
Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of a teenage girl whose body was discovered in an abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. The 21-year-old was expected to appear in court to face multiple charges related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in September, shortly after what would have been her 15th birthday. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances, such as lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, or murdering a witness in an investigation. If convicted, Burke could face a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. Burke, who gained internet fame in 2022 with his song “Romantic Homicide,” also faces charges of repeatedly having sex with Celeste, who disappeared from her family home at age 13, and dismembering her body.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe All Progressives Congress APC has released its timetable for the 2027 general elections, scheduling its presidential primary for May 15 to 16, 2026. The party will begin selling nomination and expression of interest forms from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with submissions closing on May 4. The presidential form is priced at ₦100m, consisting of ₦30m for expression of interest and ₦70m for nomination. Governorship aspirants will pay ₦50m, while Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly forms cost ₦20m, ₦10m, and ₦6m, respectively. Aspirant screening is set for May 6-8, with results released on May 11, and appeals from May 12-13. Primaries for the House of Representatives, Senate, State House of Assembly, and governorship will occur on May 18, May 20, May 21, and May 23, respectively. Election appeals across all categories will conclude on May 25. The schedule indicates all primary elections will be conducted within eight days. Concessions have been granted to female aspirants, youths, and persons living with disabilities, who will pay only for expression of interest forms and 50 percent of the nomination fees. This timetable aligns with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signed into law a bill establishing a center for the rehabilitation of survivors of rape, defilement, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The law, titled Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026, was assented to on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia. Governor Otti commended the Abia State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill and praised government officials, including his wife, for their roles in its conception. He emphasized the need for societal reorientation to address the root causes of gender-based violence, stating that acts like rape, child abuse, and human trafficking are alien to Igbo culture. The governor also mentioned his administration's efforts to create employment opportunities to engage youths productively and reduce criminal behavior. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, presented the bill for assent, highlighting its importance and accelerated consideration. Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the governor's wife and initiator of the bill, expressed her elation, stating that the law will provide support and hope for victims, ensuring they receive rehabilitation and the necessary assistance to move forward.
Must ReadThe Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre emphasized the growing importance of Mandarin in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral relations during the 2026 International Chinese Language Day celebration in Abuja. Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of CCCIN, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described Chinese as a vital link connecting civilization, culture, and global cooperation, highlighting its 5,000-year history and its role as one of the six official languages of the United Nations. He noted that over 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, with more than 200 million international learners. Jianxing linked the increasing interest in learning Chinese to expanding cooperation between Nigeria and China, stating it is an important shortcut to understanding China and participating in mutually beneficial collaborations. Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, affirmed language's central role in human connection and global unity, describing Chinese as an enduring cultural treasure. He stressed its importance in diplomacy, trade, and cultural understanding. Bulama recalled the launch of "Ni Hao China," a weekly program introduced in July 2025 in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, aimed at teaching Mandarin and promoting cultural ties, as part of agreements to boost trade, tourism, and communication. Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journali

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Commonwealth nations to invest in Africa, particularly Lagos, during the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London. He highlighted Lagos as a prime destination for global capital, emphasizing that the state offers long-term partnership opportunities. Sanwo-Olu stressed Africa's central role in the Commonwealth's future, noting that by 2050, one in four people globally will be African. He described the Commonwealth's 56 member states and 2.7 billion people as a strong platform for trade built on shared values. The governor stated that Lagos is investing in infrastructure, including ports, airports, rail corridors, and technology, to attract global capital. He also pointed out Lagos's economic strength, generating roughly a third of Nigeria's GDP and ranking among the top five economies in sub-Saharan Africa if it were a standalone entity. Sanwo-Olu mentioned his administration's THEMES+ agenda, which focuses on development across transportation, health, education, security, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. He announced that Lagos would host the "Invest in Lagos 3.0" summit on June 8 and 9 at Eko Hotels and Suites, in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, to engage global investors and showcase opportunities. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, also outlined Lagos's strategy for mobilizing capital and deepening engagement with internation