ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24)— President Bola Tinubu has launched a sweeping reorganization of Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing new Service Chiefs in a strategic move to reinforce the nation’s response to rising insecurity. The appointments, which take effect immediately, mark one of the most significant military leadership changes since Tinubu assumed office.
General Olufemi Oluyede has been named the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, whose tenure was characterized by significant operational challenges in the fight against insurgency and banditry across the country. Other appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence, ensuring continuity in intelligence operations.
According to the Presidency, the shake-up reflects Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, enhancing coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and injecting fresh energy into the country’s defence operations. Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, said the changes “signal a renewed focus on professionalism, operational efficiency, and strategic synergy within the Armed Forces.”
The appointments come amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and separatist agitations in the southeast. Analysts view Tinubu’s move as an effort to address longstanding operational gaps in military leadership and restore public confidence in the Armed Forces.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing Service Chiefs, particularly General Musa, describing them as patriots who “gave their best to protect the nation.” He urged the new commanders to embrace the responsibilities entrusted to them by prioritizing discipline, vigilance, and unity of purpose. “The expectations of Nigerians are high, and the new Service Chiefs must rise to meet them,” the President said.
Observers note that the appointments reflect a broader strategy by Tinubu’s administration to reform the defence sector and align military leadership with national security priorities. The new leadership team is expected to play a critical role in modernizing operational tactics, improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and enhancing coordination with other security agencies.
The decision has already sparked reactions from security experts, lawmakers, and civil society groups, who largely view the overhaul as a necessary step to tackle the country’s complex security landscape. With the new Service Chiefs in place, the Tinubu administration aims to signal resolve, strengthen accountability, and ensure that the Armed Forces remain a credible force in protecting Nigeria’s citizens and national interests.
La Mesa, Calif (BN24) — A 25-year-old police officer with the La Mesa Police Department was killed on Monday night after being struck by a vehicle while stopping to assist motorists involved in a traffic accident. Officer Lauren Craven, who had joined the department earlier this year, was providing aid on Interstate 8 when the fatal incident occurred just before 10:30 p.m.
According to the La Mesa Police Department, Officer Craven was driving eastbound on I-8 near Fairmount Avenue, returning to La Mesa from San Diego Central Jail, when she saw a collision involving two vehicles. She pulled over to offer assistance and exited her patrol car to help those involved in the crash. Tragically, while she was outside her vehicle, another car struck her.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrived on the scene shortly after and performed lifesaving efforts, but despite their attempts, Officer Craven was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Craven had only joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. Described by her peers as tenacious, courageous, and compassionate, she quickly made an impact with her dedication to service.
“The La Mesa Police Department is deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Craven,” a department statement said. “Her selflessness in her final moments reflected the same unwavering commitment to public service that defined her career.”
The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation, but no further details about the incident or the other individuals involved have been released at this time.
In a statement, the La Mesa Police Department extended its gratitude to the allied agencies supporting them during this difficult time. “We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family, and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers,” the department added.
The loss of Officer Craven has deeply affected the La Mesa community, where she was known not only for her professional dedication but also for her warmth and compassion. Her peers remember her as a public servant who exemplified the true spirit of law enforcement.
Her legacy of service and sacrifice will be remembered as an enduring example of bravery and commitment to the safety of others. Officer Craven’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face in their daily duties.
LEBANON (BN24) — Four individuals were killed in Israeli air strikes that targeted Hezbollah positions in eastern and southern Lebanon on Thursday, raising fears of a further escalation in tensions between the two sides. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the air strikes resulted in an initial death toll of two people in the mountainous eastern region of Lebanon. Later reports confirmed that two additional individuals were killed in a separate airstrike in the southern town of Nabatieh, including an elderly woman, as reported by Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA).
The NNA had earlier detailed the air raids, describing them as “violent” and launched by Israeli warplanes targeting the eastern mountain range of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, an area located near the Syrian border. This region has been a hotspot for Hezbollah’s operations and military infrastructure. The NNA also reported that Israeli strikes targeted the Hermel range, which lies in the country’s northeast.
The Israeli military confirmed that it had launched the air strikes as part of an ongoing effort to target Hezbollah sites in both eastern and northern Lebanon. A statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the strikes had destroyed several Hezbollah military positions, including a military camp and a facility involved in the production of precision-guided missiles in the Bekaa Valley. In addition to these, Israeli forces reported having attacked a training camp used by Hezbollah militants, as well as a weapons storage facility located in Nabatieh.
Israel’s strikes are part of a broader campaign against Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group that is backed by Iran and has been a long-standing adversary of Israel. The group maintains a heavily fortified presence in southern Lebanon, and Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that they will continue to target Hezbollah’s military infrastructure to prevent attacks on Israeli soil.
The airstrikes come despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in November 2024, which had aimed to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire had initially ended a two-month open war in which both sides launched heavy attacks on each other. Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah was to dismantle its military forces in the region. However, despite the agreement, Israel has continued to carry out airstrikes, citing Hezbollah’s ongoing military presence and activities near the border.
The Lebanese government, under increasing international pressure, particularly from the United States, has moved to disarm Hezbollah as part of efforts to prevent further escalation. However, the government faces stiff opposition from Hezbollah and its allies in the Lebanese parliament. These political factions are staunchly against any efforts to disarm the group, which has significant influence in Lebanon’s political and military spheres.
The death of the four Lebanese civilians has deeply shocked the local population and highlighted the human cost of the ongoing Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. The victims were reportedly in areas that had not seen intense fighting for some time, making the attacks all the more alarming for residents.
Lebanon’s National News Agency identified one of the victims as an elderly woman who died in the southern strike near Nabatieh, a town that has historically been a Hezbollah stronghold. The strikes in the Bekaa Valley, a key Hezbollah stronghold, resulted in the other two fatalities, but the names of the victims have not yet been publicly released.
While the Israeli military justifies its airstrikes as necessary to combat Hezbollah’s military buildup in Lebanon, the death toll among civilians has raised concerns about the potential for broader conflict in the region. Many residents of Lebanon are worried that the fragile ceasefire may collapse entirely, leading to a new round of violent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The continued strikes have drawn significant international attention. The United Nations has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a return to diplomatic dialogue. However, despite the UN’s calls for peace, both Israel and Hezbollah remain entrenched in their positions. Israel continues to cite security concerns stemming from Hezbollah’s missile production and military capabilities, while Hezbollah has insisted on maintaining its military presence as a deterrent against Israeli aggression.
The Lebanese government is caught between pressure from the international community to disarm Hezbollah and the political realities of maintaining stability in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s political power in Lebanon is considerable, and any move to disarm the group is likely to provoke significant political unrest. Hezbollah and its allies in Lebanon’s parliament have already rejected disarmament efforts, and many Lebanese view the group as a protector against Israeli aggression.
In the meantime, Lebanon’s civilian population bears the brunt of the violence. Families who have suffered loss, such as those affected by Thursday’s airstrikes, face the trauma of ongoing instability, with many struggling to comprehend how a ceasefire meant to bring peace is unraveling into further bloodshed.
As the situation unfolds, both Israel and Lebanon face difficult choices. The Israeli government has made clear its intention to continue striking Hezbollah targets, while Hezbollah remains firm in its resistance to Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory. Despite the growing death toll and increasing international calls for restraint, the region remains on the brink of further violence.
For now, the Lebanese people, already suffering from years of political and economic turmoil, must endure the ripple effects of an unresolved conflict that continues to claim innocent lives.
WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump granted a full pardon Thursday to Changpeng Zhao, the billionaire founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, marking a decisive end to what his administration described as the “war on crypto.”
In a statement, the White House said, “President Trump exercised his constitutional authority by issuing a pardon for Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted by the Biden administration in their war on cryptocurrency. The war on crypto is over.”
Zhao, widely known by his initials CZ, pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain an adequate anti-money laundering program at Binance. The company agreed to pay $4.3 billion in fines as part of the settlement with U.S. authorities, and Zhao resigned as CEO. He was sentenced to four months in prison.
The pardon represents a sweeping victory for Zhao and Binance, following months of speculation and intense lobbying from industry figures. It also signals a major policy shift under President Trump, who has pushed to loosen regulations on digital currencies as his family builds its own multibillion-dollar crypto venture, World Liberty Financial.
Binance welcomed the announcement, calling it “incredible news.” A company spokesperson said, “We thank President Trump for his leadership and for his commitment to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.”
Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, President Trump defended the decision and dismissed Zhao’s legal troubles as politically motivated. “Are you talking about the crypto person? A lot of people say that he wasn’t guilty of anything,” Trump said. “They say what he did was not even a crime. It wasn’t a crime. He was persecuted by the Biden administration, and so I gave him a pardon at the request of a lot of very good people.”
Reports earlier this year suggested that representatives of the Trump family’s crypto enterprise had held discussions with Binance about investing in its U.S. arm, though Zhao publicly denied any connection between the talks and his pardon. “Fact: I have had no discussions of a Binance US deal with … well, anyone,” Zhao wrote on X in March. “No felon would mind a pardon.”
Binance has nonetheless been linked to the growth of World Liberty Financial, which recently launched its own digital currency. In one major transaction this year, Binance accepted a $2 billion payment from an Emirati investment fund, opting to process the funds using World Liberty Financial’s cryptocurrency—a deal that proved both lucrative and legitimizing for the Trump-backed venture.
The pardon underscores Trump’s deepening ties to the cryptocurrency world and cements his administration’s pivot toward making the United States a global hub for digital assets.
MIAMI (BN24) — Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension to extend his stay at Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, the team announced Thursday, securing the services of the world’s most decorated player for three additional years.
Messi, thirty-eight, initially joined Miami in July 2023 as a Designated Player on a two-and-a-half-year contract, breaking league precedent and team records with his deal. The club announced the new deal with a video of Messi signing the contract on what will become the field of Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a statement. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
Club co-owner Jorge Mas previously expressed his desire to see Messi inaugurate Miami Freedom Park in 2026, when the team makes the move from its current venue in Fort Lauderdale to the new stadium in Miami. Inter Miami will play the final matches of the 2025 campaign at Chase Stadium before kicking off the 2026 season at Miami Freedom Park.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club,” Mas said. “A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams. Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
Since his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to set new standards on and off the pitch by leading Miami to trophies and attendance records across the country.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. “We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
The Argentina captain and World Cup winner first led the team to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy before going on to inspire Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and league record for most points in a single season.
Individually, Messi has won the 2024 MLS MVP award and most recently the 2025 Golden Boot after recording twenty-nine goals in just twenty-eight games. Messi also has been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is favorite to become the first player to clinch the award on two consecutive occasions.
The club has seen a massive rise in global popularity with Messi on the roster. His pink number ten jersey has been MLS’ highest seller since he joined the league, and he has added to his massive off-field business empire since coming to the United States, even starring in a Super Bowl ad last year.
Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled since Messi’s arrival, climbing to a reported one point one nine billion dollars as of January 2025. The league has prospered as well, with ticketing revenue reaching an all-time high in 2025. Five clubs have broken their attendance records in matches featuring Messi and Miami.
“When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said. “Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league. We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”
Messi will continue to play at Inter Miami without longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who previously announced their retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season. Busquets and Alba will compete with Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs with the hopes of clinching one final trophy as players.
Luis Suárez may also play his final games with the club, as his contract expires at the end of the 2025 campaign. Though Suárez has yet to announce an extension with the club, Mas previously insisted the door remains open for him at Inter Miami should the Uruguayan choose to stay for another season.
The contract extension represents a major commitment by both Messi and Inter Miami to continue building one of MLS’ most successful and high-profile franchises. Messi will be forty-one years old when the contract expires at the end of the 2028 season, having potentially spent five and a half years in Major League Soccer.
The timing of the announcement, coming during the playoffs, underscores the club’s confidence in its long-term trajectory and Messi’s continued ability to perform at an elite level despite his age. His performance in the 2025 regular season, culminating in the Golden Boot award, demonstrated that he remains one of the most dominant players in MLS.
The new stadium at Miami Freedom Park has been a long-anticipated project for the club and is expected to significantly enhance the matchday experience for fans. The facility will provide a permanent home for Inter Miami after years of playing at temporary venues in Fort Lauderdale.
Inter Miami and Messi will now prepare for the first game of the Round 1 playoff series against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium as the club attempts to clinch the 2025 MLS Cup. The team enters the playoffs as one of the favorites after a dominant regular season performance led by Messi’s goalscoring prowess.
The extension solidifies MLS’ position as a destination for elite global talent and validates the league’s strategy of attracting marquee players who can elevate the sport’s profile in North America. Messi’s impact extends beyond the field, driving merchandise sales, television ratings and international interest in Major League Soccer.
For Inter Miami, retaining Messi through 2028 provides stability and star power as the franchise transitions to its new stadium and continues to build a competitive roster around its Argentine superstar.
FILE - This combo of images shows, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers' Damon Jones. (AP Photo/File)
NEW YORK (BN24) — The head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a player for the Miami Heat were arrested Thursday along with more than thirty other people in two criminal cases alleging sprawling separate schemes to rake in millions by rigging sports bets and poker games involving Mafia families, authorities said.
FILE – This combo of images shows, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones. (AP Photo/File)
Portland coach Chauncey Billups was charged with participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games in Las Vegas, Miami, Manhattan and the Hamptons that were backed by La Cosa Nostra crime families. Heat guard Terry Rozier was accused of a second scheme to concoct fraudulent bets by exploiting confidential information about NBA athletes and teams. Also arrested was former NBA assistant coach and player Damon Jones, who is charged with participating in both schemes.
The indictments unsealed in New York create a massive cloud for the NBA, which opened its season this week, and show how certain types of wagers are vulnerable to massive fraud in the growing, multibillion-dollar legal sports betting industry.
Both Billups and Rozier face money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges. Rozier made an initial court appearance Thursday where a federal magistrate judge said he could be released from custody by putting up his Florida home as bond and surrendering his passport.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Norway also restricted Rozier’s travel to the continental United States and prohibited him from gambling as conditions for his release. Federal prosecutors had asked for a ten million dollar bond but Rozier’s attorney said that was excessive given that the NBA star had no prior record.
“I think it’s Draconian,” said Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney. “He is a man of high character.”
In court, Rozier wore a black Charlotte Hornets sweatshirt with green lettering and was shackled and handcuffed. He did not speak much except when answering basic questions from the judge.
Rozier is facing two counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu. Each count carries no more than twenty years in prison.
Trusty described what he said was “chicanery” of prosecutors and federal agents. The defense attorney said he got a predawn call saying that federal agents were downstairs at Rozier’s hotel in downtown Orlando and that the attorney should call his client to tell him to go downstairs. Within minutes, federal agents were at the door to Rozier’s hotel room, Trusty told the judge.
“It has had a damaging effect on his career,” Trusty said.
Another condition of Rozier’s release is that he can have no contact with any others named in the indictment, as well as any listed individuals the government provides.
The six defendants in the sports betting indictment include former NBA player and coach Damon Jones, current NBA player Terry Rozier and one of Rozier’s close friends. Two of the defendants portrayed themselves on Instagram as successful sports bettors and sold sports betting picks through their profiles, according to the indictment.
Jones is also a defendant in the rigged poker game indictment, as is Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups.
The thirty-one defendants named in the second indictment include twelve people who are identified as either members or associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese or Lucchese crime families.
The indictments contain the description of several unnamed NBA players whose injury status and availability for certain games were the source of betting activity. Those players are not accused of any wrongdoing and there is no indication that they would have even known what was being said about their status for those games.
Those players include LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard. Their identities are clear based on a review of corresponding injury reports surrounding games mentioned in the indictment.
The indictments show that certain defendants shared information about the availability of those players in games on March 24, 2023, involving the Portland Trail Blazers, and two in 2023 and 2024 involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
For the Portland game, defendant Eric Earnest, investigators said, was given information that a player who had been listed as probable and then questionable to play that day would not play at all. Those details perfectly match how Lillard was listed on injury reports that day.
Similar patterns were found with Lakers games involving James and Davis, with Jones alleged to have shared their injury information before it was publicly known. In one of the cases, investigators said, Jones got the details wrong and caused some bettors who placed large wagers to lose.
Federal prosecutors asked a judge to detain thirteen defendants pending trial, including six reputed crime family members, and to not release other defendants unless they post substantial bonds.
“The Court should consider that each of those defendants has taken a lifetime oath to commit crimes and put their crime families above all else,” prosecutors said about the alleged mob associates in a court filing. “Those crime families have a long history of committing crimes, including obstruction of justice.”
Court documents also describe a violent encounter in 2023 at a poker game in Manhattan run by a Gambino crime family associate. Two members of rival crime families that had a poker game in another location on the same night busted into the Gambino associate’s game armed with a gun and baton, sparked a brawl and assaulted the Gambino member, the documents say.
Court documents say proceeds from the rigged card games were laundered through shell companies and cryptocurrency.
The cases represent one of the most significant prosecutions involving professional sports and organized crime in recent years. The involvement of high-profile NBA figures has sent shockwaves through professional basketball and raised questions about security protocols regarding confidential injury information.
The NBA has not yet commented on the arrests or whether it will take any action against the teams or individuals involved. The league has strict policies regarding gambling and the sharing of confidential information that could be used for betting purposes.
The timing of the arrests, coming just as the NBA season opened, creates significant complications for both the Trail Blazers and Heat organizations. It remains unclear whether Billups will continue in his coaching role or whether the team will place him on administrative leave pending resolution of the criminal charges.
The indictments highlight vulnerabilities in the rapidly expanding legal sports betting industry, where insider information about player availability can provide significant advantages to bettors. Sports leagues and betting operators have implemented various safeguards to detect unusual betting patterns, but the cases suggest those measures may be insufficient to prevent sophisticated schemes.
The alleged Mafia involvement adds another layer of complexity to the cases. Prosecutors detailed how organized crime families used their traditional operations in illegal gambling to exploit opportunities in the emerging legal sports betting market.
The investigation involved multiple federal agencies and represents years of work tracking financial transactions, communications and betting patterns. Authorities said the schemes involved millions of dollars in fraudulent wagers and laundered proceeds.
Legal experts said the cases could set precedents for how federal prosecutors approach fraud in the sports betting industry, particularly regarding the use of confidential information and the involvement of sports insiders.
Four family members of Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey were killed in a tragic helicopter crash in rural eastern Montana, his campaign confirmed Thursday.
The victims were identified as Bailey’s son, Zachary Bailey, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. According to a statement from Bailey’s campaign, the helicopter went down Wednesday evening near the small town of Ekalaka, Montana. Their third child was not on board.
“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them,” the statement read.
Campaign spokesperson Aaron Del Mar, who also serves as Bailey’s running mate, confirmed that Zachary Bailey was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. The family had been in Montana on a business trip related to expanding the use of helicopters for their farm operations in south-central Illinois.
Del Mar said Zachary, who had earned his helicopter license several years ago, initially pursued aviation to deliver medical supplies and humanitarian aid to people in developing countries. “That was a driving force for him to get his license,” Del Mar said.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Carter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to the remote crash site southwest of Ekalaka on Wednesday evening. No other individuals were on board.
Bailey, a former Illinois state senator and representative from Xenia, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a vocal critic of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s policies, including mask mandates and restrictions. He is again seeking the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, following his loss to Pritzker in 2022.
Gov. Pritzker expressed condolences Thursday, saying, “I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through.”
Bailey, known for his strong conservative platform, previously campaigned on reducing crime in Chicago and rolling back state gun control measures. He also once backed a proposal to make Chicago a separate state.
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said in a statement that the party was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy. “Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” she said.
The cause of the fatal crash remains under investigation.
SHEFFIELD, England (BN24) — A 15-year-old boy, Mohammed Umar Khan, was sentenced to at least 16 years in prison after being convicted of fatally stabbing his fellow student, Harvey Willgoose, during a lunch break at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield.
The violent incident took place on February 3, 2025, when Khan, carrying a hunting knife, approached Harvey and, in a brutal attack, stabbed him in the chest in front of several other students. Witnesses reported that the attack happened swiftly and without warning, leaving the school community in shock and panic.
In the aftermath of the stabbing, some students fled the scene in terror, while others locked themselves in classrooms and storage rooms, fearing further violence. Staff at the school immediately called emergency services, but Harvey, despite attempts to resuscitate him, was later pronounced dead at the scene.
At the sentencing hearing on October 22, 2025, at Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Mrs. Justice Ellenbogen addressed the court, describing the attack as a “serious crime” and emphasizing the shock it caused within the school community. “This was a violent and senseless act, carried out by one pupil on another in a school where children should feel safe,” the judge said. “The public has a right to know the identity of those involved in such crimes, as it helps to understand how a child so young could commit such an act of violence.”
Khan was found guilty of murder in August 2025, following a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence that he had taken the knife to school with the intent to harm Harvey. According to the court, the motive for the attack appeared to be linked to a perceived betrayal of friendship between the two boys. Khan reportedly believed that Harvey had turned against him, which led to feelings of hurt and anger that ultimately resulted in the fatal stabbing.
During the trial, Harvey’s family, including his parents, Mark and Caroline Willgoose, and his sister, Sophie, attended proceedings. In her emotional victim impact statement, Sophie described the devastating toll the murder had taken on her family. “This was not just a crime against my brother, it was a crime against all of us who loved him,” she told the court. “The pain will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We have been left without the person we loved so dearly, and nothing can bring him back.”
Sophie also expressed her anger at Khan’s refusal to take responsibility for his actions, stating that the family had been made to “endure” the pain of watching CCTV footage of Harvey’s last moments. “We are haunted daily by what happened, knowing that he chose not to show any remorse,” she said.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about youth violence in schools and the increasing number of violent incidents involving young people. In the wake of the attack, many in the Sheffield community have called for greater efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of students, both in and out of the classroom.
During the hearing, a significant development occurred when Judge Ellenbogen lifted a court order that had previously prohibited the identification of Khan. This decision followed applications from several media outlets, including the PA news agency, which argued that the public had a right to know the identity of those involved in such a serious crime. The judge acknowledged that while the welfare of young offenders must be considered, transparency in cases of such gravity was necessary for public understanding.
Harvey’s parents were present in court to hear the verdict, though their grief was evident as they left the courtroom. Mark Willgoose, Harvey’s father, spoke briefly outside the court, expressing his family’s relief that the case had concluded but emphasizing that no sentence could ever bring back their son. “Our son is gone, and nothing can bring him back,” he said. “We just want to move forward, knowing that justice has been served.”
Khan, who will turn 16 in November, will serve his sentence in a youth detention facility. The judge told him that he would be eligible for parole after serving the minimum 16-year term. Still, his release would be contingent on a thorough review of his behavior and rehabilitation progress.
The case continues to be a tragic reminder of the destructive potential of violence among young people and the devastating impact such acts can have on families and communities. As Harvey’s family continues to mourn his loss, they are determined to ensure that his death is not forgotten and that justice is upheld in his memory.
MADRID (BN24) — Jude Bellingham’s second-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over Juventus on Wednesday, keeping the 15-time European champions perfect in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Xabi Alonso’s side dominated much of the contest at the Santiago Bernabeu but failed to extend their advantage after Bellingham converted from close range to claim his first goal of the season.
Juventus, now winless in seven consecutive matches across all competitions, battled to stay in contention but could not find a way past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose late saves preserved Madrid’s lead.
Real Madrid’s disciplined performance provided a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash with Barcelona, as the club joined four others to open the Champions League group stage with three straight victories.
Both teams began cautiously, probing for openings during a tight first half. Brahim Diaz linked up with Kylian Mbappe, whose low drive forced Michele Di Gregorio into a sharp save. The French forward later created another chance with a clever run and cut-back to Eder Militao, who fired narrowly over.
The tempo lifted after halftime. Courtois denied Dusan Vlahovic on a counterattack before Madrid struck through Bellingham in the 57th minute. Vinicius Junior, still seeking his first goal of the tournament, wriggled free in the area and curled a shot off the post, allowing the English midfielder to pounce on the rebound.
Bellingham’s finish marked his first goal since returning from summer shoulder surgery that sidelined him early in the campaign. Mbappe, who had scored in 11 straight appearances, saw his best effort saved by Di Gregorio as Madrid pressed for a second. The Juventus goalkeeper produced a remarkable double stop from Mbappe and Diaz to keep his team in contention.
Igor Tudor’s men nearly leveled late when Raul Asencio blocked Lois Openda’s effort, while Courtois turned away a long-range strike from Filip Kostic in stoppage time to ensure Madrid’s victory. Real Madrid remain among the early frontrunners in Europe’s elite competition as Juventus’ struggles continue in their opening group fixtures.
OSOGBO (BN24) — The Osun State Government has officially appointed global Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund, a move designed to transform the state’s sports sector and attract private investment.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, who also doubles as the Commissioner for Sports. Adewusi explained that Davido’s appointment aligns with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s vision to modernize the state’s sports infrastructure, foster youth engagement, and create sustainable financing for sports development.
According to Adewusi, the government is determined to restore the glory of Osun’s sports institutions and reposition the state as a hub for national and international sporting events. Central to that goal is the renovation and rehabilitation of the Osogbo Township Stadium, a landmark project nearing completion. The facility, once refurbished, is expected to meet Olympic standards and serve as a venue for major tournaments.
“The ongoing renovation of the Osogbo Township Stadium will soon be completed to meet Olympic standards,” Adewusi said in a statement. “We are working to ensure the stadium becomes a world-class arena capable of hosting international competitions, not just national events.”
He added that the creation of the Osun State Sports Commission is in its final stages. The commission will act as the state’s central body for sports policy, management, and development, a structure designed to professionalize administration and improve athlete welfare.
Adewusi noted that the Osun Sports Trust Fund, chaired by Davido, will play a vital role in securing financial backing from philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and investors within and outside Nigeria. He said Davido’s influence, both locally and globally, makes him an ideal ambassador for the initiative.
“Davido did not hesitate to accept the appointment. His leadership of the Osun Sports Trust Fund will attract the kind of resources and attention that can transform Osun’s sporting landscape,” Adewusi said. “We are confident that his involvement will open new doors for young athletes and create opportunities for sports development across the state.”
Governor Adeleke, who has emphasized youth empowerment and innovation as cornerstones of his administration, has repeatedly highlighted sports as a key avenue for job creation and community growth. The new trust fund is expected to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuity in sports financing a challenge that has historically limited athletic programs in many Nigerian states.
Davido, a native of Osun State and one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts and connection to youth-driven initiatives. His appointment represents a bridge between entertainment, culture, and sports development, and it signals Osun’s intent to leverage star power to boost participation and infrastructure.
When fully operational, the Osun Sports Trust Fund is expected to support grassroots training programs, provide scholarships for talented athletes, and facilitate the completion of ongoing projects like the Osogbo Township Stadium upgrade. The initiative marks a major step in the government’s broader plan to make Osun a destination for sporting excellence in Nigeria.
