A woman who vanished more than six decades ago has been discovered alive, according to authorities in Wisconsin, USA. Audrey Backeberg was just 20 when she disappeared from her home in Reedsburg on July 7, 1962, sparking a case that baffled investigators for years. Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister confirmed that her disappearance had not involved any crime or foul play. He stated that Ms. Backeberg had chosen to leave independently and has since been living outside Wisconsin. Details about her current location have not been made public to respect her privacy. When she went missing, Ms. Backeberg was married with two children. According to the nonprofit Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy, she had recently accused her husband, whom she married at age 15, of domestic abuse and threats to her life. Just before she vanished, she had filed a formal complaint against him. On the day she disappeared, she left to collect her paycheck from a local woollen mill. A 14-year-old babysitter later told police that she and Ms. Backeberg had hitchhiked to Madison before boarding a bus to Indianapolis, Indiana. While the teenager eventually returned home, Backeberg continued on her own and was last seen walking away from the bus stop. Despite numerous leads over the years, the case went cold until a recent reexamination of the original files brought it back into focus. Detective Isaac Hanson, who led the renewed investigation, credited a breakthrough to an online ancestry profile belonging to Backeberg’s sister. Through cooperation with authorities in the area where Backeberg now resides, Hanson was able to contact her and confirm her identity. He spoke to her for 45 minutes and described her as content and at peace with her decision to leave the life she once knew behind. According to Hanson, she expressed no regrets about the path she chose. READ ALSO: Eight arrested in UK counter-Terrorism raids
Real Madrid weathered a late scare to claim a vital 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday evening, tightening their grip on second place in La Liga and closing the gap on leaders Barcelona to just four points with El Clasico looming next weekend. A brace from Kylian Mbappe and a stunning opener from Arda Güler secured Madrid’s fourth consecutive league win, but the defending champions were made to sweat in the closing stages as Celta Vigo mounted a spirited comeback through goals from Javi Rodríguez and Williot Swedberg. With 67,661 fans packed into the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid looked to be cruising after going 3-0 up just minutes into the second half. However, a sudden lapse in concentration gave Celta the opportunity to claw their way back into the game, and it was only thanks to a couple of crucial interventions from Thibaut Courtois that Los Blancos escaped with all three points. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute following a short corner routine. Lucas Vázquez laid the ball off to Arda Güler, who curled a left-footed effort toward the far post. A slight deflection wrong-footed goalkeeper Vicente Guaita as the ball nestled into the top corner, giving Madrid a deserved lead. Six minutes later, Jude Bellingham led a rapid Madrid counterattack before sliding the ball into Mbappe’s path. The Frenchman, with minimal backlift, unleashed a rocket into the top right corner, doubling the hosts’ advantage and showcasing the ruthless edge that has defined his debut season in Spain. Just three minutes into the second half, Güler turned provider, threading a beautiful through ball for Mbappe to chase. The striker made no mistake, coolly slotting into the bottom corner to make it 3-0. It appeared to be game over for Celta. However, the Galicians refused to fold. They began to grow into the game and were rewarded in the 69th minute when Real Madrid failed to clear a corner. The ball fell kindly to Javi Rodríguez, who prodded home from close range to reduce the deficit. Suddenly, Madrid’s dominance began to unravel, and Celta capitalized. Seven minutes later, club legend Iago Aspas—who had been introduced as a second-half substitute—played an inch-perfect ball behind the Madrid defense to Williot Swedberg. The Swedish forward took one touch before calmly slotting past Courtois to make it 3-2 and set up a nervy final 15 minutes for the home fans. Celta came agonizingly close to leveling in the 78th minute when Pablo Durán raced through on goal following another moment of brilliance from Aspas. His initial shot slipped under Courtois, but the Belgian keeper recovered just in time to smother the ball before it crossed the line. The closing minutes saw end-to-end action, with both teams pushing—Madrid to kill the game, and Celta to complete a sensational comeback. In the end, Real Madrid held firm and secured a win that could prove pivotal in the title race. Madrid now head into El Clasico at Camp Nou next Sunday knowing a win would take them within a point of Barcelona with just three matches remaining in the season. For Celta, the defeat means they remain seventh, still clinging to hopes of European qualification. Despite the result, Iago Aspas earned plaudits and the official “Player of the Match” award, proving once again why he remains a talismanic figure for Celta even in his twilight years. Carlo Ancelotti’s side may have made it harder than necessary, but with Mbappe firing and Güler continuing to impress, Madrid are hitting form at just the right time. Final Score: Real Madrid 3–2 Celta Vigo Goals: Real Madrid: Güler (33′), Mbappe (39′, 48′) Celta Vigo: Rodríguez (69′), Swedberg (76′) Next Fixture: El Clasico – Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Sunday, 11 May Read also: Mbappe seizes nearly £50m in unpaid wages from PSG
Cole Palmer returned to dazzling form at the perfect moment to revive Chelsea’s Champions League hopes with a 3-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool. The 22-year-old ended a 1,162-minute goal drought with a confident injury-time penalty, capping a dominant display in front of a roaring Stamford Bridge crowd. His performance brought back memories of his early-season brilliance and reignited Chelsea’s push for a top-five finish. Having gone 18 games without a goal, Palmer played a starring role in all three of Chelsea’s strikes. He sparked the opening goal in the third minute, driving through midfield before releasing Pedro Neto, whose cross was finished by Enzo Fernandez. His clever footwork led to an own goal after his cross caused chaos in the Liverpool box, and he calmly slotted home from the spot after Moises Caicedo was brought down late on. “I just felt normal,” Palmer said post-match. “Going three months without a goal gives me more motivation to fight. I just want to help the team.” Despite his barren run, Palmer now boasts 37 goals in 67 Premier League appearances for the Blues—already enough to rank him 10th on the club’s all-time league scoring chart. His effort was praised across the board. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who never wavered in his belief in the England international, said, “He always works hard and wants to help the team. He’s special.” The win takes Chelsea level on points and goal difference with fourth-placed Newcastle, setting up a blockbuster clash at St. James’ Park on 11 May. With two decisive games remaining—against Newcastle and sixth-placed Nottingham Forest—Palmer’s resurgence could not be more timely. As goalkeeper Robert Sanchez sprinted the length of the pitch to celebrate with Palmer, it was clear this was more than just a win. It was a statement—and perhaps, the moment Chelsea’s European destiny shifted course. Next up: Chelsea at Newcastle, 11 May.
After 14 years of prolific scoring, personal accolades, and painful near-misses, Harry Kane has finally ended football’s most infamous drought — and he didn’t even need to lace up his boots for the decisive moment. Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga title this weekend after Bayer Leverkusen dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Freiburg, mathematically crowning Bayern champions despite Kane watching from the sidelines, suspended after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season. It was a fittingly ironic twist in the long-running narrative of Kane’s career: a world-class striker without silverware. But not anymore. The End of the Wait “People always talk about how I hadn’t won anything,” Kane said recently. “It would be nice to silence a few of them.” That silence arrived with a roar. Though he missed Bayern’s title-clinching match against RB Leipzig, Kane celebrated with his teammates, singing “We Are the Champions” in a video shared from the club’s camp. The title is Bayern’s 34th in the German top flight but perhaps one of the most cathartic — not just for the club after a turbulent season, but especially for their record-breaking number nine. From Frustration to Fulfilment Kane arrived in Munich in August 2023 for €100 million, carrying the burden of expectation and replacing Robert Lewandowski. He was touted as the man to continue Bayern’s domestic dominance — but things didn’t go to plan. His debut saw Bayern fall 3-0 to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup. Then came a shock German Cup exit to third-tier Saarbrücken, and a title race dominated by Leverkusen — at least until late-season drama flipped the script. For Kane, it was another false dawn in a career full of them. At Tottenham, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer (280 goals), earned three Premier League Golden Boots, and reached multiple finals — but never lifted a trophy. Even at international level, England fell just short time and again. Kane’s Bundesliga Blitz Despite the team setbacks, Kane has been sensational in Germany. He leads the Bundesliga with 24 goals and has scored 36 in all competitions, including 11 in the Champions League. In April, he became the fastest player to reach 60 Bundesliga goals — doing so in 60 games, eclipsing Erling Haaland’s previous record. He has also provided 15 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 72 minutes. Vincent Kompany, who guided Bayern through a rocky campaign, praised Kane’s relentless work ethic: “He runs and fights like a youth player. And he just keeps getting better.” Jurgen Klinsmann, a Bayern and Spurs legend, added: “No one deserves it more. He’s in top shape, still hungry, and loved by everyone at the club.” Bond, Bayern Bond Dubbed Bayern’s “James Bond” by German commentator Taufig Khalil, Kane has become a beloved figure in Munich. Known for his humility, professionalism, and leadership, he’s embraced Bavarian life — from Oktoberfest to German lessons — and forged strong friendships with teammates like Thomas Müller, Konrad Laimer, and Eric Dier. “He has a licence to score,” joked Khalil. “He’s not just a top striker — he’s the heart of this team.” More to Come? With Bayern eyeing the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer, Kane has more silverware in sight. And while speculation continues over whether the club will pursue Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, insiders believe Kane is staying put. “He’ll be here next season,” said Khalil. “He fits, he belongs, and this story is far from over.” After years of carrying teams and enduring the pain of almosts, Kane is finally a champion. And the best may still be to come. Read also: Harry Kane eyes future beyond 2026 World Cup, unveils statue at childhood club
Brentford reignited their push for European football with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium. In a match full of drama, goals, and controversy, Kevin Schade stole the show with a decisive brace, taking his league tally to 11, as the Bees capitalised on a much-changed United side still nursing their Europa League ambitions. Ruben Amorim’s men had taken an early lead through Mason Mount, but Brentford stormed back to score four times, leaving United’s late resurgence short of a dramatic rescue. United Strike First, But Brentford Respond in Style United, who made eight changes with one eye on Thursday’s crucial Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, looked to be in control early on. Alejandro Garnacho, one of the few retained starters from the midweek European victory, provided a pinpoint cross for Mount, who fired in a neat finish in the 14th minute — just his second goal in a United shirt. But Brentford’s response was swift and spirited. A Mikkel Damsgaard cross took a wicked deflection off United captain Luke Shaw and looped past Andre Onana to level the scores after 27 minutes. The Gtech faithful erupted again just six minutes later when Schade rose above Tyler Fredricson to nod home a powerful header, sparking protests from the United bench. Defender Matthijs de Ligt had gone down with a hamstring issue during the buildup, but play continued, and the Bees pounced. Injury Blow for United as Bees Turn the Screw De Ligt, making his first start in weeks after an ankle layoff, was visibly distraught as he limped off, possibly adding to United’s growing list of defensive casualties. Amorim later revealed his concern, not just for Thursday, but for the long term. “If it’s serious, that changes our whole preparation for next season,” the Portuguese coach said post-match. “We didn’t want risks, and now we may have taken one we couldn’t afford.” Despite the setback, United managed to keep Brentford at bay until midway through the second half. However, Schade wasn’t done. The German winger completed his brace in the 70th minute, heading in from close range after a brilliant delivery by Bryan Mbeumo. Four minutes later, Brentford cut through a fragile United backline with ease. Michael Kayode, enjoying a breakout season, slipped a pass through to Yoane Wissa, who slotted coolly past Onana for the hosts’ fourth. Late United Surge Falls Short With Brentford cruising, United suddenly sparked to life. Garnacho halved the deficit with a thunderbolt from 25 yards in the 82nd minute, a moment of individual brilliance that gave the visitors hope. And in the fifth of seven added minutes, Amad Diallo pounced on a loose ball to make it 4-3, setting up a nervy finish. But Brentford held on, securing a win that moves them up to ninth, just a point behind eighth-placed Bournemouth, keeping their European hopes firmly alive. Bees Buzzing Towards Europe With three games left — against Ipswich, Fulham, and Wolves — Brentford’s European dream is within reach. Schade’s double marked a historic milestone: Brentford became the only club outside the top four to have three players hit double figures in goals this season. “We’re pushing, and the players believe,” manager Thomas Frank beamed. “That spirit, that fight — it’s what we need in these final games.” United, meanwhile, remain mired in 15th, their worst top-flight finish in over three decades still a possibility. Their focus now shifts to Bilbao, where failure to reach the Europa League final may spell a disastrous end to an already tumultuous season. Final Score: Brentford 4-3 Manchester United Scorers: Mount (14’), Shaw OG (27’), Schade (33’, 70’), Wissa (74’), Garnacho (82’), Diallo (90+5’) Attendance: 18,915 Player of the Match: Kevin Schade (7.67 average rating) Read also: Michael Kayode set to join Brentford from Fiorentina in looming transfer
Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has urged survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) to report incidents promptly and reject the fear of societal stigma, emphasizing that early reporting is critical to ensuring justice. Jimoh assured the survivors that the police are fully equipped to handle such cases with sensitivity and speed. Jimoh while speaking on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reaffirmed the command’s commitment to deploying technology in combating crimes, especially cybercrime and GBV. Read Also: ‘Stop discrimination against girl child’s, Gov AbdulRazaq to parents He stressed that scientific evidence makes cases of rape and defilement easier to prosecute—if they are reported without delay. “It is very easy to prove either a case of defilement or rape,” Jimoh stated. “But there must be prompt reporting, preservation of the crime scene, and immediate medical and forensic examination.” He warned that delayed reporting often leads to the destruction of vital evidence and the contamination of crime scenes, making it difficult for investigators to secure convictions. “When victims delay, it becomes more difficult to secure justice. But with technology, we can crack the veracity or otherwise of rape claims quickly,” he said. Highlighting the role of technology, the CP disclosed that surveillance cameras with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities have been installed across Lagos, with three dedicated control centres operated by trained personnel. He added that these technological tools have significantly boosted the state’s ability to respond to and solve crimes, particularly in the digital space. “Our cybercrime unit is fully functional, and virtually every cybercrime arrest we have made is tied to our technology-enhanced strategies,” Jimoh noted. On the growing threat of cultism beyond school environments, the commissioner expressed concern over the involvement of gainfully employed individuals, stating that the police are taking decisive action against the trend. “Cultism is no longer confined to campuses, and that is deeply concerning,” he said. Jimoh concluded by reaffirming the command’s readiness to collaborate with the media and other stakeholders in enhancing public safety. He called for a united front against all forms of crime and violence. He added, “Let us work together to stop all forms of crime and violence.”
Who should rightly use the title Dr? This question has sparked intense debates in certain quarters. How do we distinguish holders of honorary doctoral degrees from those with academic qualification using titles? A fundamental distinction exists between honorary doctoral degrees and academic qualifications, particularly the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Unlike the PhD, which demands rigorous scholarly inquiry, original research, and academic rigour, honorary doctoral degrees symbolise exceptional individual achievements, contributions, and service to society, distinct from academic accomplishments. Honorary doctoral degrees acknowledge non-academic achievements, including exemplary leadership, innovative entrepreneurship, exceptional artistic expression, and humanitarian endeavors. In the United States, these degrees are denoted by “Hon” or “HC” (Honoris Causa) in parentheses, preceding the degree In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Administration) University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba stated that medical doctors should not attach the title “Dr” to their names. He noted that there is a craze for titles in Nigeria compared to abroad where medical doctors do not use the “Dr” title. According to him, it is only those that earn a PhD that are called “Dr.” He added that those who are awarded an honorary doctorate degree are not entitled to be called “Dr.” He said: “This is an ongoing controversy. Basically, abroad, for example, in United States of America precisely, medical doctors are not called Dr. “It is only those that earned an academic PhD that are addressed with ‘Dr’ title unlike here in Africa where everyone wants to be referred to using their title. For example, a veterinary doctor will also call himself a doctor, while a person who produces and prescribes herb will call himself doctor, that is ‘agbomola’ which is the Yoruba name for traditional medicine seller. “Funny enough some professions use titles which do not exist. This includes surveyors who address themselves as ‘Surv.’ ‘Pharm’ is use to refer to pharmacists. Townplanners uses the title, ‘Tpl’. So there is a craze for titles. “So for someone who was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree, the person should not use the Dr title. The person should use ‘PhD Honoris causa’ at the back of their name to indicate that they were honoured with PhD by a university. “So they are not supposed to be addressed as Dr. Sadly because there is no regulation about it, everyone uses the title. If it was strictly regulated, such will be put to an end.” Also speaking in an interview with Nigerian Tribune, the Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, was also of the opinion that a medical doctor should be addressed as a physician and not addressed with the Dr title. According to him, when medical doctors take further courses in the field they are addressed as ‘registrar’ and later ‘consultant’. Read also: Tinubu to launch world’s largest cotton factory in Ogun He, however, argued that a person who has bagged an honorary doctorate degree award can also be addressed with the title “Dr” just as a person who worked to earn PhD from a university. “Ordinarily medical doctors are not to be called doctors. They are basically physicians; that is the more reason you see they are addressed as registrars and later they graduate to be called consultant. “Those who have PhD are the ones to be called a ‘Dr’ and those who bagged honorary titles are also free to be called Dr because they were given in honour of some achievements they might have had that otherwise qualified them to be called Dr, but not truly at the same level with those who worked hard to get the award. But then, society accepts them. Even though they did not go through the academic process, they can be addressed with the title if they have truly contributed in other areas which makes them worthy to be given the title.” Source: Nigerian Tribune
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi will deliver a keynote address on the intersections of cross-border trade and national security during the 2025 national reunion of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA). This year’s event will be held at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on 10 May, as part of a three-day programme spanning 9 to 11 May. READ ALSO: Customs revenue hits N180.75bn in 2024 at Lagos airport In a joint statement issued by the Planning Committee Chairman, Sirajudeen Obayopo, and the association’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Fagbenro. The statement confirmed that Adeniyi, an alumnus of the university, will speak on the theme, ‘Cross Border Trade and Security Implications on the Nigerian Economy: Taking Advantage of Global Trade Dynamics.’ The conference is expected to feature high-level discussions, professional networking, and community-building activities. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is billed to attend as the Royal Father of the Day. Muritadha Adeyemi Adeniji, Managing Director/CEO of Starling Global and Ideal Limited, will chair the occasion, and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, will play host to the gathering. Distinguished alumni expected to attend include legal luminary Yusuf Olaolu Ali, along with three Vice-Chancellors: Wahab Egbewole of the University of Ilorin, Musa Aibinu of Summit University, Offa, and Akeem Lasisi of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun. The reunion will open with a Jumat prayer led by Chief Imam, Abubakar Sanusi, followed by a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor and an exclusive networking dinner featuring the second edition of the UNIFEMGA Investors’ Forum, hosted by Rafiu Ebiti, Chairman of UNIFEMGA’s Board of Trustees and Pro-Chancellor of Summit University. A key highlight of the event is the UNIFEMGA Investors’ Forum modelled after the popular ‘Dragons’ Den’ concept, where entrepreneurs will present their ideas to prospective investors. Other scheduled activities include a welcome reception, student picnic, scholarship award presentations, an Annual General Meeting, empowerment sessions for undergraduates, fitness exercises, and novelty football matches between branches. READ ALSO: Nigeria customs seizes ₦939m worth of rice, ₦5.6bn in wildlife products in Q1 2025 Commenting on the upcoming reunion, UNIFEMGA National President, Mohammed Buari, described the event as a milestone that coincides with the beginning of his leadership tenure. He expressed confidence that the conference would be both impactful and enjoyable. Over 300 delegates, including members from the diaspora, have already confirmed participation, indicating a strong turnout for what promises to be a meaningful and memorable gathering.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced it intercepted a staggering haul of opioids valued at over N3.4 billion in major operations conducted in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy in a statement said the drugs were concealed in chocolate tins, commercial vehicles and even household cargo. Babafemi said in a coordinated operation at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, on 29th April, the operatives, working alongside Nigeria Customs and other security agencies, uncovered two million pills of tafrodol 225mg and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup hidden in a watch-listed container. That same day in Lagos, officers recovered 1.5 million pills of a controlled opioid from a suspect, Olarenwaju Wahab, in the Alaba-Rago area of Ojo. READ ALSO: US INL pledges to support NDLEA as fight against drug abuse, trafficking continues Investigations traced the shipment to a residence in Victoria Garden City, Lekki, linked to one Obinna Kenneth, who is currently at large. Further interceptions were made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, where 42 parcels of “Canadian Loud” — a potent cannabis strain weighing 20kg — were discovered disguised in tins of chocolate, Milo, and kidney beans in cargo arriving from Canada aboard a British Airways flight. Three suspects, including Monsurat Ewawunmi Lawson, who received the consignment, were arrested between 30th April and 3rd May. On 2nd May, businessman Bobby Morris Osas was arrested at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Italy. A search of his luggage revealed 8,130 pills of tramadol of varying strengths. The agency also thwarted an attempt to ship tramadol and skunk to Iraq, concealed in bottles of body cream, through a courier service in Lagos on 28th April. In Kaduna, NDLEA officers intercepted a commercial vehicle travelling from Nasarawa to Zamfara on 3rd May. A search uncovered 942 explosives concealed in a sack. A 30-year-old suspect, Nura Sani Muhammad (a.k.a. Nura Hariji), was arrested and handed over to relevant security agencies. Elsewhere, five members of a drug syndicate led by Aminu Musa (a.k.a. Kadagi) were arrested in Kano on 30th April with 50 blocks of skunk weighing 21.6kg. In Edo State, on 1st May, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a white Toyota bus in Uromi transporting assorted opioids from Onitsha to Auchi. The seizure included over 314,000 pills of various controlled drugs, 638 bottles of codeine syrup and 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection. A suspect, Dare Adeyemo, was taken into custody. In Awka, Anambra State, a commercial bus was intercepted on 30th April, with 50,400 capsules of tramadol, 500 co-codamol tablets and 300 ampoules of pentazocine recovered. A suspect, Chinedu Eneh, was arrested. Also, on 3rd May, officers patrolling the Kontagora–Mokwa road in Niger State stopped a Mitsubishi truck loaded with 5,500 tramadol capsules and 2,300 ampoules of pentazocine. The suspect, 30-year-old Yusuf Abubakar, was apprehended. In a significant breakthrough following a 10-month investigation, NDLEA officers on 26th April arrested a major drug kingpin, Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku, Managing Director of Ovidaq International Ltd. He was allegedly behind a shipment of 2,616,060 tramadol pills seized at Apapa Port on 28th July 2024. A follow-up search of his Lekki residence yielded 51 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 34 grams. Meanwhile, NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign continued nationwide, with sensitisation lectures delivered at Al-Istigama University, Kano, and Government Girls Junior Secondary School, Kankia, Katsina State. READ ALSO: NDLEA raids Lagos hotel, seizes ₦1.04bn drugs, busts trafficking rings NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended officers across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Anambra, Edo, Niger, and Apapa Commands for their effective enforcement and balance between drug supply suppression and demand reduction efforts.
The Brazilian police said on Sunday that they had thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga’s historic concert that drew over 2 million people to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state, working in coordination with the Justice Ministry, said the plot was orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech and the radicalization of teenagers, including self-harm and violent content as a form of social belonging. According to the Rio City Hall, 2.1 million people attended the concert of the American pop icon. The police said in a statement that, “The suspects were recruiting participants, including minors, to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails,” The Justice Ministry said the recruiters identified themselves as members of Gaga’s global fan base, known as the “Little Monsters.” The operation was based on a report by the ministry’s Cyber Operations Lab following a tip-off from Rio state police intelligence, which uncovered digital cells encouraging violent behaviour among teenagers using coded language and extremist symbolism. A man described as the group’s leader was arrested in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul for illegal possession of a firearm, while a teenager in Rio de Janeiro was detained for storing child pornography. Authorities carried out over a dozen search and seizure warrants across the states of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, and Rio Grande do Sul and Sao Paulo. Read also: Man with explosives blown up at Brazil’s Supreme court
