LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Authorities have identified a decomposed body discovered inside an impounded Tesla in Los Angeles as that of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, a girl reported missing last year.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Wednesday that Rivas was the victim found Sept. 8 at a tow lot in Hollywood after workers noticed a strong odor coming from the vehicle. Officials said her body was “severely decomposed” and appeared to have been inside the car for an extended period before it was discovered.
Local news outlets reported the Tesla was registered to Houston-born singer-songwriter d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, 20. Police have not implicated the musician in Rivas’ death, and it remains unclear why the vehicle was impounded.
A representative for d4vd told NBC Los Angeles that the artist has cooperated fully with investigators since the discovery. Authorities and the singer’s management did not immediately respond to further requests for comment.
Rivas, who was 13 when she went missing, was last seen in April 2024 in Lake Elsinore, a city about 60 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The medical examiner has not yet determined her cause of death, and police have not released additional details about the investigation.
The grim discovery has drawn public attention because of d4vd’s rising profile in the music industry. The Houston native first gained recognition in 2022 when his breakout single “Romantic Homicide” went viral on TikTok, later reaching No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. He followed with “Here With Me,” another massive streaming hit, cementing his reputation as one of Gen Z’s most distinctive new artists.
Now signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records — the same label as Billie Eilish — d4vd has released two EPs and his first full-length album, Withered, in April 2024. His genre-blending style, mixing indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, has earned him more than 3 billion streams on Spotify across his top tracks.
ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were arrested and detained for over a month in Jeddah on suspicion of drug trafficking, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Nigerians, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq — were freed following intensive diplomatic efforts and investigations led by the NDLEA and backed by top Nigerian government officials.
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, confirmed their release on Wednesday, noting that the development followed sustained engagements between NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.) and the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims were arrested in August after arriving in Jeddah on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), en route to the lesser hajj. Saudi authorities accused them of drug trafficking after illicit substances were found in their checked-in luggage.
According to NDLEA investigations, the bags containing the drugs were not owned by the pilgrims. Still, they were instead tagged with their names by a criminal syndicate operating at the Kano airport. The families of the detained pilgrims raised the alarm with the NDLEA, prompting the agency to launch an inquiry.
The probe led to the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, along with three accomplices, including airline officials allegedly involved in the illicit operation. Formal charges have been filed against the suspects: Abubakar, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.
Armed with evidence from its investigation, including legal filings against the syndicate, the NDLEA engaged Saudi authorities at multiple levels. One of the detained pilgrims was released on Sunday, September 14, while the other two were freed on Monday, September 15.
NDLEA Chairman Marwa expressed gratitude for the support received from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said was committed to ensuring that no Nigerian suffers unjustly abroad. He also acknowledged the roles played by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Marwa praised his Saudi counterpart for honoring the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NDLEA and GDNC, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in ensuring justice.
“This outcome reflects President Tinubu’s strong commitment to the protection of Nigerians globally. No Nigerian should face punishment for crimes they did not commit, and this case affirms our resolve to defend the innocent,” said Marwa.
The release of the three Nigerians brings relief to their families and signals a breakthrough in Nigeria’s efforts to combat airport drug syndicates using unsuspecting travelers as mules.
LAGOS (AP) — Shoprite, once a dominant force in Nigeria’s retail sector, is facing a deepening crisis as operational challenges force the closure of multiple outlets and leave others struggling to stay afloat. The South African-born supermarket chain, which first entered Nigeria in 2005 and quickly became a symbol of modern retail, has seen its presence shrink in recent months amid mounting economic pressures.
The latest blow came with the shutdown of its stores in Ilorin and Ibadan, signaling a worrying trend in what was once one of Shoprite’s most lucrative African markets. According to a report by Daily Trust, the closures are part of a broader pattern of distress, with other outlets across the country — particularly in Lagos and Abuja — reporting dwindling inventory, reduced foot traffic, and growing uncertainty among employees.
At the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, the atmosphere is a far cry from the bustling scene it once was. Shelves that once brimmed with groceries and frozen goods now stand nearly bare. Aisles echo with silence, and staff members openly express concern about the supermarket’s future. One employee disclosed that the current management is still renegotiating supply agreements, which has delayed restocking. “Hopefully, when that is completed, things will return to normal,” she said. Others, however, said the supply disruptions have persisted for months, leaving staff increasingly anxious about job security.
A similar scenario is unfolding in Abuja, where the Shoprite branch at Jabi Lake Mall has also suffered from a prolonged lack of stock. Workers there revealed that no new goods had arrived in over two months. “Everybody here, our chest is beating because we don’t know what’s happening,” one staff member said, describing the air of uncertainty hanging over the store.
Shoprite’s decline in Nigeria began to take shape in 2021 after its South African parent company exited the country, selling its local operations to a Nigerian consortium. Since then, challenges have mounted. The company has been battered by surging operating costs, currency instability, rent hikes, and intensifying competition from emerging local and international retailers.
In Kano, where Shoprite previously closed its branch at Ado Bayero Mall, exorbitant rent costs were cited as a key factor. Reports indicate the supermarket paid approximately ₦66 million per month in rent, exclusive of power and staff expenses, a burden that proved unsustainable.
Despite the setbacks, current management insists that Shoprite is not exiting Nigeria. A spokesperson confirmed that restocking is expected to resume by the end of September and that negotiations with suppliers are ongoing. But with store closures mounting and visible signs of distress in key branches, many loyal customers and staff remain skeptical about a full recovery.
As Nigeria’s broader retail sector contends with inflation, foreign exchange scarcity, and shifting consumer habits, Shoprite’s struggles may be a bellwether for the state of large-scale retail in Africa’s most populous nation. Whether the once-flagship supermarket chain can adapt and survive in this evolving landscape remains to be seen.
PARIS (BN24) — Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, is preparing to submit scientific and photographic documentation in a U.S. court as part of a defamation lawsuit aimed at disproving false claims promoted by American conservative commentator Candace Owens. The legal move comes after Owens repeatedly alleged that the French First Lady was born male — an accusation the Macrons have described as baseless and deeply distressing.
The lawsuit, which has attracted international attention, seeks to hold Owens accountable for a series of public statements and online posts that questioned Brigitte Macron’s gender, framing her as a man posing as a woman. Speaking on the BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast, the couple’s legal representative, Tom Clare, confirmed that the Macrons are determined to counter the misinformation with verifiable evidence.
“This is incredibly upsetting for her, and a distraction for the President,” Clare said. “I don’t want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. And he’s not immune from that because he’s the president of a country.”
Clare emphasized that Brigitte Macron is prepared to go to significant lengths to disprove the widely circulated conspiracy theory. “She’s willing to subject herself to provide scientific evidence and expert testimony,” he said. “It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and put this type of proof forward, but she’s firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.”
The defamation suit marks a rare move by a European political figure in engaging with the American legal system over claims made on U.S. soil. It underscores growing concerns about the global spread of disinformation and the role of high-profile media personalities in fueling unverified personal attacks.
Brigitte Macron, a former schoolteacher, has long faced public scrutiny due to her age difference with the French president, who is 25 years her junior. However, the latest wave of online speculation — amplified by figures like Owens — has crossed into territory the Macron family sees as defamatory and harmful.
While neither Owens nor her legal team has responded publicly to the lawsuit, the case is expected to draw significant media coverage as it progresses through the U.S. judicial system. Legal experts note that proving defamation in the United States — particularly when public figures are involved — presents a high bar, requiring clear evidence of falsehood and malicious intent.
Still, the Macrons appear resolute in their efforts to combat what they view as an outrageous and dehumanizing attack. The case not only aims to clear Brigitte Macron’s name but also serves as a broader statement against the spread of conspiracy theories targeting public figures, particularly women in politics.
As misinformation continues to blur the lines between free speech and defamation, the outcome of this case could set important legal precedents in the digital age — particularly in how personal identity is protected in the public sphere.
MIAMI (BN24) — Lionel Messi is set to continue his career in Major League Soccer beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup after reaching an agreement with Inter Miami to extend his contract, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal, which is expected to be formally announced within the next two weeks, ensures the Argentine icon will remain with the Florida-based club well into the latter stages of his historic football journey.
The extension will see the 38-year-old forward stay active in competitive football beyond next year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a tournament Messi has publicly said he hopes to compete in as part of Argentina’s title defense.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 marked a transformative moment for soccer in the U.S. After a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain, the former Barcelona captain chose Miami as the next chapter of a career that has already spanned over two decades and earned him every major title in the sport.
Since joining MLS, Messi has made a significant impact both on and off the field. In 2024, he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. In 2025, he became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 goals, an achievement that has fueled a surge in attendance, merchandise sales, and global attention for Inter Miami and the league.
The contract extension is a strategic victory for Inter Miami, which has positioned itself as the center of gravity in U.S. soccer by building around Messi’s global stature. Club officials view the agreement not only as a sporting investment but also as a commitment to expanding the game’s reach across North America, particularly in the buildup to the 2026 World Cup.
Messi’s presence in MLS continues to elevate the league’s profile on the world stage, attracting international media coverage and drawing new fans to the sport. With this new deal, Inter Miami is not just securing the services of one of football’s greatest players but also reinforcing its ambition to become a long-term powerhouse in American soccer.
The extension also likely signals that Messi intends to close out his playing career in the United States, providing MLS fans with a rare chance to witness the final chapters of a storied career that has included 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, seven Ballon d’Or awards, and, perhaps most memorably Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.
As anticipation builds for the official announcement, Inter Miami’s decision to double down on Messi affirms its belief in the transformative power of the sport’s biggest stars — and the enduring appeal of one of its greatest.
MADRID (BN24) — Spain has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in over a decade, overtaking reigning world champions Argentina amid a dramatic reshuffling at the top of international football standings.
Released Thursday via FIFA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the latest rankings mark a significant moment for Spanish football, which last held the top spot in 2014. The surge follows a dominant campaign in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Spain’s consistent performances and high goal margins contributed heavily to its ascent.
Argentina, which had maintained the No. 1 rank since April 2023 after their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, dropped to third place, ceding ground after a string of less convincing displays. France, riding a wave of stable form throughout the qualification stage, climbed to second, solidifying its position as one of the tournament favorites.
Portugal climbed to fifth, while Croatia and Italy also made upward moves, reaching ninth and tenth, respectively. Brazil, a long-time powerhouse in the international game, continued its decline, sliding to sixth after a disappointing qualification run that saw points dropped against lower-ranked sides.
Germany, another traditional giant of world football, fell out of the top 10 for the first time since October 2024. A 2-1 shock loss to Slovakia proved costly, dropping the Germans to 12th in the standings. Slovakia, in contrast, was one of the biggest movers this month, jumping 10 places to 42nd following a string of strong results, including their upset over Germany.
Morocco held firm at 11th, backed by a remarkable run of eight wins in their last nine fixtures, underlining their continued rise in global football prominence since their semifinal finish in Qatar.
Several other national teams recorded notable gains. The Gambia, Madagascar, Paraguay, Uganda, Libya, Suriname, and the Faroe Islands each rose by five or more positions, signaling a growing competitive balance in international football. Canada, one of the three co-hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, inched upward by two spots to 26th. Kosovo also made history with a four-place rise to 91st — its highest-ever ranking.
With under a year remaining until the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, the updated FIFA rankings serve as a snapshot of a shifting global landscape. Emerging nations are testing Traditional powers, and the road to North America continues to deliver surprises.
As the qualifiers head into their final phase, the latest standings highlight the unpredictable and evolving nature of world football, with Spain’s return to the summit setting the tone for the battles to come.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (BN24) — The Taliban’s crackdown to “prevent immorality” has intensified across Afghanistan, with more provinces losing access to fiber-optic internet as the country’s leader imposes a nationwide ban on the technology.
This marks the first time since the Taliban seized power in August 2021 that such a ban has been enforced, leaving government offices, businesses, public institutions, and homes without Wi-Fi internet. While mobile internet services remain operational, local officials have stated that they are working on alternatives to ensure access to “necessities.”
Balkh province in northern Afghanistan confirmed a Wi-Fi shutdown on Tuesday, with reports indicating significant disruption across the country. By Thursday, additional provinces, including Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Takhar, reported losing internet access. Siddiqullah Quraishi from Nangarhar’s Culture Directorate confirmed the shutdown to The Associated Press. In Kunduz, the governor’s office shared the news via an official WhatsApp group.
The Afghanistan Media Support Organization condemned the ban, warning of its broader implications. The organization said in a statement, “This action, carried out on the orders of the Taliban’s leader, not only disrupts millions of citizens’ access to free information and essential services but also poses a grave threat to freedom of expression and the work of the media.”
The decision to impose the shutdown comes despite Afghanistan’s significant investment in fiber-optic infrastructure. Last year, Enayatullah Alokozai, a spokesman for the Communications Ministry, revealed that the country had developed a fiber-optic network spanning more than 1,800 kilometers (1,125 miles) and had approved plans to extend it by an additional 488 kilometers (305 miles). Before this latest ban, most Afghan provinces had access to fiber-optic services.
The continued crackdown on internet access has raised alarm over the future of media freedom and public access to information in Afghanistan, with many fearing the Taliban’s increasing control over the flow of information will further isolate the country from the global community.
SHENZHEN, China (BN24) — Taylor Townsend, the world’s top-ranked doubles player and a prominent figure in American tennis, has publicly apologized after drawing backlash over comments she made about Chinese cuisine while attending the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Shenzhen.
The 29-year-old sparked criticism after she posted a video to Instagram in which she reacted to food served at a buffet, describing it as “the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.” Referring specifically to dishes that included bullfrogs, Townsend remarked, “These people are literally killing frogs… Aren’t those poisonous? Aren’t those the ones that give you warts and boils and stuff?” She went on to mock the preparation of the dish, saying, “The fact that it’s all stewed up with chillies, peppers, and onions. Like, oh, you really made this a dish.”
Her comments were widely viewed as culturally insensitive and disrespectful, drawing criticism online for perpetuating stereotypes and showing a lack of understanding of local culinary traditions.
In response to the backlash, Townsend issued an apology via social media, expressing regret and acknowledging the privilege of being able to travel and experience diverse cultures as a professional athlete.
“I just wanted to come on here and apologise sincerely from the bottom of my heart,” Townsend said. “I understand that I am so privileged as a professional athlete to be able to travel all around the world and experience cultural differences, which is one of the things I love so much about what I do.”
Townsend emphasized that her comments did not reflect her overall experience in Shenzhen, where she said she had been treated with kindness and respect. “Everyone has been so kind and so gracious, and the things that I said are not representative of that at all,” she added.
The incident follows a separate headline-grabbing moment for Townsend last month, when she was involved in a heated on-court exchange with Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open in New York. Townsend won that match in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1.
As of now, Townsend remains in Shenzhen participating in the Billie Jean King Cup, where her focus appears to have shifted back to competition amid the fallout from her comments.
LONDON (BN24) — A 25-year-old Eritrean man has won a last-minute legal bid to block his removal to France under the UK’s “one in, one out” migrant returns agreement with Paris, in the first court challenge against the newly launched scheme.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had arrived in the UK earlier this year after crossing the Channel in a small boat. He was due to be returned to France on Wednesday as part of a bilateral deal announced in July by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Under the arrangement, France agreed to take back individuals who entered the UK unlawfully and whose asylum claims were withdrawn or deemed inadmissible, while Britain pledged to accept an equal number of refugees waiting in France with valid claims.
During an emergency hearing at the High Court in London, the man’s lawyers argued that he had been given insufficient time to present evidence suggesting he may have been a victim of modern slavery. They said the Home Office’s decision to remove him was rushed and failed to investigate his background adequately.
Mr Justice Sheldon agreed that there were “serious issues to be tried” regarding whether the Home Secretary had properly fulfilled her legal duties in assessing his trafficking claims. Though the judge dismissed arguments that the man would face homelessness or destitution in France, he granted a temporary injunction, citing a letter from the Home Office that acknowledged the man still had the right to submit further representations—something they would not expect him to do from outside the UK.
“If there were a reasonable suspicion that he was trafficked — and that does not mean trafficked in or from France — that would amount to a statutory bar to removal for at least a short period of time,” the judge said. He gave the man’s legal team 14 days to submit any further evidence so the case could be resolved in a future hearing.
The ruling represents a significant, albeit temporary, legal obstacle to the government’s returns plan. Science Secretary Liz Kendall, speaking to the BBC, described the injunction as “an interim judgment on one individual” and insisted it would not derail the broader policy. “It will not stop this significant deal from going ahead,” Kendall said, reiterating that those who arrive in the UK illegally “can and will be deported.”
A spokesperson for the Home Office also emphasized that the court’s decision would not prevent the start of returns under the deal, which had not yet seen any individuals removed at the time of the ruling. However, sources indicated that several migrants scheduled to depart on the same Air France flight from Heathrow had already been told their departures were deferred, pending further legal representations.
Court documents show the Eritrean man left Ethiopia two years ago, arriving in Italy in April 2025. He then traveled to France, receiving aid from charities including the Red Cross, before his mother paid smugglers $1,400 to facilitate his journey across the Channel.
More than 30,000 people have arrived in the UK via small boats so far this year—the highest number ever recorded by this point in the calendar year since data collection began in 2018. Officials hoped the new agreement with France would help deter dangerous crossings and reduce the growing backlog of asylum cases.
Yet critics say the selection process for removal under the deal has been rushed. Danny Shaw, a former Home Office adviser, said the government had appeared to select people who had only recently arrived in the UK, leaving little time to assess complex individual circumstances.
Imogen Townley, a solicitor with Wilson LLP who has represented asylum seekers, described the government’s approach as “arbitrary and chaotic,” adding that while legal delays may frustrate ministers, they are essential for ensuring due process. “It’s not realistic to think that individuals caught up in the scheme do not have individual circumstances preventing their removal,” she said.
Political reaction has been mixed. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch responded to the ruling by saying, “We told you so,” and called for stricter immigration laws, claiming the UK was becoming “a refuge for anyone who may have even the slightest bit of unhappiness in any other country.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also criticized the returns policy, arguing that the “one in, one out” principle would still result in a net increase in migration.
Though the government says the legal framework for the returns pilot complies with both domestic and international law, the High Court ruling is likely to reignite debate over the UK’s commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights. The issue is expected to feature prominently at next month’s Conservative Party conference, where speculation continues over whether the party will advocate for withdrawal from the ECHR—a move Prime Minister Starmer has ruled out.
Despite the delay, the Home Office remains committed to launching the first removals under the UK-France deal, as the government attempts to assert control over illegal migration while facing scrutiny over the legal and humanitarian complexities of removals.
JEDBURGH, Scotland (BN24) — A self-proclaimed African tribe that has repeatedly been evicted from various sites around Jedburgh, Scotland, has once again re-established its encampment, this time just meters from their previous location, claiming the land as their ancestral birthright.
Calling themselves the “Kingdom of Kubala,” the group is led by Ghanaian national Kofi Offeh, 36, who refers to himself as “King Atehehe.” Accompanying him are Zimbabwean Jean Gasho, who styles herself “Queen Nandi,” and American Kaura Taylor, who goes by “Asnat.” The trio maintains they are reclaiming land stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago, despite legal rulings ordering them to vacate the area.
The Scottish Borders Council confirmed that sheriff officers removed the group from private woodland near Jedburgh early Tuesday morning. However, not long after their removal, the group moved several metres and reestablished their camp on adjacent council-owned land. The council has responded by launching fresh legal proceedings to secure another eviction.
“This is not trespassing,” Offeh said following the relocation. “We are reclaiming what belongs to our ancestors.”
Deputy council leader Scott Hamilton said the local authority had exhausted all attempts to engage with the group. “They have rebuffed every opportunity to engage with us,” Hamilton said. “We can help them, but we won’t sit back and let them break the law.”
The sheriff’s eviction order, issued last week by Sheriff Peter Paterson, followed a string of similar disputes since the group arrived in Jedburgh in the spring. In each instance, the Kingdom of Kubala has moved from one site to another, including hillside terrain above the town and areas of woodland near an industrial estate. Each relocation has drawn legal challenges from landowners, who say they have been left with no alternative but to pursue court-backed evictions.
The latest eviction took nearly 90 minutes, involving local officials and police dismantling tents and packing up belongings. The group was removed from the left side of a wire fence and shortly after set up camp again just on the other side.
Despite mounting legal pressure, the Kingdom of Kubala remains resolute in its mission, citing both symbolic and historical reasons for its claim. Their campaign has garnered significant attention on social media, amassing over 100,000 followers across TikTok and Facebook.
Hamilton described their latest move as “disappointing but not surprising,” underscoring the council’s commitment to lawful land use while hinting at continued enforcement if the group refuses to vacate.
While legal and local opposition mounts, the Kingdom of Kubala insists its occupation is a peaceful act of reclamation, not defiance — a symbolic protest rooted in a narrative of ancestral justice.
