Prime suspect in murder of two AAUA students is dead – Police

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of Oladele Femi, the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Femi, popularly known as “Tallex”, was the landlord of one of the victims, John Abba, who went missing alongside his female friend, Eloho Okah, on June 20, 2025.

Police spokesperson DSP Olushola Ayanlade, speaking to journalists on Saturday, said the suspect died in hospital after battling a strange illness.

“Yes, he is dead. He had been under medical supervision since his arrest and had been in and out of hospital. He passed away yesterday,” Ayanlade confirmed.

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Before his death, Femi had reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting his role in the disappearance and murder of the two students. The decomposing remains of Okah have since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate Abba’s body.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Kola and Michael, who allegedly withdrew ₦800,000 from the late Abba’s bank account during his captivity.

The police also recovered a Lexus RX 350 SUV, which belonged to Abba, from one of the suspects. The vehicle and bank transactions became critical leads that tied the suspects to the case.

Femi and his accomplices reportedly lured and murdered the victims before burying their bodies in a shallow grave on the property.

While the death of the primary suspect may complicate further prosecution, police authorities say the investigation is still active, and efforts to recover Abba’s remains and bring all accomplices to justice are ongoing.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage among students and residents in Akungba, who are calling for tighter security and justice for the slain undergraduates.

Man steals aeroplane in Canada, 22 Years after mysterious Boeing 727 disappearance in Angola

In a rare and bold incident that stunned aviation authorities, a man in Canada stole a small aircraft from Victoria International Airport and flew it without authorization—22 years after a similar but far more mysterious aviation theft shocked the world.

According to CNN, the man, whose identity has not been revealed, stole a Cessna 172—a small aircraft typically used for flight training—and flew it about 40 miles north to Vancouver International Airport, one of Canada’s busiest. The incident forced air traffic controllers to temporarily restrict movements in the airspace.

Audio from the control tower captured the urgency of the situation as the stolen plane approached:

“We do have an aircraft that has been stolen and is in the vicinity of the airport,” one controller told pilots. “Just in case anything starts heading towards you, you have the ability to move at your discretion.”

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Though the thief reportedly lacked flying experience and circled the airport for some time, he managed to land the aircraft safely. Police officers were already waiting and arrested him immediately upon landing. He was the only person on board.

A Haunting Parallel: Angola’s Missing Boeing 727
This latest incident echoes a mystifying case from 2003, when two men stole a Boeing 727 from Luanda International Airport in Angola. The aircraft, which had previously been operated by American Airlines, was parked and unused after plans to convert it were abandoned.

On May 25, 2003, an American pilot and a mechanic boarded the plane, fueled it with 14,000 gallons, and took off without clearance. Despite global efforts to trace the plane, it disappeared without a trace. Neither the aircraft nor the men on board have ever been found.

The event remains one of the great aviation mysteries of modern history.

Aviation Security Under Scrutiny
While the recent Canadian theft ended without casualties or damage, it has raised fresh questions about the vulnerability of aircraft at secured airports and the ease with which unauthorized individuals can gain access.

Though the two incidents are decades apart and differ in scale, both highlight ongoing concerns about airport security, flight school aircraft management, and how breaches still occur despite modern surveillance and control systems.

10 Countries that welcome entrepreneurs with startup Visas

In an increasingly globalized economy, many countries are opening their doors to foreign entrepreneurs with bold, innovative business ideas. Whether you’re a tech founder, a creative startup visionary, or an investor looking to scale internationally, several nations now offer special entrepreneur or startup visas to attract global talent.

These visa programs often provide a path not just to launch your business, but also to secure residency—and in some cases, even citizenship. While the requirements vary, most emphasize innovation, job creation, and the potential for economic impact.

Here are 10 countries offering entrepreneur-friendly visa options for those ready to take their business global:

1. Canada

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who can create jobs and compete globally. To qualify, applicants must secure backing from a designated organisation (like a venture capital fund or business incubator), meet language proficiency standards, and demonstrate financial stability. Successful candidates receive permanent residency right from the start.

2. United Kingdom

The UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, which replaced the Start-Up and Innovator visas, targets entrepreneurs with scalable, original business ideas endorsed by an approved organisation. No upfront investment is required, but applicants must prove the idea is viable and innovative. The visa can lead to permanent residency after 3 years.

3. United States

While the U.S. lacks a formal startup visa, the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) program allows foreign startup founders to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. To qualify, founders must secure significant investment or government grants and demonstrate potential for job creation. It’s not a direct route to a green card, but it can be a valuable stepping stone.

4. Portugal

Portugal’s Startup Visa targets non-EU entrepreneurs who want to launch innovative tech-based ventures. Applicants must join a certified incubator and show plans for job creation and business scalability. The visa leads to residency and has a path to citizenship after 5 years.

5. Singapore

Singapore offers the EntrePass for foreign entrepreneurs launching venture-backed or innovative businesses, especially in tech, sustainability, and biotech. Backing from a government-recognised incubator or VC is essential. The visa is renewable, and successful applicants can later apply for permanent residency.

6. Australia

Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) includes a stream for startup entrepreneurs. Applicants must have a viable business plan and access to adequate funding. The visa can eventually lead to permanent residency under Subclass 888.

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7. Germany

Germany doesn’t offer a dedicated startup visa, but its Self-Employment Visa allows entrepreneurs to build businesses that provide clear economic benefits. A strong business plan is key. After three years of success, applicants can qualify for permanent residency.

8. Spain

Spain’s Startup Visa, part of its Entrepreneur Law, is available to non-EU founders with innovative business ideas. Approval from Spain’s trade and investment office is required, and the idea must be of high economic interest. It offers residency with a path to long-term stay and citizenship.

9. Ireland

Ireland’s Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is aimed at non-EU founders with high-potential startups, especially in tech, healthcare, and life sciences. Entrepreneurs must show at least €50,000 in funding and present a scalable business plan. The visa grants 2 years of residency, renewable and leading to permanent residency.

10. France

France’s French Tech Visa for Founders supports foreign entrepreneurs backed by a recognised incubator or accelerator. It provides a 4-year renewable residence permit, offers a fast-track process, and allows family members to join. It’s part of France’s larger push to become a startup and innovation hub.

Embassy Alert: Why your U.S. Visa expiry date doesn’t mean it’s time to leave

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued an important clarification for Nigerian travellers: the expiry date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long a visitor can stay in the country.

The advisory, shared on the embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on July 17, aims to address a common misunderstanding that has led many international visitors to unintentionally overstay their approved time in the U.S.

According to the embassy, a U.S. visa only allows a traveller to approach a port of entry and request admission—it does not guarantee entry or specify how long a person can remain in the country. That decision is made solely by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the point of entry.

“Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the embassy stated. “To see how long you can stay, check your I-94 (admit until date) at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.”

What This Means for Nigerian Travellers

Many travellers mistakenly believe that they can stay in the U.S. until the expiration date printed on their visa—but this is incorrect and can lead to serious immigration consequences, including future visa denials or travel bans.

Instead, visitors should refer to their I-94 record, which is generated when they arrive in the U.S. This form shows the “Admit Until Date”—the actual date by which the visitor must leave the country.

Travellers can check their I-94 status and departure deadline online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

The embassy emphasized that staying beyond the “Admit Until Date” could count as a visa overstay, which is a violation of U.S. immigration laws and may affect future travel or visa renewal prospects.

This advisory is part of the U.S. mission’s ongoing public awareness campaign aimed at educating Nigerian citizens on proper travel procedures and preventing avoidable immigration violations.

Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama administration of trying to undermine Trump in 2016 Election

Former presidential candidate and current Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has ignited political controversy after alleging that top officials in the Obama administration orchestrated a deliberate effort in 2016 to sabotage then-candidate Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

In a newly released intelligence report on Friday, Gabbard claimed there was a “treasonous conspiracy” within the Obama-era intelligence leadership aimed at shaping public perception around Russian election interference to discredit Trump and tilt the outcome in favor of Hillary Clinton.

The report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), is the latest in a series of attempts under the Trump-aligned faction of government to question the now eight-year-old intelligence consensus that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election to aid Donald Trump.

Gabbard’s report argues that the Obama administration may have pressured intelligence agencies to skew assessments by conflating Russia’s cyber intrusions into election systems with its broader influence operations on social media and document leaks. The implication: that officials distorted the narrative to strengthen claims of Trump’s alleged collusion with Moscow.

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However, top Democrats have strongly dismissed Gabbard’s findings. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, branded the treason accusations as “baseless.” Similarly, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the report confused distinct categories of Russian activity—cyber hacking vs. psychological influence—and misrepresented previously verified conclusions.

“This is one more example of the Director of National Intelligence trying to cook the books,” Warner said. “We’re talking about apples and oranges.”

Multiple intelligence assessments, including a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report, have supported the original 2016 finding that Russia sought to interfere in the election by damaging Hillary Clinton’s candidacy and boosting Trump’s.

The new report includes emails suggesting that then-President Barack Obama asked for a detailed intelligence review before leaving office. While some Republicans argue that this move was politically motivated, Obama-era officials say the intention was to preserve transparency before the Trump administration could potentially bury the findings.

Notably, the report acknowledges that Russia did not attempt to change actual vote tallies, but it questions why an article clarifying that point was withheld from the President’s Daily Brief at the time.

As the debate continues, the intelligence community has reiterated in its most recent reviews—under Gabbard’s leadership—that Russia continues to engage in disinformation campaigns aimed at weakening democratic systems and public trust in elections.

Whether Gabbard’s claims will lead to further investigation remains to be seen. But the political fallout from reopening the 2016 election controversy is already fueling renewed tensions between Democrats and Republicans as the 2024 race looms.

Dylan Dreyer announces separation from husband Brian Fichera after 12 Years of marriage

NBC Today Show meteorologist and third-hour co-anchor Dylan Dreyer has officially confirmed her separation from husband Brian Fichera after 12 years of marriage.

Dreyer, 43, shared the news with fans via Instagram on July 18, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support she has received from viewers over the years. “For many years, I have shared my family with you all — the highs and lows, the ups and downs, and all of the blessings and beautiful memories in between,” she wrote. “I am incredibly grateful for the support and love you’ve given me through it all. For that reason, I want to share with you that a few months ago, Brian and I made the decision to separate.”

The longtime couple, who married in 2012, are parents to three children: Calvin (8), Oliver (5), and Rusty (3). They originally met while working at WHDH, a local NBC affiliate in Boston — Dreyer as a meteorologist and Fichera as an in-studio technician.

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Despite the separation, the pair remain on good terms and committed to co-parenting their children with mutual respect. “We began as friends, and we will remain the closest of friends,” Dreyer continued in her message. “Most importantly, we will continue to co-parent our three wonderful boys together with nothing but love and respect for one another.”

A source close to the family also confirmed to PEOPLE magazine that Dreyer and Fichera “remain best friends” and are prioritizing their children throughout the transition.

In recent weeks, the family has continued to spend time together, including celebrating the Fourth of July and attending the Macy’s fireworks event, which Dreyer hosts for NBC. Fichera also accompanied her to the American Century Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, where he served as her caddy — a reflection of their shared love of golf.

“Golf is the thing we do together,” Dreyer previously told Today.com in 2023. “We have a couple of drinks, we laugh.”

Fichera, now a producer and freelance cameraman for NBC News, once gifted Dreyer her first set of golf clubs during the early stages of their relationship — a gesture that marked the beginning of many shared memories.

Though their romantic relationship has come to an end, both Dreyer and Fichera have made it clear that their commitment to family and friendship remains strong.

Extreme heat warning issued for Lawrence, Douglas County as storms loom

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an extreme heat warning for Lawrence and Douglas County, with heat indices expected to soar to 105°F and above. The warning takes effect from noon on Saturday, July 19, and will remain in place until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, with the possibility of an extension if high temperatures persist.

Ahead of the heat wave, the area could experience strong to severe storms on Friday and Saturday, bringing risks of damaging winds and heavy rain.

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Forecasts show heat index levels climbing steadily, potentially peaking at 106°F on Tuesday. Residents are urged to take precautions, including wearing light clothing, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and never leaving people or pets in vehicles.

The NWS warns that heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in quickly. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea, while heat stroke symptoms may involve confusion, seizures, or fainting—in which case emergency medical help is needed immediately.

Using electric fans during extreme heat may worsen symptoms if temperatures are above the 90s, according to the NWS.

For more information on heat safety, visit weather.gov/safety/heat-illness.

OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Agent Mode that can Think and Act

OpenAI has introduced a powerful new feature for ChatGPT that allows the AI chatbot to not only generate responses, but also carry out complex tasks and actions on a user’s behalf. The update, announced Thursday, marks a significant step toward turning ChatGPT into a full-fledged AI assistant capable of managing everyday digital tasks.

The newly launched agent mode, which is now rolling out to users on the Pro, Plus, and Team plans, allows ChatGPT to “think” and “act” using a virtual computer. According to OpenAI, this means users can now issue detailed instructions like, “check my calendar and brief me on upcoming meetings,” or “plan and order groceries to make Japanese breakfast for four.”

In a demonstration video, OpenAI showed the AI handling a multifaceted request to prepare for a wedding — including selecting appropriate outfits, finding hotel accommodations, and considering schedule buffers.

The agent mode is powered by a combination of existing OpenAI tools: ChatGPT Operator, which enables real-time web browsing, and Deep Research, which analyzes and compiles information from various online sources.

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This upgrade intensifies the ongoing competition in the AI space, particularly between OpenAI and Google, which is developing similar assistant capabilities under its Gemini project. Apple is also working on an enhanced version of Siri that can interact with apps, though its release timeline remains uncertain.

Despite the innovation, OpenAI acknowledged the new tool’s limitations and potential risks. In a blog post, the company stated that the agent mode has restricted access to user data and will not perform sensitive tasks—such as sending emails or handling bank transfers—without explicit user approval.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also weighed in on the release, calling it “cutting edge and experimental.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Altman urged users to remain cautious when giving the AI access to personal data, suggesting it might be suitable for tasks like scheduling group dinners but not yet for high-stakes or deeply personal activities.

The rollout reflects a broader push among tech giants to reshape how users interact with technology. Instead of switching between apps or manually searching the web, AI agents could one day serve as all-in-one digital assistants capable of navigating the digital world with minimal user input.

As companies race to expand AI capabilities, issues of data privacy, bias, and unpredictable behavior continue to be pressing concerns. Just last week, xAI’s chatbot Grok faced backlash after producing antisemitic content when prompted—a reminder of the ethical challenges that come with deploying powerful AI tools in real-world scenarios.

With the introduction of ChatGPT’s agent mode, OpenAI is taking a bold step toward the future of productivity—albeit one that comes with a call for careful testing and responsible use.

Company confirms investigation into CEO’s viral Coldplay Concert video

U.S.-based tech company Astronomer has confirmed it has launched a formal investigation after a video taken at a recent Coldplay concert went viral, sparking widespread speculation about the conduct of the company’s CEO, Andy Byron.

The controversy began when concertgoers recorded a couple spotted on the big screen during Coldplay’s performance. Their reaction quickly went viral, especially after lead singer Chris Martin jokingly commented on stage that the pair might be having an “affair.” The remark, though made in jest, fueled online speculation and triggered deeper scrutiny as users attempted to identify the individuals involved.

On Friday, July 18, Astronomer addressed the situation with a statement shared on the company’s LinkedIn page, saying:

“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.”

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The statement further confirmed that the Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation and promised that more details would be released soon. While the company did not name anyone seen in the viral footage, it made clear that:

“The CEO has not issued any public statement, and reports claiming that other employees were present at the event or appeared in the video are incorrect.”

The incident has drawn wide attention on social media, with some users alleging that the individuals in the video may have a personal connection to top-level executives at the company. As of now, these claims remain unverified.

This unfolding situation highlights the growing impact of social media virality on corporate governance and personal reputations, especially when private moments become public spectacle.

Astronomer is a software company known for developing tools that support data orchestration using Apache Airflow.

WNBA star Paige Bueckers openly acknowledges relationship with Azzi Fudd

Paige Bueckers, standout rookie for the Dallas Wings, has confirmed her relationship with fellow basketball star Azzi Fudd, putting to rest months of speculation surrounding their close bond.

The revelation came during the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, where Bueckers took part in several media appearances. One standout moment occurred in an interview with WAG Talk, where the former UConn guard was quizzed on facts about Fudd, who was affectionately referred to as her “D1 girlfriend.”

Bueckers answered questions with ease, identifying the high school Fudd attended, her athletic accomplishments, and even the team that drafted Fudd’s mother, Katie Smrcka-Duffy Fudd. The moment that confirmed what fans had long suspected came when Bueckers was asked to reveal who her girlfriend was. Smiling, she simply responded: “Azzi Fudd.”

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Although Bueckers did not disclose how long the pair have been in a relationship, she spoke fondly of Fudd. When asked who she would trust to take a last-second shot if her life were on the line, she answered without hesitation: “Azzi Fudd.”

WNBA star Paige Bueckers openly acknowledges relationship with Azzi Fudd

Fudd, who played alongside Bueckers at UConn, had a strong 2024–25 season, averaging 13.6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. She delivered a standout performance in the national championship game, scoring 24 points to help the Huskies clinch the title against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Their connection has also extended off the court. Earlier in July, Bueckers revealed that Fudd often helps choose her game sneakers, although she noted that Nike would handle her footwear for the All-Star Game.

Bueckers has had a stellar debut season in the WNBA, leading all rookies in scoring (18.4 points per game), assists (5.5), and steals (1.7). She was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and has quickly become one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Their relationship marks a high-profile moment for representation in women’s sports, with fans across the country showing support for the couple.