By Sabiu Abdullahi

Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student whose life was cut short during a morning jog at the University of Georgia, continues to be remembered across the United States for the profound impact her death had on her community and the national conversation on public safety and immigration.

Riley was attacked and murdered on February 22, 2024, while running near Oconee Forest Park on the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Georgia. Her body was later discovered near Lake Herrick. Medical findings confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma and asphyxiation after suffering multiple severe injuries.

On the morning of the incident, Riley sent her mother a text message at 8:55 a.m., writing: “Good morning, about to go for a run if you’re free to talk”. She placed a call to her mother minutes later. Security footage later showed Riley jogging with her phone at 9:05 a.m., before she turned toward the wooded park area at 9:06 a.m. That was the last time she was seen alive.

Investigators established that Riley’s phone placed an emergency call to 911 at 9:11 a.m. Her watch later indicated that her heart stopped at 9:28 a.m. Police believe the attack occurred between 9:06 a.m. and 9:32 a.m.

University police discovered Riley’s body at 12:38 p.m. after her roommate reported her missing earlier that day. Sergeant Kenneth Maxwell, one of the first officers on the scene, said Riley had visible injuries and no detectable pulse. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Michelle DiMarco revealed that Riley suffered eight cuts to the left side of her head, a complex skull fracture, hemorrhaging, and multiple injuries to her ear, neck, torso, abdomen, hand, and leg. Petechiae were also found in her eyes and gums. Authorities described the killing as a “crime of opportunity”, noting that the attacker acted alone. It was the first murder recorded on the university campus since 1983.

Riley was born on January 10, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia, to Jason Riley and Allyson Phillips. She grew up with three siblings and graduated from River Ridge High School in 2020, where she ran on the cross-country team. Her former coach, Keith Hooper, remembered her as “a beautiful person, passionate about her health care studies and an unselfish teammate”.

At the time of her death, Riley was studying nursing at Augusta University in Athens and had previously attended the University of Georgia as an undergraduate. She was also an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Police later identified the suspect as José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national who had entered the United States illegally in September 2022. He was arrested after investigators linked him to the crime through surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness accounts. Riley’s hair was found on a jacket recovered from a dumpster near Ibarra’s residence, and police observed scratches on his arms and redness on his knuckles during questioning.

Ibarra faced ten criminal charges, including felony murder, malice murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault with intent to rape, false imprisonment, and concealing the death of another. He pleaded not guilty. After a bench trial that began in November 2024, Judge H. Patrick Haggard found him guilty on all counts on November 20, 2024, and sentenced him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Riley’s death drew international attention and sparked renewed debate over illegal immigration policies in the United States. Lawmakers cited her case during deliberations on the Laken Riley Act, legislation that mandates federal detention of illegal immigrants arrested for burglary or theft. The bill was signed into law on January 29, 2025, becoming the first legislation approved during President Donald Trump’s second term.

Her funeral took place on March 1, 2024, at Woodstock City Church, followed by her burial at Enon Cemetery in Woodstock, Georgia. A memorial now stands near Lake Herrick in her honor. Her family later announced plans to establish the Laken Hope Riley Foundation.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Riley’s stepfather said: “She will be missed every day, but we promise to honor her life moving forward in a very big way”.

One year on, Laken Riley is remembered not only as a promising nursing student and devoted daughter, but also as a symbol of a life lost too soon and a tragedy that continues to resonate far beyond the University of Georgia campus.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing site in Nasarawa State, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of weapons and cash.

This is contained in a statement signed by AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU, Lieutenant, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, on 26 January 2026.

The operation took place in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area, where troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu carried out a fighting and confidence-building patrol. The patrol formed part of ongoing efforts to restrict the activities of criminal elements in the area.

During the operation, the soldiers discovered a hidden location believed to be used for the production of locally made firearms. Several suspects reportedly fled when they sighted the patrol. One of them, identified as Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old male from Arusu village in Kokona Local Government Area, was arrested while attempting to escape by hiding on top of a tree.

Items recovered from the site included six locally fabricated pistols, various tools suspected to be used for weapon production, the sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone found with the suspect.

Initial findings suggest that the site functioned as an illegal arms factory that supplied firearms to criminal groups within and outside the area. The suspect remains in custody, while security forces have stepped up efforts to locate and arrest other suspects who escaped.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their alertness, discipline, and sustained pressure, which led to the discovery of the illegal facility. He urged them to sustain the operational drive and rely on intelligence-based actions to dismantle criminal networks across the Joint Operations Area.

Major General Gara also highlighted the importance of public support, calling on residents to continue providing timely and credible information. He noted that useful intelligence remains key to lasting security and economic development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will enjoy full backing of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kano State.

Ganduje made the declaration while formally receiving Yusuf back into the APC. He stated that all other aspirants interested in the governorship seat had agreed to step aside in favour of the governor.

According to him, “I can categorically tell you that you are going to wins 2027 with a landslide because all those contesting for the same seat have agreed to allow you alone go for it.”

He described Yusuf’s return as a historic moment for the party. “To us, leaders of the APC, this is a memorable occasion we are all waiting for. I strongly welcomed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf back to his home,” Ganduje said.

The former party chairman recalled the governor’s earlier exit from the APC and expressed appreciation over his return. He said, “We were in APC together with you, it was formed with you, but later on because of some political differences, political redirection, you left the party to NNPP. But now we are thankful that you are back to our party and your home.”

Ganduje also praised Yusuf’s leadership style and governance approach. “You as our brother, the Governor of Kano State, you are a progressive politician from your utterances, your policies and the implementation of those policies,” he added.

He stressed that within the APC structure, Governor Yusuf now occupies the position of party leader in Kano State. Ganduje noted that the declaration was meant to end speculation and internal disagreements over the party’s leadership in the state.

He further spoke on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a leader who does not discriminate. Ganduje said the president treats Nigerians equally, without regard to religion or ethnicity, and expressed confidence that Yusuf would secure victory in the 2027 election.

In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, praised Governor Yusuf for his decision to return to the APC. He maintained that the move was firm and irreversible.

The development has continued to draw attention within political circles as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 polls.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of political speculation over his party affiliation.

Yusuf completed his defection on Monday during a formal ceremony held at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House. Senior figures of the APC received him at the event.

Among those present were former APC National Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator representing Kano South, Barau Jibrin; and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. Other top party leaders and officials also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the governor explained that his return to the APC followed his desire to work more closely with the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the aim of speeding up development in Kano State.

Yusuf won the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He later resigned from the party alongside several members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, a move that cleared the path for his re-entry into the APC.

More details are expected to emerge as reactions continue to trail the development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Sevilla legend Sergio Ramos has reached a preliminary agreement with a reference shareholder group to acquire Sevilla Fútbol Club, marking a major step toward a potential takeover of the Spanish side.

Ramos, who first joined Sevilla in 1996 before returning to the club in 2023, has now entered an exclusivity and due diligence phase with the investment group. This stage will allow both parties to examine the club’s financial position and governance structure ahead of any final decision.

According to a report by Carrusel, Ramos and his partners have a three-month window to assess Sevilla’s finances and overall situation before completing the transaction. Sevilla currently occupy 11th position on the La Liga table.

The development has fueled widespread excitement among supporters, as the former captain’s deep ties to the club strengthen hopes of a successful transition in ownership. With negotiations now progressing into a critical phase, the prospect of Ramos returning to Sevilla in a leadership role appears increasingly realistic.

By Anwar Usman

The Defence headquarters revealed on Monday that the Investigative Panel established to investigate 16 officers of the armed forces, alleged to have been indicted for acts of indiscipline, acts contrary to service regulations, and other breaches, has concluded its investigations, adding that the officers will face a military Court Martial.

Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, made this known  in a statement in Abuja.

Recall that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had, in October 2025, announced the arrest and detaintion of the officers, saying that the investigations had now been completed in line with established military procedures and extant regulations.

Major Gen Uba said the investigation examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and identified a number of officers with cases to answer, including allegations bordering on plotting to overthrow the government.

He said such actions were inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He reiterated that the measures being taken were “purely disciplinary and part of internal institutional mechanisms to preserve discipline, cohesion and operational effectiveness within the ranks”.

Uba further noted that, “the commitment of the Armed Forces to professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority, assuring the public that due process and fairness would be strictly observed throughout the proceedings”.

Reports revealed that the detained officers included a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, a Lieutenant, a Lieutenant Commander from the Nigerian Navy and a Squadron Leader from the Nigerian Air Force.

Sources familiar with the development said most of the officers belong to the Infantry Corps, Signals Corps, and Ordnance Corps.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting a possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued and signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON in Abuja on January 26, 2026, the ruling party said it had observed increasing media attention around what it described as unfounded claims concerning the vice president’s position on the party’s future presidential ticket.

The APC noted that while the reports initially appeared subtle, they later escalated with the mention of specific individuals alleged to be under consideration as replacements for Vice President Shettima.

Reacting to the development, the party stated that “the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”

The APC warned media organisations against providing platforms for what it called rumour merchants and unreliable sources, urging journalists to exercise caution and responsibility in their reporting. According to the party, such narratives were designed only to create tension and confusion within the political space.

The statement further reminded the public that political activities remain restricted under existing laws and electoral guidelines. It stressed that the party’s current priority is governance, with full support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as they pursue the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The APC said its focus remains on policies and reforms aimed at economic transformation, national prosperity, and improved living standards for Nigerians.

The party also advised ministers, senior government officials, and party leaders to avoid comments or actions that could fuel unnecessary speculation. It urged them to concentrate on effective service delivery and to strengthen public confidence in the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Colleagues of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, have paid tribute to him following his death during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

Pretti, a U.S. citizen and registered nurse known for caring for critically ill veterans, was shot by federal immigration agents on January 24 on the city’s south side. His death has sparked public outrage and renewed debate over the conduct of federal law enforcement during immigration operations.

Over the weekend, hospital staff held informal tributes in his honour. A video that circulated widely on social media, posted on Monday by the account @Pamphlets, showed a staff member standing beside the body of a deceased veteran draped in the American flag, while delivering a formal final salute. The footage has drawn attention as colleagues recalled Pretti’s dedication to his patients.

Authorities said Pretti was taken to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, where he was later pronounced dead. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the sequence of events. Federal officials initially said the shooting occurred in self-defence, alleging that Pretti approached agents with a handgun.

That version of events has been rejected by Pretti’s family, eyewitnesses, and video recordings captured by bystanders.

In a statement, his parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, expressed grief and anger over their son’s death and criticised what they described as false official accounts.

“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” they said. “Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family, his friends, and the American veterans he served as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world.”

The parents dismissed claims that their son posed a threat and said he was unarmed at the time he was shot.

“I do not throw around the term ‘hero’ lightly,” they said. “However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible. He was holding his phone, his other hand raised, while being pepper-sprayed and trying to shield someone who had been pushed to the ground.”

They also called on the public and the media to review available video evidence and, in their words, “get the truth out.”

The Department of Homeland Security has continued to defend the actions of its agents, stating that a Border Patrol officer fired after perceiving an imminent threat. However, several videos circulating online appear to show Pretti holding only a cellphone shortly before the shooting. This discrepancy has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and some local officials.

At the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, staff members described Pretti as a calm and compassionate caregiver. Colleagues gathered near the hospital entrance to lay flowers and share memories, while expressing grief and anger over his death.

One video that has been widely shared shows Pretti offering a final salute to a deceased veteran who had been under his care. Many have described the moment as a reflection of his commitment to those he served.

“He did difficult, often invisible work every day for veterans who depended on him,” one VA nurse said. “That dedication doesn’t disappear because of the way he died.”

Local authorities confirmed that Pretti was a licensed gun owner with a valid permit, but they have not established whether he had a firearm on him or displayed one during the encounter. Witnesses said he tried to assist another protester before agents pepper-sprayed him and restrained him. Shots were fired shortly after.

The incident is the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis within recent weeks. It has triggered protests, intensified scrutiny of enforcement tactics, and renewed calls for accountability from federal authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has claimed at least 10 lives and caused widespread disruption, with authorities urging residents to stay off roads as freezing conditions continued into Monday.

According to a report by Al-Jazeera, at least 20 states, along with the US capital, Washington, DC, declared states of emergency after snow, sleet and freezing rain knocked out electricity to nearly a million people. Power outages, flight cancellations and dangerous travel conditions affected large parts of the country.

As the storm moved east and south, forecasters warned that a trailing Arctic air mass could push temperatures to dangerously low levels for several days. The US National Weather Service (NWS) said Americans should expect similar conditions to continue into Monday morning.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that five people were found dead outdoors over the weekend during subzero temperatures. While he did not directly link the deaths to the storm, he told reporters there was “no more powerful reminder of the danger of extreme cold”.

Texas authorities reported three deaths, including that of a 16-year-old girl who died in a sledding accident. In Louisiana, the state’s Department of Health said two people died from hypothermia.

PowerOutage.com data showed that more than 840,000 customers were without electricity as of Sunday night. The worst-hit areas were mostly in the southern United States, where the storm strengthened on Saturday. Tennessee recorded more than 300,000 homes and businesses without power after ice brought down power lines. Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia each reported over 100,000 outages.

Officials warned that the loss of electricity posed a serious risk, especially in the South, where extreme cold is less common and temperatures could break records, according to the NWS. Residents were advised to remain indoors due to hazardous conditions.

Air travel also faced major disruptions. Several major airports in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, cancelled nearly all flights scheduled for the day.

Meteorologists explained that the storm resulted from a stretched polar vortex, a system of cold, low-pressure Arctic air that can expand and send frigid temperatures across North America. Scientists said such events may be linked to climate change, although natural climate variability also plays a role.

The NWS warned that heavy ice could lead to “long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions”, particularly in states not accustomed to severe winter weather.

Authorities also cautioned that life-threatening cold could persist for up to a week after the storm, especially in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Forecasts show wind chill temperatures dropping to as low as -45 degrees Celsius (-50 degrees Fahrenheit), levels that can cause frostbite within minutes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Heavy rainfall at the Spotify Camp Nou on Monday revealed leakages at the stadium, forcing fans to seek shelter during the downpour.

Videos and photos circulating on social media showed water dripping through parts of the facility as the rain intensified. The incident has sparked fresh discussions among supporters about the state of the stadium, which is currently undergoing redevelopment.

There was no immediate comment from club officials at the time of this report.