama Idoko, she had taken her baby to the river when the large aquatic creature suddenly appeared. She alleged that the fish lunged toward the child, triggering a struggle. In what she described as a “fight for survival,” she managed to overpower the animal after a physical confrontation. The creature has since been described by locals as the largest ever caught from the river. Eyewitnesses in the background of a n...