In a spectacular display of swimming prowess, France’s Leon Marchand thrilled the home crowd at the 2024 Paris Olympics by clinching gold in the 400m individual medley. The 22-year-old rising star not only secured victory but also set a new Olympic record, beating the previous best set by American legend Michael Phelps at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Marchand dominated the event at the La Defense Arena, finishing with an impressive 5.67-second lead over Japan’s Tomoyuki Matsushita, who took silver. The United States’ Carson Foster rounded out the podium with bronze. The French swimmer’s performance, just shy of his own world record, electrified the partisan crowd and solidified his status as one of the Games’ poster athletes.
The atmosphere was electric as Marchand entered the arena, with French tricolores waving and the national anthem resonating through the stands even before the race began. The crowd’s enthusiastic chants of “Allez” during the breaststroke leg highlighted the intense national pride and support for their homegrown champion.
Marchand’s journey to this Olympic triumph is particularly noteworthy. He is coached in the United States by Bob Bowman, the former mentor of Michael Phelps, who was present in the arena to witness the breaking of his Olympic record. Marchand had reached out to Bowman before the previous Olympics, seeking guidance to elevate his performance.
This gold medal is potentially the first of four individual golds Marchand hopes to secure in Paris. He is also set to compete in the 200m medley, 200m butterfly, and 200m breaststroke, events that are now highly anticipated following this remarkable performance.
The race also saw Great Britain’s Max Litchfield finish fourth, a position he has now held for three consecutive Olympics. Despite the disappointment, Litchfield set a new British record of four minutes 8.85 seconds, underscoring the high level of competition in the event.
Marchand’s victory and record-breaking performance have set a high bar for the swimming competitions at the Paris Olympics. As the Games continue, all eyes will be on the young French swimmer to see if he can achieve his goal of multiple gold medals and potentially break more records.
This win not only marks a personal triumph for Marchand but also serves as a moment of national pride for France, hosting its first Summer Olympics since 1924. The enthusiastic response from the home crowd underscores the significance of this victory in the broader context of the Games.
As the swimming events progress, Marchand’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2024 Paris Olympics, inspiring both current and future generations of swimmers.
France’s national rail operator, SNCF, has announced the completion of repairs to infrastructure damaged in a suspected coordinated arson attack that occurred on Friday. The incident, which French officials have described as “sabotage,” targeted high-speed TGV lines running to and from Paris, causing significant disruption just hours before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games.
SNCF reported that most trains were running as planned on Sunday, with full service expected to resume on Monday. The company’s staff worked around the clock to manually repair fiber optic cables that were targeted on the North, Brittany, and South-West lines. Additionally, rail workers successfully foiled an attempt to destroy safety equipment on a fourth line.
The impact of the attacks was substantial, with SNCF estimating that around 250,000 passengers were affected on Friday alone. Junior transport minister Patrice Vergriete suggested that as many as 800,000 people could have been impacted over three days. The disruption also affected international services, with Eurostar, which runs trains from London to Paris, reporting that one in four of its trains would not run over the weekend.
As of Sunday, SNCF reported that the main western line from Paris was operating almost normally, while three out of four TGV trains were running on the northern line from Lille without expected delays. This swift recovery demonstrates the efficiency of the repair efforts and the resilience of France’s rail infrastructure.
The incident has prompted a criminal investigation by the Paris prosecutor’s office, which is being overseen by its organized crime unit. The search for the perpetrators behind these attacks is ongoing, highlighting the security challenges faced in protecting critical infrastructure, especially during high-profile events like the Olympic Games.
Among those affected by the disruption was UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had planned to travel to the Games’ opening ceremony by train but was forced to fly instead. Starmer acknowledged the frustration caused by the incident, saying, “I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t frustrating because it was, and for very many people it made travel so much harder.”
This event underscores the vulnerability of transportation networks to targeted attacks and the potential for such incidents to cause widespread disruption, particularly during major international events. It also highlights the importance of robust security measures and rapid response capabilities in maintaining the integrity of critical infrastructure.
As France continues to host the Olympic Games, authorities will likely remain vigilant against potential threats to transportation and other key services. The successful repair of the rail lines demonstrates the country’s ability to respond effectively to such challenges, ensuring minimal disruption to both the Games and daily life for residents and visitors alike.
A man who was held down and gang raped by Hamas terrorists at the Nova festival has told the MailOnline that he was used as their ‘doll’ where they did whatever they wanted to him.
Speaking on condition of anonymity nine months after the attack, the former tennis coach painstakingly recounted his horrific ordeal on October 7, said how it has left him feeling dirty with shame, and told how he has gained a large amount of weight from the trauma.
‘D’ – identified only by an initial – says he is still unsure whether it would have been better to have been killed, rather than to have survived the horror.
‘My friend and I arrived at the Nova Festival Friday night around midnight, which was truly a very special party,’ he recalled.
‘At the beginning, there was a unique atmosphere, distinctive music, and interesting people. During the first few hours of the party, we thoroughly enjoyed everything that was happening.’
Things soon took a terrifying turn, however. Thousands of Hamas gunmen streamed across the border from Gaza and rampaged across southern Israel.
They killed around 1,200 people at the festival and in nearby kibbutzim, and took more than 250 people hostage back into Gaza.
‘At 6.30 in the morning, when the chaos of gunfire and everything else began, we initially thought it was just sirens,’ D recalled.
‘We were certain it was incoming rockets, something we could handle by entering a shelter. At some point, we realised it was actually a terrorist infiltration.
‘A massive panic ensued, with screaming and gunshots. People didn’t know what to do. We asked the police officers where to go and what to do, but they said they would look into it.
‘Eventually, everyone started fleeing in different directions. Some drove or ran towards open areas, while others headed for their vehicles in an attempt to survive.
‘It turned into an enormous chaos,’ he said.
‘Because of the party and everything going on, it took us a few moments to grasp what was happening and the situation we were in.
‘This continued until an announcement was made over the loudspeakers that the party was cancelled, and they finally told us what was going on.’
But when he realised terrorists had infiltrated the Nova peace party D says he was scared, and had a panic attack.
‘It’s like all the demons come out at that moment, you become very tense and you suddenly enter survival mode.
‘We started running. At first, you don’t even know whether to run or not, because if you stay, security forces might say “listen, we are evacuating you from here and there”.
‘You are trying to understand what’s for the best. At first, I managed to run after some guy. I saw a certain number of people going (in one direction) so I went too. I don’t know if at that moment you think, “Okay, maybe this is the right place because there are many people”.’
But as he fled, D says that he was suddenly grabbed by Hamas terrorists.
‘Out of nowhere, they pounced on me. I mean, not out of nowhere – you do know it’s happening, but until that moment it seemed very distant to me. When it happened and you get hit, you go into a very, very big shock, and because I was in such shock, it was hard for me to resist. Not that it would have helped because it’s possible that if I had resisted more, they would have shot me.’
Faces of those killed or taken hostage on October 7 in Israel by Hamas
It was a gang of Hama’s elite forces, known as Nukhba, that had surrounded D – all dressed in army clothes.
‘One of them was their commander, I think he was their leader. They addressed him according to his bandana,’ he recalls.
He was unable to run very far as he was surrounded by the terrorists who punched him to the ground and held him down in a choking position.
‘They put me on the ground like something like this (demonstrates) and my head is on the ground.’
‘In that moment, you feel a sort of disconnection from your body. At first, you try to resist, but after a while, at some point, you surrender to the situation.
‘You enter this incredibly difficult mental state within yourself.’
It was at this point, D said, that the terrorists sexually assaulted and raped him.
‘They took my clothes off. They start to like (makes spit noise) on my head. They spoke Arabic. I know Arabic because I served in national service. I could hear them say Yahood (the Arabic word for Jew), and all these words.
‘They choked me very hard when they pressed my head to the ground and then they forcibly removed my clothes. And they were laughing about the situation. It sounds crazy. But if you looked around them, you see they enjoyed the situation.
‘At the start I said stop, but you don’t have a person to talk to, they do not listen to you. And they did it more… [saying stop again is] not going to help this time.’
‘At that moment, I am like a doll to them. At that moment, I am their Jewish doll. That is what I am supposed to do, to them, to do whatever they want to me.’
‘I was raped there. There were several people, five in total, but two were directly involved in holding me down during the assault. There was spitting, screaming, laughter – impossible things. In that moment, you feel torn between wanting to scream and maintaining a kind of silence.’
After the rape, D said could see people being taken away in cars as hostages.
‘Their commander was there, and I was supposed to stay with someone in the same place. He left for some reason, and I didn’t dare move because of everything that had happened.
‘But at some point, he disappeared. They had various people calling for them and things they were discussing.’
D said he didn’t have much strength left in him, so he hid in the stage area of the festival grounds. Eventually, people came to rescue the survivors.
‘When people came to rescue us, at first, I didn’t know there were other people there, but when I saw people coming out of that area, I realised there were people alive there, people speaking Hebrew.
‘I don’t remember exactly what they said in Hebrew, but there are things you understand when an Israeli is speaking, by the spirit of how they talk, and it’s funny because that is what calmed me at that moment, what gave me the confidence to go with them.’
Amidst the chaos D says that the Israeli police turned up and he ran to their vehicle.
He managed to get his jeans back as the first thing he wanted was his clothes, but he had no top, so the police gave him some sort of jacket from the car.
‘At the beginning because of all the trauma of this situation you freeze. You do not trust anyone to go with them.
‘You feel terrible because you don’t have control over what is happening, and I asked God to help me so I said the (Jewish Prayer ) “Shema Israel” and we want it to be the end.’
But what he witnessed on that escape out of Re’im will forever haunt him.
‘We saw a lot of people die. They cut their legs, they cut them, amputated people. A lot of dead bodies on the ground with a lot of blood.’
He said the journey back was a blur of absolute fear, and once in safety it took him a long time to process what had happened. He is still coming to terms with it, he said.
‘There are stages where you feel it very, very strongly, where you feel disconnected, and there are stages where it rises up. These days, I often shower many times to wash away the energy of everything that happened.
‘At first I didn’t want to talk about what happened with anyone ever, and if you ask me, I never thought I would talk about the rape I experienced there.
‘Even today I am ashamed of it, but at that moment I felt such shame, like something in me was damaged at that moment.
‘After the attack, I shut myself in a hotel room a lot, and didn’t go out much. I am a tennis coach. I was ranked in Israel. But After Nova I was like 20 kilogrammes heavier because of the situation.’
D says it was hard to eventually come to terms with what had happened, and he confided in a close friend.
‘I couldn’t believe I told him, but when I did, it was the right thing to do. He said: “You can’t erase what happened but you need to talk about it”.
‘In a therapy session, I would feel like I needed to leave the room and I couldn’t talk about it. You feel like all your boundaries are being broken.
‘You’re talking about something that has a very sexual context and something that is very private, and especially if you come from a religious background, it intensifies it even more.
‘Really, in conversations and dealing with this whole issue, you understand that it’s important to talk about it and share, though not with everyone – with people who truly know how to contain it and deal with it, and who is really on your side.’
But while talking with people has helped, D said October 7 still haunts him.
‘I still have horrible nightmares. I don’t sleep. I need a lot of time to have a shower. Because I feel dirty.’
Now nearly 10 months later he and 103 Nova survivors are suing the government, police and army for failing to protect them on October 7.
His lawyers Anat and Gilad Ginzburg argue that the festival location near the Gaza border wasn’t properly approved and that they were not evacuated in time.
‘I have one thing to say, my heart is with the hostages. They need to come home. It’s not right what is happening.
As someone who experienced sexual assault and violence, I put the violence aside, because the sexual assault was something that has stayed with me for so long.
He also said it was difficult to see pro-Palestinian demonstrations after experiencing what he did on October 7 at the hands of the Hamas gunmen.
‘It’s hard for me to see the pro-Palestinian demonstrations happening around the world. That’s one of the reasons it’s good that I’m talking about it here.
‘It’s hard for me to see these pro-Palestinian demonstrations, these denials. They denied the Holocaust at first too, and it’s seeing how people are capable of doing something and then denying it with such confidence.
‘[It’s] as if we weren’t here, we didn’t do anything, nothing happened, [like being told] you’re imagining things.’
Bianca Censori, wife of rapper Kanye West, attracted significant attention during a family outing to see the movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” in Los Angeles on Saturday. The 29-year-old Yeezy architectural designer was accompanied by her husband and her 11-year-old stepdaughter, North West.
Censori’s choice of attire for the casual movie trip became a topic of discussion. She was seen wearing a white long-sleeved top, paired with what appeared to be nude-colored undergarments and black strappy heels. Her ensemble was completed with a beige baseball cap covering her dark brown hair.
In contrast, Kanye West opted for a more low-key appearance, dressed in a black hoodie pulled over his head, sunglasses, and matching sweatpants. North West, daughter of Kanye and his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, was seen in oversized denim pants and slides, with her hair styled in a low ponytail.
The family appeared to be in good spirits, with photos capturing a moment of affection between Censori and her stepdaughter outside the theater. This outing to see the R-rated superhero film starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman marks a public appearance for the blended family.
Censori’s fashion choices have been a subject of public interest since her marriage to West in December 2022. Her style has often been described as unconventional, drawing comparisons to the fashion influence Kanye West had on his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, during their marriage.
This recent appearance has reignited discussions about celebrity fashion, privacy, and the dynamics of blended families in the public eye. It also raises questions about the intersection of personal style and public perception, especially when it involves public figures and their families.
As with many aspects of celebrity life, this outing has sparked various reactions from the public and media. While some view Censori’s fashion choices as a form of personal expression, others have expressed concerns about appropriateness, especially in the context of family outings.
It’s important to note that fashion and personal style are subjective, and public figures often face scrutiny for their choices. As this story develops, it may contribute to broader conversations about fashion, family dynamics, and the public’s relationship with celebrity culture.
Sheikh Yasser al-Habib, a 45-year-old Muslim cleric based in the UK, has revealed plans to establish an Islamic community on an uninhabited Scottish island. This development has sparked discussions about religious freedom, sovereignty, and community integration.
Firebrand Muslim clerk Sheikh Yasser al-Habib (pictured), 45, revealed he considered an island on the U.S.-Canada border to turn into his own Islamic state
Al-Habib, who was granted asylum in Britain 20 years ago after leaving Kuwait, currently operates from what he calls his “global headquarters” in Fulmer, South Buckinghamshire. In a recent video addressed to his followers, he disclosed that his group is in advanced negotiations to purchase the island of Torsa, located off the west coast of Scotland.
Torsa, part of the Slate Islands, is just over a mile long and has been uninhabited for more than 50 years, save for a single farmhouse. The island is only accessible by private boat from Luing, which itself requires a ferry connection.
Al-Habib is an extremist scholar who already runs military-style training camps and is now in advanced talks to buy an island off the west coast of Scotland
According to al-Habib, the plan for Torsa includes the construction of a school, hospital, and mosque. The community would operate under sharia law, which has raised questions about the legal implications of such an arrangement within the UK.
Sarah Zaaimi, deputy director for communications at the American think tank Atlantic Council, who has researched al-Habib’s activities, expressed concerns about the project. “They will have their own army, their own justice system, they will manage their own schools and hospitals, and people from around the world will be able to migrate to this homeland,” she said. “It does challenge the notion of sovereignty.”
A video encouraging al-Habib’s supporters to donate to their cause showed a man filming from the Scottish island of Torsa (pictured)
Al-Habib has framed the project as the creation of an Islamic “homeland” in preparation for the coming of the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islamic eschatology. He has already raised over $3 million of the $3.5 million goal to purchase the land.
The cleric’s plans have drawn attention to his past activities and statements. Al-Habib runs military-style training camps and operates a TV channel that the UK government has unsuccessfully attempted to shut down. He has also been involved in controversial media projects, including a film that sparked protests due to its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.
His group plans to build its own school, hospital and mosque on the island of Torsa (pictured), where it intends to practice Sharia law
This initiative raises complex questions about religious freedom, community integration, and the limits of sovereignty within a multicultural society. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how UK authorities will respond to these plans and what implications they might have for future community developments.
As this situation develops, it will likely prompt broader debates about the balance between religious expression and national cohesion, as well as the role of government in overseeing unconventional community projects.
A United Airlines flight bound for Boston was diverted on Sunday due to what the airline described as a ‘biohazard’ issue caused by a passenger becoming ill. The incident highlights the challenges airlines face in managing unexpected situations during flights.
United Airlines flight 2477, a Boeing 737-800, departed from Houston at 9:39 a.m. CT on Sunday, destined for Boston. However, the flight was forced to reroute when a customer became sick, according to a statement provided by United Airlines to media outlets.
The aircraft was diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport, landing at 1:36 p.m. ET, as reported by flight tracking service FlightAware. Reports from passengers and crew members indicated that the situation on board was severe, with crew members reportedly becoming ill and passengers requesting masks.
Upon arrival at Dulles, none of the 155 passengers and 6 crew members required medical assistance, according to United Airlines. The airline stated, “The aircraft is currently undergoing a deep clean and we are working to get customers on their way to Boston soon.”
Flight tracking information showed that the aircraft was scheduled to depart Dulles and continue its journey to Boston at 3:40 p.m. ET, suggesting a relatively quick turnaround despite the unexpected diversion.
This incident is not isolated in the realm of in-flight disruptions. Airlines regularly face challenges ranging from medical emergencies to passenger behavior issues. United Airlines, like other carriers, has protocols in place to handle such situations, prioritizing passenger and crew safety.
While details about the specific nature of the illness were not disclosed, the airline’s swift action in diverting the flight and conducting a thorough cleaning of the aircraft demonstrates the seriousness with which such incidents are treated.
As air travel continues to recover from the impacts of the global pandemic, incidents like these serve as reminders of the complex logistics involved in ensuring safe and comfortable journeys for passengers. Airlines must balance the need for on-time performance with the paramount importance of passenger and crew well-being.
United Airlines’ handling of this situation reflects the industry’s commitment to addressing unexpected challenges promptly and effectively. As more details become available, the airline industry may use this incident as a case study to further refine procedures for managing in-flight medical situations and related disruptions.
Russia may deploy new strike weapons in response to the planned U.S. stationing of longer-range and hypersonic missiles in Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday.
Speaking at a naval parade in St. Petersburg, Putin vowed “mirror measures” after the U.S. earlier this month announced that it will start deploying the weapons in 2026, to affirm its commitment to NATO and European defense following Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“If the U.S. implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously imposed unilateral moratorium on the deployment of intermediate and shorter-range strike weapons, including increasing the capability of the coastal forces of our navy,” Putin said. He added that Moscow’s development of suitable systems is “in its final stage.”
Both Washington and Moscow have in recent weeks signaled readiness to deploy intermediate-range ground-based weapons that were banned for decades under a 1987 U.S.-Soviet treaty. The U.S. pulled out of the agreement in 2019, accusing Moscow of conducting missile tests that violated it.
The allegations, which Russia denied, came as tensions mounted between Moscow and the West in the wake of the downing of a Malaysian airliner carrying 298 people over war-torn eastern Ukraine. Two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian were ultimately convicted over their role in the attack.
Moscow and Berlin said in a joint statement this month that the U.S. weapons to be stationed in Germany would ultimately include SM-6 missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and “developmental hypersonic weapons,” including those with a range significantly longer than the ones currently deployed across Europe.
The U.S. hypersonic systems are capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said last week that Moscow would not rule out new deployments of nuclear missiles in Europe if the U.S. proceeds with its plans.
South Sudan secured its first-ever Olympic basketball victory, defeating Puerto Rico 90-79 in the men’s Group C match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This historic win marks a significant milestone for the world’s newest nation, which only gained independence in 2011.
The South Sudanese team, known as the Bright Stars, entered the Olympics with an inspiring backstory. Ranked 62nd in the world before last year’s FIBA World Cup, they defied expectations by qualifying for the Paris Games as Africa’s top-performing team. Their journey from underdogs to Olympic competitors has captivated fans worldwide.
Star player Carlik Jones led the charge for South Sudan, contributing 19 points in a well-rounded team effort that saw five players reach double figures. The game was closely contested throughout, but South Sudan’s strong finish turned a tight match into a comfortable victory.
“I think it means the world,” Jones said after the game. “It just lets them know that anything’s possible, as long as you just keep working hard and battle adversity. I hope we put a lot of smiles on a lot of people’s faces.”
Puerto Rico started strong, with New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado scoring an impressive 19 points in the first half. However, an ankle injury to Alvarado just before halftime disrupted Puerto Rico’s rhythm. Although he returned in the third quarter, his team struggled to regain their earlier form.
South Sudan’s defense proved crucial in the second half, limiting Puerto Rico to just 25 points. The team’s frontcourt length posed challenges for Puerto Rico’s lead guard, Tremont Waters, who shot 6-for-19 from the field. South Sudan also dominated the offensive glass with an 18-10 advantage, compensating for their average shooting performance.
Wenyen Gabriel, another key player for South Sudan, emphasized the significance of the win: “It means everything. It’s a unifying moment. We’re all united through basketball right now and it’s proof of what sport can do for a country.”
Looking ahead, Group C is expected to be dominated by the U.S. and Serbia. However, this victory gives South Sudan a fighting chance to potentially upset expectations and advance to the knockout round. Their next challenge comes on Wednesday, July 31, when they face Team USA in a rematch of an exciting exhibition game held in London earlier this month.
As for Puerto Rico, they will aim to bounce back in their next match against Serbia, also scheduled for Wednesday.
This historic win not only puts South Sudan on the Olympic basketball map but also serves as an inspiration to nations and athletes around the world. It demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and unity, even the newest entrants to the global stage can achieve Olympic glory.
As the basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics continues, all eyes will be on South Sudan to see if they can build on this momentous victory and continue their inspiring Olympic journey.
The women’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics delivered high drama and impressive performances on July 28, with Japan stunning Brazil in a last-minute comeback and Colombia asserting dominance over New Zealand.
At the Parc des Princes, Japan secured a sensational 2-1 victory over Brazil in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The game-changing moment came deep into stoppage time when Momoko Tanikawa unleashed a spectacular long-range strike to clinch the win for Japan.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Brazil’s goalkeeper Lorena Leite making a crucial save on a penalty by Mina Tanaka just before halftime, keeping the score level. Jheniffer then broke the deadlock for Brazil with a well-timed goal, outmaneuvering Japanese keeper Ayaka Yamashita. However, Japan was awarded a second penalty after VAR intervention, which Saki Yumagai converted to equalize. Tanikawa’s stunning strike in the dying moments of the game sealed an improbable victory for Japan.
This result puts Japan level with Brazil on three points in their group, setting up an intriguing scenario for the remaining group stage matches.
In the day’s other match, Colombia bounced back from their narrow loss to France with an impressive 2-0 victory over New Zealand. The South American side controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing their offensive prowess even without star striker Mayra Ramirez.
Marcela Restrepo opened the scoring with a spectacular volley from outside the box, leaving New Zealand’s goalkeeper Anna Leat with no chance. Colombia’s dominance was evident as they hit the woodwork three times, demonstrating their constant threat. Leicy Santos sealed the win with a goal in the 71st minute, capping off a commanding performance.
This victory puts Colombia in a “win-and-in” situation for their next match against Canada, scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, at 3 p.m. ET. New Zealand, meanwhile, faces a must-win scenario against France on the same day at 1 p.m. ET to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
As the women’s soccer tournament progresses, these results have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the group stage. Japan’s comeback victory and Colombia’s strong showing have reshuffled the dynamics in their respective groups, promising more thrilling action in the matches to come.
The 2024 Paris Olympics continue to deliver world-class soccer, with teams showcasing skill, determination, and the ability to perform under pressure on the global stage. As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to more intense matches and potential upsets, highlighting the unpredictable and exciting nature of Olympic soccer.
Detectives from the Oko-Oba Division of the Lagos State Police Command in Nigeria have successfully dismantled a child trafficking ring, rescuing a two-month-old baby and arresting five individuals involved in the crime. The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced this significant development in a statement released on Saturday.
According to SP Hundeyin, the operation was launched after receiving a distress call from the mother of the abducted infant. She reported that on July 11, 2024, her son had been taken by a woman identified as Gloria Sunday.
“Detectives swung into action, leading to the arrest of Gloria Sunday, who, during interrogation, confessed to selling the baby for ₦500,000 to Pastor Peter Udoh ‘m’,” stated SP Hundeyin.
Pastor Udoh, later arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted to reselling the child for ₦1,450,000 to Loretta Nelson ‘f’. Loretta Nelson was apprehended in Festac Town, Lagos.
The investigation revealed that Loretta Nelson intended to sell the baby for ₦2,350,000. The final buyers, Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam, were arrested during a naming ceremony for the abducted child.
All suspects are currently in police custody and will be arraigned in court upon the completion of the investigation.
