LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A Nigerian national residing in California has been sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison for orchestrating a $1.3 million COVID-19 benefits fraud scheme and using the stolen funds to build a luxury resort hotel, nightclub, and shopping mall in Nigeria.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, that Abiola Femi Quadri, 43, of Pasadena, was handed a 135-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge George H. Wu. In addition to the prison term, Quadri was ordered to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine.
According to court records and ICE’s statement, Quadri submitted over 100 fraudulent applications for pandemic unemployment and disability insurance benefits using stolen identities across California and Nevada. The scheme ran from 2021 until his arrest in September 2024 at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was preparing to board a flight to Nigeria.
Authorities revealed that Quadri funneled at least $500,000 of the stolen funds overseas to finance the construction of the Oyins International, a lavish 120-room resort hotel in Nigeria that includes a nightclub, shopping mall, and other luxury amenities.
Quadri, a Nigerian citizen who gained U.S. permanent residency through what he allegedly described in private messages as a “fake wedding,” pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Despite being under investigation, he failed to disclose his ownership of the multimillion-dollar resort in financial declarations to the court.
Investigators discovered extensive evidence of fraud, including 17 counterfeit checks worth over $3.3 million stored on Quadri’s phone. Some of these checks were made payable to shell companies registered under aliases he controlled. Messages on his phone also revealed negotiations involving the fraudulent checks.
Quadri had also been receiving payments from the state of California for providing daycare services to developmentally disabled children through his business, Rock of Peace, located in Altadena. When law enforcement searched his residence, they found misused food-aid debit cards meant for the children.
The case was jointly investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Employment Development Department’s Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section led the prosecution.
Quadri’s sentencing adds to a growing list of pandemic-era fraud cases that have exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. emergency benefit systems, with international implications and millions in taxpayer losses.
LOKOJA, Nigeria (BN24) — The prime suspect in the killing of photojournalist Ayo Aiyepekun was found dead Thursday in a Lokoja hotel room in an apparent suicide, just two days after the journalist was allegedly murdered in what police are treating as a criminal investigation.
Authorities identified the deceased as Adebayo Pelumi, a fellow photographer and colleague of Aiyepekun. Police said Pelumi had been declared wanted in connection with the killing, which occurred Tuesday, July 22, in the state capital of Kogi.
According to hotel staff, Pelumi checked in on Wednesday afternoon and was discovered unresponsive around 1 p.m. Thursday during a routine checkout procedure. “One of our stewards went in to clean up the room and found him lifeless,” said an employee who spoke under condition of anonymity. Hotel management immediately alerted law enforcement, who identified the body as that of the suspect.
A bottle of Coca-Cola and a chemical substance suspected to be Sniper, a pesticide commonly linked to suicide cases in Nigeria, were reportedly recovered at the scene. The remains were taken to the mortuary at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja.
Details surrounding the killing of Aiyepekun continue to emerge. An eyewitness, who worked with the victim at InsideStory online media, recounted that he was in the office with Aiyepekun editing video and photos on the night of the incident when Pelumi called, requesting assistance at his poultry farm located within the same compound.
The call came around 8:30 p.m., the witness said. Unaware that Aiyepekun was not alone in the office, the suspect allegedly attacked him with an iron rod upon arrival. “He struck him repeatedly and then placed his body in a deep freezer,” the source recalled. Moments later, the suspect reportedly transferred the body to a Hilux van, prompting the witness to raise an alarm.
“I called people who mobilized the local vigilante, but by the time they arrived, the suspect had already taken off with the body,” the witness added. The group reportedly found bloodstains in the freezer and around the poultry area.
While searching the area, the vigilante team encountered Pelumi returning to the property in the same van. “When he saw us, he took off,” the witness said. A brief chase ensued, during which the vehicle crashed. Pelumi allegedly fled on foot, and authorities lost track of him until he was found dead the next day.
Police confirmed that the van was stained with blood, further implicating the suspect in the killing. Although the body of the victim had not been immediately recovered, authorities and locals have raised suspicions of possible ritual motives behind the murder.
The incident was officially reported to the Kogi State Police Headquarters on Wednesday.
Sources close to the suspect revealed that Pelumi had been experiencing personal turmoil. His wife reportedly left him two months ago, citing repeated domestic abuse. Authorities are continuing investigations into the motive, while the media community in Kogi mourns the loss of Aiyepekun, described as a committed journalist known for his work in photo documentation and investigative reporting.
London (BN24) – Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of promising Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia in a deal valued at an initial £13 million (€15 million), with the total fee potentially increasing through performance-related add-ons.
The 21-year-old center-back has penned a five-year contract with the North London club, with an option to extend for an additional year. Following a successful medical in London, Mosquera has already joined up with Mikel Arteta’s squad in Singapore for preseason training.
Speaking after the move was finalized, Mosquera expressed his excitement at joining the Premier League side. “There’s been a lot of hard work behind all of this,” he said. “It’s an opportunity that came up and I couldn’t let it pass me by. I’m joining a historic, massive club. When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of this place.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the young defender’s maturity and potential, emphasizing the value Mosquera brings to the team’s evolving back line.
“We’re delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal,” Arteta told the club’s official website. “As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga. He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.”
Arteta highlighted Mosquera’s versatility and composure, noting that his addition strengthens the squad’s depth ahead of the new campaign. “He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season. From all of us, we welcome Cristhian and his family to the club.”
Mosquera, a product of Valencia’s youth academy, made over 30 appearances for the Spanish club in La Liga and was widely regarded as one of their most promising defensive talents. His arrival comes as Arsenal looks to bolster their defensive options for both domestic and European competitions.
Bauchi, Nigeria (BN24) – The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old woman, Esther Gambo, over the alleged kidnapping of a newborn and the brutal murder of two seven-year-old girls, in a case that has triggered public unrest and violent protests across Toro Local Government Area.
According to a statement released Thursday by Police Public Relations Officer SP Ahmed Wakil, Gambo, a resident of Lemoro Village, was taken into custody after police and local vigilante groups launched a swift operation in response to a reported abduction and homicide in Unguwan Sarkin Yaki.
Authorities say the suspect lured Khadija Sama’ila and A’isha Dahiru, both aged seven, under false pretenses, with the intent of kidnapping a newborn female child belonging to one Nafisa Dahiru. Following the abduction of the infant, Gambo allegedly led the two young girls to a maize farm on the outskirts of the village, where she used a machete to fatally attack them before fleeing the scene.
Police operatives successfully recovered the bodies of the slain girls and rescued the abducted baby, who is now in safe custody.
In the aftermath of the gruesome incident, tensions escalated among the local population, especially within the Muslim youth community, leading to violent demonstrations. Several churches were set ablaze, and mobs attempted to torch the Tulu Divisional Police Headquarters. The police said reinforcements from Area Command Toro and neighboring divisions were deployed to quell the uprising and secure public infrastructure.
Sixteen individuals, ranging in age from 17 to 50, were arrested in connection with the violence. Those in custody include Abbas Abdullahi, Mubarak Auwal, Abdullahi Muhammad (alias P.A), Dauda Abdullahi, and Esther Idi, among others. Charges are expected to follow pending further investigation.
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu has condemned both the crime and the retaliatory violence, urging citizens to respect legal processes and allow law enforcement to carry out its duties without interference. He emphasized that justice will be pursued but warned against vigilantism, calling for calm and cooperation as investigations continue.
The command reiterated its commitment to public safety, affirming that the case will be treated with the urgency and thoroughness it demands.
JAIPUR, India (BN24) — At least four children were killed and 17 others injured when the roof of a school building collapsed in India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan on Friday, according to local news reports and officials. Authorities fear dozens of students may still be trapped under the debris as emergency crews race against time in the ongoing rescue operation.
The incident occurred shortly after morning prayers at the school in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, where around 25 to 30 children had gathered in one of the classrooms. Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar confirmed the timing of the collapse during an interview with AajTak news channel.
A senior police officer, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the building was old and vulnerable to structural failure. Heavy rainfall in the region is believed to have weakened the roof and contributed to the collapse.
Television footage showed chaotic scenes at the site, with distraught family members wailing as rescuers worked amid the wreckage. A crane was deployed to lift mangled sections of the roof as authorities dug through rubble with hopes of finding survivors.
Local media outlets reported that 32 children had been rescued alive by early Friday evening. However, there was no official word yet on how many might still be trapped beneath the debris.
“The injured are being provided proper treatment,” Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his condolences and promising swift medical assistance for those hurt.
According to police official Amit Kumar, several of the injured children were in critical condition and receiving care at nearby hospitals. Kumar’s remarks were reported by the PTI news agency and published by the Economic Times.
As rescue workers continued their efforts through the afternoon, residents of the village remained on edge, with fears that the death toll could rise. The collapse has reignited concerns over the condition of aging school buildings in rural India, especially during the monsoon season when infrastructure is often strained.
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident and pledged to assess the structural safety of other schools in the region.
UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand (BN24) — A border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has erupted into deadly armed conflict, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes and prompting urgent international appeals for restraint and peace talks.
The fighting, now in its second day, has already claimed at least 14 lives on the Thai side and one in Cambodia, according to officials. The violence began after five Thai soldiers were injured by a land mine explosion near the disputed border, igniting fierce military exchanges that have escalated into what some fear could become a broader regional conflict.
As of Friday, Thailand’s Health Ministry reported that more than 58,000 people had been evacuated from four provinces bordering Cambodia, with temporary shelters overwhelmed. Cambodian officials said over 4,000 villagers had fled border zones in Oddar Meanchey province and nearby areas.
Artillery and Rocket Fire Engulf Border Villages
Clashes have been reported across several flashpoints, including Chong Bok and Phu Makhuea in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, Phanom Dong Rak in Surin, and areas surrounding the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, a longstanding source of dispute between the two countries.
Thai military officials say Cambodian forces used heavy artillery and BM-21 multiple rocket launchers in Thursday and Friday’s attacks. Thailand responded with what it called “appropriate supporting fire,” including two airstrikes conducted by F-16 fighter jets on Cambodian positions, after reports of truck-mounted rocket attacks.
The violence has resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including children. Thai authorities confirmed the deaths of 13 civilians and one soldier, with at least 45 others injured. Cambodia’s provincial military commander, Gen. Khov Ly, said a man was killed Thursday when a Thai rocket struck a Buddhist pagoda sheltering villagers.
Cambodia has accused Thai forces of striking near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site central to past disputes. Phnom Penh released photos showing alleged structural damage to the temple and has vowed to seek international accountability.
Mass Civilian Displacement and Desperation
On both sides of the border, residents have been fleeing en masse. In Thailand’s Surin province, hundreds of evacuees took shelter at a local university gymnasium, where families gathered on blankets, clutching bags of essentials and food supplies.
Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai, who escaped the shelling near Ta Muen Thom with her four cats in cloth cages, recalled the chaos: “I just heard boom, boom. We had everything ready, and we ran. I was frightened.”
Another evacuee, Rattana Meeying, who had survived the 2011 clashes, said this outbreak was far worse. “Children, old people—were hit out of the blue. I never imagined it would be this violent,” she said.
In Cambodia, deserted villages in Oddar Meanchey province revealed the fear gripping communities. Residents had dug makeshift underground shelters and were seen fleeing on foot, by motorbike, or riding makeshift tractors loaded with possessions.
Several hundred Cambodian evacuees sought refuge at a remote Buddhist temple surrounded by rice paddies, where women rocked infants in hammocks and plastic tents were hastily assembled under trees. Veng Chin, 74, said: “Please let both governments negotiate so I can go home and work on my farm again.”
Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Alarm
The fighting has prompted swift international concern. The U.N. Security Council was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting Friday in New York, while U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate restraint and dialogue.
The crisis also raised alarms within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia, the current chair of the bloc, expressed deep concern and offered to mediate. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had spoken with both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, urging both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions.
“This is a time for peaceful dialogue and not military confrontation,” Anwar said.
Escalating Tensions and Political Repercussions
Tensions had been simmering for months, especially since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an earlier confrontation. Although both sides initially pledged to de-escalate, continued military posturing, trade restrictions, and travel warnings kept friction high.
Wednesday’s land mine incident marked a tipping point. Thailand responded by expelling Cambodia’s ambassador and sealing all border crossings. Seven Thai airlines were placed on standby to evacuate Thai citizens from Cambodia.
Phnom Penh retaliated by downgrading diplomatic relations and withdrawing its diplomatic staff from Bangkok.
The conflict has also sent ripples through Thai politics. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office on July 1, amid scrutiny over a phone call with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who still wields considerable influence. Thai investigators are probing whether the call violated official ethics guidelines.
Historical Flashpoint
The 800-kilometer (500-mile) Thai-Cambodian border has long been contested, with previous flare-ups occurring in 2008 and 2011. The latter left 20 people dead and saw similar scenes of evacuation and international mediation. However, analysts warn the current escalation—marked by airstrikes, rocket attacks, and mounting casualties—represents one of the most serious confrontations in recent years.
As villagers continue to flee and shells fall near cultural heritage sites, pressure is building on both nations to step back from the brink and re-engage through diplomacy.
WASHINGTON (BN24) — Former President Barack Obama has seen a dramatic rise in death threats and online calls for his imprisonment after President Donald Trump and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused him of treason linked to alleged manipulation of intelligence about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
A new report by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) documents a surge in violent rhetoric across social media platforms including Truth Social, Gab, and Telegram. Between July 17 and July 20, the number of posts referring to Obama as “treasonous” and demanding his imprisonment or execution spiked by over 1,100%, rising from just three to 36 on Truth Social alone.
The rise in threats followed Gabbard’s release of a report last Friday in which she accused Obama and senior members of his administration of “manufacturing intelligence” about Russian election interference to pave the way for what she characterized as a “yearslong coup” against Trump. Gabbard said the matter would be referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.
Obama has denied the allegations. His office did not respond to a request for comment from Newsweek.
On Sunday, Trump amplified the accusations by posting an AI-generated video on Truth Social showing Obama being arrested and jailed. The provocative video circulated widely and appears to have further inflamed calls for violence online.
While the former president has frequently been the target of fringe conspiracy theories, researchers say the coordinated accusations from high-ranking officials have fueled a new wave of extremist threats.
“President Trump and the entire administration strongly condemn all forms of violence,” said White House spokesperson Davis Ingle. “The Trump administration also believes in accountability and that individuals who participate in criminal activity should be held to the fullest extent of the law.”
A spokesperson for DNI Gabbard issued a similar statement, saying, “Director Gabbard strongly condemns all forms of violence. The Director also believes in shining light on the truth, investigating wrongdoing, and holding those who participate in criminal activities accountable.”
GPAHE warned that posts featuring violent language or imagery involving Obama were also gaining traction on far-right forums and encrypted platforms, where moderation is minimal or absent.
While law enforcement has not commented publicly on any investigation into the threats, the spike comes amid heightened political tensions and increased use of AI-generated content in political messaging.
The accusations have further deepened partisan divides over the legacy of the Russia investigation, which has long been a flashpoint in U.S. politics. Critics of the recent allegations have dismissed them as politically motivated attempts to rewrite the narrative of Trump’s first campaign and its aftermath.
BANGKOK (BN24) — A deadly flare-up in a longstanding territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has left at least 12 people dead, mostly civilians, and reignited fears of further conflict between the Southeast Asian neighbors. Thai officials said the clashes erupted early Thursday along the disputed border, with both sides exchanging gunfire and blaming each other for initiating the violence.
According to Thailand’s military, the majority of the casualties were civilians from the border provinces of Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Srisaket. Among the dead were an eight-year-old child and a 15-year-old teenager. One Thai soldier was also killed. Cambodia has not yet confirmed its casualties.
The violence marks the most serious escalation between the two countries in over a decade, rooted in a border disagreement dating back to colonial-era demarcations. Tensions have periodically boiled over, particularly since 2008 when Cambodia’s move to register an 11th-century Khmer-Hindu temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site drew a sharp rebuke from Thailand.
Thai officials claim the latest round of hostilities was sparked when Cambodian troops deployed drones to spy on Thai military positions. Cambodia, however, accused Thailand of violating a standing agreement by advancing toward the disputed Preah Vihear temple, triggering an exchange of fire. What began as localized skirmishes quickly escalated, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of firing rockets and, in response, launching airstrikes on Cambodian military positions.
In response to the clashes, Thailand closed its border with Cambodia and evacuated more than 40,000 civilians from vulnerable areas. Cambodia downgraded diplomatic relations with Bangkok and denounced Thailand’s military for what it called “excessive force.”
“This is really serious. We’re in the middle of evacuating,” said Sutian Phiwchan, a resident of Ban Dan district in Thailand’s Buriram province, near the Cambodian frontier.
Both governments have issued conflicting accounts of the incident, deepening the rift and stalling immediate diplomatic resolution. The border dispute has historical roots stemming from France’s colonial occupation of Cambodia, during which unclear border demarcations sowed confusion and rival claims.
While the Preah Vihear temple was ruled in Cambodia’s favor by the International Court of Justice in 1962, surrounding areas remain contested, and have repeatedly been the flashpoint of deadly confrontations.
Tensions have steadily increased in recent months. In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border skirmish, worsening relations. Since then, both countries have enforced mutual restrictions, with Cambodia banning imports of Thai agricultural goods and halting Thai-supplied electricity and internet services. Both nations have also reinforced their troop presence along the border.
As the latest violence underscores the volatility of the dispute, international observers are urging restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent a wider conflict.
WASHINGTON (BN24) — The United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams from ceasefire talks in Qatar, accusing Hamas of failing to demonstrate serious intent to end the ongoing war in Gaza. The decision marks a major setback to international diplomatic efforts aimed at halting nearly 10 months of devastating conflict.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff abruptly ended his participation in the talks Thursday, citing what he called “a lack of desire” by Hamas to pursue a truce. “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said in a sharply worded statement. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
Shortly before Witkoff’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel was also recalling its delegation from Doha. The moves followed Hamas’ latest response to a ceasefire framework negotiated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. The contents of that response remain undisclosed, but both Washington and Tel Aviv deemed it unsatisfactory.
Hamas expressed surprise at the abrupt withdrawals, asserting that it remains committed to reaching an agreement. “The movement affirms its keenness to continue negotiations and engage in them in a manner that helps overcome obstacles and leads to a permanent ceasefire agreement,” Hamas said in a statement released late Thursday.
The ceasefire framework reportedly under discussion would include a 60-day halt in fighting, the release of 10 living Israeli captives and the remains of 18 others, the return of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, both sides have clashed over what follows such a truce — a dispute that continues to stall progress.
Israel has signaled that it plans to maintain a military presence in Gaza even after a ceasefire, insisting on Hamas’ total defeat. Meanwhile, critics have condemned reported Israeli proposals, such as the forced relocation of Palestinians to so-called “humanitarian cities,” as violations of international law.
Pressure continues to mount internationally as Gaza faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades. At least 115 people have reportedly died from malnutrition since the war began, mostly in recent weeks. More than 100 aid organizations have accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid, blaming its blockade for “mass starvation” in the enclave.
Al Jazeera correspondent Shihab Rattansi, reporting from Washington, said it was still unclear whether the U.S. decision to pull out was a tactical move or a signal that the negotiations had collapsed entirely. “It’s a very sternly worded tweet, talking about ‘alternative options for a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,’” Rattansi noted, adding that President Donald Trump has not ruled out controversial measures such as forced deportation of Palestinians.
Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7 that killed at least 1,139 people in southern Israel, the Israeli military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 59,587 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. As the war grinds on, the prospects for a diplomatic resolution remain bleak.
Boston, Mass. (BN24) – Kristin Cabot, the woman seen in a viral “kiss cam” moment during a Coldplay concert, has resigned from her role as chief people officer at Astronomer, the data software company confirmed Thursday. Her departure comes just days after the company’s CEO, Andy Byron—also seen in the same video—stepped down amid mounting scrutiny.
Cabot did not respond to requests for comment.
The now-viral clip, taken during a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts last week, shows Cabot and Byron on the stadium’s big screen attempting to hide their faces when featured on the “kiss cam.” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin playfully remarked from the stage that the couple might be either camera-shy or involved in an affair. The video exploded across social media platforms, especially X and TikTok, quickly generating widespread speculation and online detective work that identified the pair as executives at Astronomer.
On Saturday, the company said Byron had resigned following an internal review that began after he was placed on leave. Pete DeJoy, Astronomer’s co-founder and chief product officer, has been appointed interim CEO.
In a LinkedIn post on Monday, DeJoy acknowledged the unprecedented media storm surrounding the company. “The spotlight has been unusual and surreal for our team,” he wrote. “While I would never have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name.”
The Coldplay concert saga, which began at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, even prompted Martin to jokingly warn the audience during a later show’s “kiss cam” segment to avoid any awkward moments, in an apparent nod to the viral incident.
Neither Byron nor Cabot has publicly addressed the controversy or clarified the nature of their relationship. Their resignations, however, underscore the reputational impact that viral moments can have on corporate leadership, especially in the age of social media virality.
