Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the "Turning Point: The People's Convention" on June 15, 2024, at Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP)
Donald Trump recently stirred controversy at a Michigan event by once again touting his performance on a cognitive test he took six years ago. However, the former president’s boast took an unexpected turn when he mistakenly referred to his former physician as “Ronny Johnson” instead of Ronny Jackson, his close political ally and former White House doctor.
During his speech, Trump proudly declared, “I took a cognitive test, and I aced it. Doc Ronny Johnson… congressman from Texas? He was the White House doctor, and he said I was the healthiest president, he feels, in history, so I liked him very much indeed immediately.”
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the “Turning Point: The People’s Convention” on June 15, 2024, at Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP)
The incident highlights Trump’s ongoing fixation on the cognitive exam he underwent as part of his annual physical in early 2018. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a standard test for identifying signs of dementia and cognitive decline, was administered to Trump by his then-physician. Despite the test primarily being designed to detect cognitive impairments, Trump has repeatedly characterized his perfect score as evidence of his mental sharpness.
Critics argue that Trump’s interpretation of the test results is misleading. The MoCA includes tasks like drawing a clock or naming words that start with a specific letter within a time limit, which are intended to assess basic cognitive functions rather than intellectual prowess akin to a Mensa exam.
Trump and Republican party stalwarts.
Despite ongoing skepticism and critique, Trump continues to defend his cognitive abilities vehemently, often contrasting his supposed mental acuity with his political opponents. His latest gaffe of misnaming Ronny Jackson underscores ongoing concerns about his understanding of critical issues and attention to detail, especially concerning matters of health and public perception.
The incident at the Michigan event further fuels the debate surrounding Trump’s mental fitness, which has been a subject of scrutiny since his presidency began. Questions about his cognitive state resurfaced after controversial public statements and behaviors during his tenure, prompting journalists and commentators to openly question his mental stability.
In conclusion, Trump’s insistence on revisiting his cognitive test results not only underscores his personal narrative but also invites continued scrutiny into his fitness to lead, leaving observers to ponder the implications of his words and actions on the political landscape.
The 77th Tony Awards, celebrating the crème de la crème of Broadway, took place on Sunday night at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City. The star-studded event, hosted by Tony nominee Ariana DeBose for the third consecutive year, brought together the brightest stars in theater to honor the biggest hit shows of the year.
Leading the nominations this year were Alicia Keys’ “Hell’s Kitchen” and the play “Stereophonic,” each garnering an impressive 13 nods. These two productions dominated the night, with “Stereophonic” ultimately winning the award for Best New Play and “Hell’s Kitchen” taking home several honors, including Best Musical.
The ceremony also recognized some of Hollywood’s biggest names for their outstanding contributions to the stage. Among the notable nominees were Rachel McAdams, Jeremy Strong from “Succession,” William Jackson Harper from “The Good Place,” Jessica Lange, and Daniel Radcliffe, showcasing the incredible talent that graced Broadway this year.
Other highlights of the evening included the recognition of “The Outsiders,” co-produced by Angelina Jolie, and the musical revival “Merrily We Roll Along,” which received critical acclaim and multiple nominations.
As the night unfolded, the anticipation grew for the announcement of the winners. In the end, several productions and performers emerged victorious, cementing their place in Broadway history. “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Stereophonic” lived up to their hype, taking home a significant portion of the awards they were nominated for, including Best Direction and Best Original Score.
The acting categories also saw some well-deserved wins, with both veterans and newcomers being honored for their exceptional performances. The Tony Awards once again demonstrated the incredible talent and creativity that exists within the Broadway community.
In addition to celebrating the winners, the ceremony served as a reminder of the resilience and importance of live theater. Despite the challenges faced by the industry in recent years, Broadway has proven its ability to adapt, innovate, and continue to captivate audiences with its storytelling and artistry.
As the curtain closed on the 77th Tony Awards, the theater community and fans around the world celebrated the triumphs of the night and looked forward to another year of groundbreaking productions and unforgettable performances.
For a complete list of the 2024 Tony Award winners, see below:
Best Musical
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise
The Outsiders — **WINNER!
Suffs
Water For Elephants
Best Play
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Mary Jane
Mother Play
Prayer For The French Republic
Stereophonic — **WINNER!
Best Revival of a Musical
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Gutenberg! The Musical
Merrily We Roll Along — **WINNER!
The Who’s Tommy
Eddie Redmayne poses for photos on the opening night of Cabaret. – Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
Best Revival of a Play
Appropriate — **WINNER!
An Enemy of the People
Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
William Jackson Harper – Uncle Vanya
Leslie Odom Jr. – Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch
Liev Schreiber – Doubt A Parable
Jeremy Strong – An Enemy Of The People — **WINNER!
Michael Struhlbarg – Patriots
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Will Brill – Stereophonic — **WINNER!
Eli Gelb – Stereophonic
Jim Parsons – Mother Play
Tom Pecinka – Stereophonic
Corey Stoll – Appropriate
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Brody Grant – The Outsiders
Jonathan Groff – Merrily We Roll Along — **WINNER!
Dorian Harewood – The Notebook
Brian D’arcy James – Days Of Wine And Roses
Eddie Redmayne – Cabaret At The Kit Kat Club
Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsey Mendez on opening night of Merrily We Roll Along. – Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Roger Bart – Back to the Future: The Musical
Joshua Boone – The Outsiders
Brandon Victor Dixon – Hell’s Kitchen
Sky Lakota-Lynch – The Outsiders
Daniel Radcliffe – Merrily We Roll Along — **WINNER!
Steven Skybell – Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Betsy Aidem – Prayer For The French Republic
Jessica Lange – Mother Play
Rachel McAdams – Mary Jane
Sarah Paulson – Appropriate — **WINNER!
Amy Ryan – Doubt A Parable
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Quincy Tyler Bernstine – Doubt: A Parable
Julia Canfield – Stereophonic
Celia Keenan-Bolger – Mother Play
Sarah Pidgeon – Stereophonic
Kara Young – Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch — **WINNER!
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Eden Espinosa – Lempicka
Maleah Joi Moon – Hell’s Kitchen — **WINNER!
Kelly O’Hara – Days Of Wine And Roses
Maryann Plunkett – The Notebook
Gayle Rankin – Cabaret At The Kit Kat Club
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Emilio Sosa – Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch
David Zinn – An Enemy of the People
Best Lighting Design in a Play
Isabella Byrd – An Enemy of the People
Amith Chandrashaker – Prayer for the French Republic
Jiyoun Chang – Stereophonic
Jane Cox – Appropriate — **WINNER!
Natasha Katz – Grey House
Best Sound Design of a Play
Justin Ellington and Stefania Bulbarella – Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Leah Gelpe – Mary Jane
Tom Gibbons – Grey House
Bray Poor and Will Pickens – Appropriate
Ryan Rumery – Stereophonic — **WINNER!
The 77th Tony Awards showcased the very best of Broadway, honoring the incredible talent, creativity, and passion that make the theater world so special. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and here’s to another year of extraordinary productions that continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
A 19-year-old teenager from Tampa, Florida, murdered his parents execution-style and shot a sheriff’s deputy during a tense standoff with police on Saturday night. The violent incident, which unfolded inside the family’s home, was captured on dramatic body cam footage released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
According to authorities, Christos Themelis Jr., 19, obtained a firearm and fatally shot his father, Christos Themelis, 51, inside their Tampa residence. The teen’s mother, Rebecca Themelis, 48, managed to place a frantic 911 call, informing dispatchers that her son had shot her husband. Gunfire could be heard in the background during the distressing call.
As sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered Rebecca Themelis in the front yard with her son, who was armed with the gun. The police body cam footage revealed the intense standoff between the deputies and Christos Jr. as he held his mother hostage. In the video, one of the deputies can be heard yelling at the teen, “Stop reaching for your waistband!”
Tragically, Christos Jr. pulled out the firearm and shot his mother in the back of the head, killing her instantly. He then turned the gun on the police, striking Deputy Shane McGough in the leg. The body cam footage captured the moment Deputy McGough announced that he had been “hit” and showed his partner dragging him to safety.
Several other deputies engaged in a shootout with Christos Jr., ultimately resulting in the teenager’s death.
Deputy McGough was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery for his leg injury. Police reported that McGough was recovering and in good spirits following the operation.
As of Monday morning, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was still working to determine the motive behind this horrific incident.
The devastating event has left the Tampa community in shock and mourning. The loss of Christos and Rebecca Themelis has undoubtedly had a profound impact on their loved ones and the neighborhood they called home.
The bravery and quick actions of the sheriff’s deputies in responding to the dangerous situation and ensuring the safety of the public cannot be overstated. The body cam footage serves as a chilling reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face on a daily basis as they work to protect and serve their communities.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa community will work together to heal and seek answers in the face of this senseless act of violence.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Hiram Kasten, a beloved comedian and actor who made a significant impact on the New York City comedy scene during the 1970s and ’80s. Kasten, best known for his appearances on the hit sitcom “Seinfeld,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 71 after battling various illnesses, including prostate cancer, as reported in an obituary posted on his official Facebook page.
Hiram Kasten.
Kasten’s obituary remembers him as a hilarious comedian, charming individual, and devoted family man who rose to prominence during the comedy boom in New York City in the 1980s. His talent and wit caught the attention of Jerry Seinfeld early in his career when Kasten auditioned at The Comic Strip. The two formed a lifelong friendship, which led to Kasten appearing in three episodes of “Seinfeld” as Elaine Benes’ coworker, Michael.
Beyond his memorable role on “Seinfeld,” Kasten had a prolific career in television, making regular appearances on popular sitcoms over the next two decades. His impressive list of credits includes “My Wife and Kids,” “Saved By the Bell,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “7th Heaven,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Men of a Certain Age,” among many others.
Kasten’s versatility as an actor and his impeccable comedic timing made him a sought-after talent in the industry. His ability to bring laughter and joy to audiences through his performances will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Hiram Kasten.
The late comedian is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diana, his daughter Millicent, and numerous extended family members. The family is currently planning funeral services to be held in both New York and Los Angeles, allowing friends and loved ones to pay their respects and celebrate Kasten’s life and legacy.
The news of Hiram Kasten’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him personally and those who admired his work from afar. His contributions to the world of comedy and television will be cherished, and his memory will live on through the countless laughs he provided to audiences throughout his remarkable career.
As the entertainment community mourns this loss, fans and fellow comedians alike are taking to social media to share their condolences and fond memories of Hiram Kasten. His impact on the industry and the lives he touched will not be forgotten, and his legacy as a talented performer and beloved friend will endure.
Rest in peace, Hiram Kasten, and thank you for the laughter and joy you brought to the world during your 71 years of life.
In a significant development in the UK general election, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has launched the party’s manifesto, titled “Our Contract With You,” which he describes as a “serious plan to reshape the way our country is run.” The manifesto unveiled in a run-down community center in Gurnos, South Wales, aims to highlight “exactly what happens to a country when Labour is in charge.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Farage, in the foreword of the manifesto, criticizes both the Conservatives and Labour, stating, “The Tories have broken Britain. Labor will bankrupt Britain. A vote for either is a vote for more dishonesty and defeat.” He emphasizes the party’s commitment to taking back control over borders, money, and laws.
Notably, Farage has declared his ambition to become the UK’s prime minister by 2029. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he expressed his belief that there is a significant disconnect between the Westminster-based parties and the thoughts, hopes, and aspirations of ordinary people. Farage vowed that Reform UK would offer a “proper voice of opposition” in the event of their success in the upcoming election.
Farage.
A recent poll conducted by the Sunday Times projected that Farage would narrowly win the Clacton constituency with 31% of the vote, surpassing the defending Conservative candidate, Giles Watling. The survey, which included 22,000 participants, also forecasted Reform UK winning seven seats in total.
The prospect of Farage’s return to the Conservative Party has been met with mixed reactions. While Home Secretary Suella Braverman expressed her willingness to invite Farage back into the party, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron disagreed, describing Farage as “incredibly divisive” and accusing him of trying to “destroy” the Conservative Party.
In a related development, Tory candidate for South Devon, Anthony Mangnall, has expressed frustration with the Conservative general election campaign. Mangnall, who was first elected as MP for Totnes in 2019, described the campaign as “enormously frustrating” and “plagued by unforced errors” during an appearance on The Sun’s “Never Mind the Ballots” program.
Tory candidate for South Devon, Anthony Mangnal.
Mangnall also addressed the possibility of serving alongside Nigel Farage in the Conservative Party if the Reform UK leader is welcomed back after the election. He acknowledged that a split right is not beneficial and emphasized the importance of having a united right. Mangnall pointed out that the combined polling of Reform UK and the Conservative Party is somewhere in the 30% bracket, which he believes “makes for interesting reading.”
As the UK general election campaign continues, the launch of Reform UK’s manifesto and Nigel Farage’s aspirations to become prime minister by 2029 have added a new dimension to the political landscape. The frustration expressed by Tory candidate Anthony Mangnall highlights the internal challenges faced by the Conservative Party in the lead-up to the election. The outcome of the election and the potential impact of Reform UK’s performance on the Conservative Party’s future remain to be seen.
In the latest development in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, a massive explosion was reported overnight in the Rostov-on-Don region of southern Russia. Although the reports have not been verified by Sky News, eyewitnesses claim to have seen a large flash before losing power in their apartments. Video footage of the alleged blast has been circulating on social media platforms.
Initial reports suggest that the explosion occurred at an electricity substation, causing widespread power outages in the area. Statements attributed to the Rostov mayor’s office indicate that the explosion and subsequent power outage originated from the water treatment facilities of JSC Rostovvodokanal, a company responsible for designing water supply and drainage systems in the region. The statement further explains that a malfunction in the pumping equipment led to the incident, which also left residents without a steady water supply for several hours.
Russian President Putin.
As the situation in Russia unfolds, the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence claims that over the last 24 hours, 1,080 Russian soldiers and officers were killed or wounded in action, bringing Russia’s total combat manpower losses since the start of the invasion to approximately 527,390. The Ukrainian military also asserts that they have destroyed two Russian tanks, 18 armoured fighting vehicles, 14 artillery systems, and eight UAVs during the last day of fighting. However, these reports have yet to be independently verified.
In a related development, Vietnam has come under criticism for hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The visit has drawn international attention and raised questions about Vietnam’s stance on the war and its relationship with Russia. Critics argue that by welcoming Putin, Vietnam is implicitly condoning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and undermining international efforts to pressure Moscow to end the conflict.
As the war in Ukraine continues to rage on, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. The reported explosion in Rostov-on-Don and the alleged heavy losses suffered by Russian forces underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with both sides making claims and counterclaims about the progress of the war. As the international community watches closely, pressure mounts on Russia to end its military campaign and engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The criticism faced by Vietnam for hosting Putin also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as nations navigate their relationships with Russia and the West in the context of the ongoing crisis.
Evan Gershkovich, a US journalist working for The Wall Street Journal, is set to face trial on espionage charges in Russia on June 26, 2023. The trial will take place in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg and will be held behind closed doors, according to the court overseeing the process.
Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in March 2023 while on a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg and has since been held in Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo prison. He became the first Western journalist to be arrested for spying in Russia since the Soviet era.
Last week, Russia’s prosecutor general accused Gershkovich of working for the CIA and “collecting secret information” about tank maker Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region where he was arrested. The United States dismissed the charges as having “zero credibility,” while The Wall Street Journal condemned Russia’s announcement as “outrageous.”
Prior to this, Moscow had not provided any public details of its case against Gershkovich, stating only that he was “caught red-handed.” If found guilty, the journalist faces up to 20 years in prison.
Gershkovich, his family, his employer, and Washington have consistently denied all charges against him since his arrest, maintaining that he was simply doing his job as a journalist. The Wall Street Journal’s chief editor Emma Tucker and top executives issued a statement, calling Russia’s move toward a sham trial “deeply disappointing” and “no less outrageous.”
The US State Department declared Gershkovich “wrongfully detained” last year, effectively signaling that the White House considers him a political hostage. Washington has accused Moscow of arresting its citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips for securing the release of Russians convicted abroad.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to see Gershkovich freed as part of a prisoner exchange in February, indicating that talks were ongoing. However, he made it clear that he wanted any deal to involve the release of a Russian jailed in Germany for killing a Chechen dissident.
The Kremlin reiterated on Monday that there was “contact” with the US regarding a possible exchange involving Gershkovich but emphasized that the talks “need to be held in total silence.”
Other US nationals detained in Russia include reporter Alsu Kurmasheva, who was detained last year for failing to register as a “foreign agent,” and former US marine Paul Whelan, who has been in prison since 2018 and is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges. Both are pushing to be included in any future prisoner exchange.
Gershkovich, born in the United States to Soviet emigre parents, is a well-known and well-liked member of the Moscow press corps. Prior to joining The Wall Street Journal, he worked for Agence France-Presse. Friends have quipped that the outgoing journalist had probably befriended his guards at Lefortovo prison, where he shares a small cell with another inmate.
As the trial date approaches, the international community will be closely monitoring the proceedings, with many calling for Gershkovich’s release and condemning Russia’s actions as politically motivated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the influential War Cabinet, which was tasked with steering the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to Israeli officials. The move comes just days after Benny Gantz, a centrist former military chief and key member of the Cabinet, left the government due to frustrations over Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.
From left, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz speak during a news conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel on Oct. 28, 2023.
The dissolution of the War Cabinet was widely anticipated following Gantz’s departure earlier this month. His absence from the government leaves Netanyahu more reliant on his ultranationalist allies to govern, and the decision to disband the Cabinet underscores this shift in power dynamics.
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to discuss the change with the media, stated that going forward, Netanyahu will hold smaller forums with some of his government members to address sensitive issues related to the conflict. This includes his security Cabinet, which includes far-right governing partners who have voiced opposition to cease-fire deals and support for reoccupying Gaza.
The War Cabinet was initially formed in the early days of the conflict when Gantz, then an opposition party leader and Netanyahu’s rival, joined the coalition in a show of unity. He had demanded that a small decision-making body steer the war effort, aiming to sideline far-right members of Netanyahu’s government.
The move to scrap the War Cabinet comes as Israel faces pivotal decisions regarding the ongoing conflict. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s wartime decision-making has been influenced by the ultranationalists in his government and his desire to remain in power, allegations that the Prime Minister denies, stating that he has the country’s best interests in mind.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gantz’s departure, while not directly threatening Netanyahu’s rule, has shaken Israeli politics at a sensitive time. The popular former military chief was seen as a statesman who boosted Israel’s credibility with its international partners at a time when the country finds itself increasingly isolated.
In Israel’s fractious parliamentary system, Netanyahu relies on a group of small parties to keep his government afloat. Without the support of Gantz’s party, Netanyahu is expected to be more beholden to his far-right allies, who make up Israel’s most religious and nationalist government ever.
As the situation in Gaza continues to develop, the dissolution of the War Cabinet and the shifting power dynamics within the Israeli government are likely to have significant implications for the future of the conflict and Israel’s relationships with its international partners.
The first few days of Euro 2024 have flown by, with seven matches already played in Germany. Monday brings three more exciting fixtures, including the highly-anticipated debut of tournament favorites France, who will face Austria in their Group D opener.
France, the 2018 World Cup champions, have won their opening match at the last two European Championships and will be looking to maintain that streak against an Austrian side that has been in impressive form leading up to the tournament. Considered potential dark horses, Ralf Rangnick’s Austria will be aiming to upset the odds and make a statement against the star-studded French squad.
Kylian Mbappe and his France teammates.
Earlier in the day, all four Group E teams will be in action. The first match pits Romania against Ukraine in Munich. While both sides have had inconsistent form recently, Ukraine will be the clear favorites. However, Romania could prove to be a handful, having topped their qualification group ahead of Switzerland.
The second Group E match features Belgium, a team known for their exciting attacking talent, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. The Belgians will face Slovakia in Frankfurt, but coach Domenico Tedesco will need to navigate a defensive injury crisis to avoid an early upset. It’s worth noting that Belgium failed to reach the knockout stages at the 2022 World Cup, finishing behind eventual semi-finalists Croatia and Morocco.
Slovakia, on the other hand, enjoyed an impressive qualification campaign, suffering only one defeat to the unbeaten Portugal. They won seven matches and finished with 22 points, losing just three of their last 17 international fixtures.
Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium.
The day concludes with the headline match between France and Austria. Led by the electrifying Kylian Mbappe, the French will be eager to make a statement in their opening game. However, Austria is likely to provide a sterner test than many anticipate. The 2008 tournament co-hosts have been in scintillating form, losing just once in their last 16 matches, with victories over Germany, Italy, and Sweden during that period.
As the fourth day of Euro 2024 unfolds, fans can expect thrilling encounters and potential surprises. While France and Belgium are the favorites in their respective matches, both Austria and Slovakia have the potential to cause upsets and shake up the tournament’s early stages. With the action heating up in Germany, Monday’s matches promise to be another captivating day of international football at its finest.
The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of Onyejekwe Izuchukwu, a US-based businessman, whose lifeless body was found in a hotel room in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
According to sources, the 62-year-old Izuchukwu, who resided in Texas, USA, had returned to Nigeria for business dealings when the tragic incident occurred on June 9, 2024. He had been staying at the hotel in Ikoyi while conducting the business activities that brought him back to the country.
Speaking anonymously to PUNCH Metro on Sunday, a source revealed that Izuchukwu had been lodging in the hotel since Thursday, June 6. On June 9, around 7 pm, one of the cleaners, while attempting to clean his room, discovered him lying motionless on the floor. Suspecting that the businessman had passed away, the cleaner informed the hotel management, who then reported the case to the police through their Chief Security Officer.
The source stated, “He (Izuchukwu) was a customer, who lodged in the hotel on June 6, 2024, and was found dead in his hotel room on June 9, 2024, around 7 pm by a cleaner in the hotel. It was the Assistant Chief Security Officer of the hotel located in Ikoyi who reported that Onyejekwe Izuchukwu, 62, was found dead on the floor of the room he lodged to the police. Despite discovering him in that state, a doctor was also invited to assess him and it was the doctor who confirmed him dead.”
Prior to his untimely death, an online platform, okay.ng, reported that Izuchukwu had served as the President of Bits and Drilling Tools, a division of Schlumberger. In this role, he spearheaded the development of innovative drilling technologies aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency in the oil and gas industry.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the command had initiated an investigation into the case. He stated, “Izuchukwu was found lifeless on the floor of the hotel room. A doctor confirmed him dead and his (Izuchukwu) corpse has been deposited in a morgue in Ikeja for autopsy. The command has commenced an investigation into the case.”
The tragic death of Onyejekwe Izuchukwu has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian business community and the Nigerian diaspora in the United States. As the police investigation unfolds, many are hoping for answers and closure regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
The incident also highlights the need for enhanced security measures and thorough investigations in cases involving the deaths of foreign nationals in Nigerian hotels. The Lagos State Police Command’s swift action in launching an investigation is a step in the right direction, as it seeks to uncover the truth behind this tragic event and bring any responsible parties to justice.
