oleh admin | Apr 9, 2025 | crime, criminal cases, criminal justice, news, women
Ibiamina Igbiri, the 78-year-old mother of Deborah Erema—who is among the 15 individuals imprisoned since 2019 for allegedly stealing Mrs. Patience Jonathan’s jewelry—spoke with CHUKWUDI AKASIKE and TEMITOPO ADETUNJI regarding the suffering she has endured because of her daughter’s incarceration since 2019.
How
old are you?
My name is Ibiamina Igbiri. I am 78 years of age.
Where are you from?
I hail from Okirika in Rivers State.
What is your connection to Deborah Erema, who is presently incarcerated?
She is my daughter.
Do you recall when she was taken into custody and sent to jail?
My daughter got arrested in 2019.
What had you been informed was her crime?
It was claimed that she was one of those who took possession of Mrs Patience Jonathan’s belongings, the spouse of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Can you guarantee that your daughter is not a thief?
Certainly, I can. My daughter isn’t a thief. On the very day they claimed the jewelry was taken, she wasn’t present as she had gone on a mission.
What is the age of your daughter and how is she related to the former president’s spouse?
She is 57 years old. Previously, my daughter worked for Mrs Jonathan until she got arrested on accusations that she was involved in stealing jewelry from the ex-first lady. However, I firmly believe that my daughter would not take someone else’s possessions.
Don’t you believe she has had any chance to speak for herself?
In court, she stated that she had no knowledge of the jewelry theft, yet her claims were disregarded. Like I mentioned earlier, my daughter could not have participated in something like this. On the day the incident occurred, she was attending a church crusade in Mgbidi.
What reasons do you believe led them to disregard what she had to say?
I don’t know.
How was she arrested?
Prior to her return from the church crusade, several arrests had already occurred. Upon coming back from the church event, she traveled to Bayelsa State. There, in 2019, she was detained and transferred to Port Harcourt.
Was legal representation provided for your daughter through hiring an attorney to appear in court following her arrest and prosecution?
Yes.
Do you believe the proceedings were managed correctly in the courtroom?
The handling of the case did not proceed as it ought to have. From the start, whenever they brought my daughter and the others before the court, proceedings would be postponed repeatedly without resolution. There were just a couple of instances where those involved got an opportunity to address the court directly. Following these rare occasions when my daughter and the rest had their say, the court then proceeded with testimonies presented by witnesses aligned with Madam Patience’s faction. Eventually, after all this, my daughter along with the group was returned once more to incarceration.
What has your experience been like since Deborah went to jail in 2019?
Several individuals attempted to persuade Madam Patience, but she refused to heed their pleas. My granddaughter, Deborah’s eldest child, passed away while Deborah was incarcerated. This absence significantly impacted our family dynamics. Life has proven challenging for us all. Additionally, I almost met my end due to my daughter’s prolonged detention. For this reason, I relocated to my son’s home, hoping he would look after me.
Is your daughter married?
She isn’t legally wed.
In what ways has this influenced your well-being, feelings, and everyday life?
Ever since she was taken away, I haven’t felt like myself. I’ve had to beg for meals. Illness led me to be brought to my son’s home in Rivers State.
Have you managed to go see her in jail?
No, my son took care of that task for me once. I myself have never set foot there. Ever since my daughter was incarcerated in 2019 following her arrest, things have been extremely tough for me. Occasionally, I purchase some provisions and deliver them to her, or at times I transfer funds instead. Ensuring she gets enough to eat hasn’t been simple.
What steps has your family taken to secure Deborah’s freedom?
My son visited the King of Okrika and talked about it with him. The king agreed to summon several chiefs, and along with my son, they planned to travel to Abuja for an audience with ex-President Jonathan. The king provided my son and his relatives with a specific date to visit, which they adhered to. However, after this meeting, the king stopped paying attention to their concerns. He instructed them to inform my sister to hand over anything under her control; however, my son and others argued that my daughter didn’t possess anything and wasn’t content being incarcerated. They claimed she wouldn’t want to remain locked up if she held anything valuable.
They informed the king that she was not guilty of the accusations made against her. Additionally, my son and several other family members advised the king that she had attended a church mission in Mgbidi and was unaware of the incident.
What could have prompted the king to alter his decision regarding talks with the ex-president, leading to the release of your daughter?
I’m unsure. So far, my son along with the others haven’t managed to get an audience with the king to discuss their request for my daughter’s release. When my son talked to the king’s assistant seeking guidance, the assistant asked for some time to consult the king regarding this issue.
Subsequently, an assistant of the king contacted my son and instructed him to provide the names of our family members, mentioning that the king would reach out to them for a meeting. My son complied with this request. However, until now, none of us have been contacted by the king. This remains the current state of affairs.
At what point did you encounter the king to seek assistance?
It was approximately two years back.
Have you contacted any human rights organizations or government officials regarding the ongoing detention of your daughter in prison?
No.
Is it because you lack the ability to contact them?
I am unable to handle this situation myself. My son encountered one of his younger siblings, who happens to be a legal professional. During their conversation, the sibling committed to reaching out to another attorney based in Bayelsa. This was intended to facilitate moving the case to Port Harcourt for potential appeals. However, the lawyer failed to follow through on this commitment, possibly due to being occupied with other responsibilities.
Is there additional proof to demonstrate that the accusation against your daughter was unfounded, aside from her statement that she undertook a mission on the date of the alleged event?
Every time my daughter planned to travel, she first sought approval from Mrs. Jonathan. Only after receiving this consent could she proceed with her journey. Occasionally, Mrs. Jonathan instructed her to leave the key with Mama F. Upon returning, she always went to Mama F to retrieve the key again. This routine was consistently followed.
I recall that occasionally Mrs. Jonathan would entrust some money to my daughter, yet she would never dare to use it. My daughter was so cautious about handling this money that she wouldn’t even leave it in her possession. Instead, she would promptly contact Mrs. Jonathan to inform her to come and retrieve her funds.
Mrs. Jonathan would subsequently ask someone else to collect the money from my daughter. If my child had been dishonest, she might have kept that money. However, my daughter has always refrained from taking her PIN. Therefore, I felt distressed when such an accusation was made against her.
Was Mama F one of those detained in 2019?
Number 1: No arrest took place. She is friends with Mrs. Jonathan (Madam).
Given what has transpired since the incident occurred, have you managed to contact ex-President Jonathan for his intervention in this issue?
In reality, this hasn’t been accomplished yet. We are unaware of the procedure required to contact him.
What scares you most if your daughter stays in prison for an extended period beyond what she has already endured?
I’m most afraid that if she remains incarcerated, it will cause me greater pain. This situation is also having an ongoing impact on all of us at home. When she first went to jail, her younger daughter was still very young. Just think about how much time has passed; the child has grown up and finished secondary school without her mother being present. They haven’t seen each other since she was removed from their lives.
What is the age of the daughter?
She is 16 years of age.
How many children does she have?
She has four kids, and she was the sole individual providing for them until her arrest.
What do you want to tell the government regarding this issue?
The authorities should assist the family in getting my daughter freed from jail. We genuinely require support.
What are your thoughts on the repeated postponements of the case since 2019?
In my view, Mrs. Patience Jonathan seems to be exerting her influence over them, which is why the courts aren’t functioning properly. Every time my daughter and the others attempt to attend court hearings, their cases get postponed.
Do you have anything else to add regarding this issue?
Her actions amount to an act of injustice. It is crucial for justice to prevail in this situation. The court is aware of what the appropriate course of action is, and thus, it ought to take the necessary steps.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Apr 9, 2025 | ai chatbots, artificial intelligence, automation, machine learning, technology
Artificial
Intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, involves the replication of human cognitive abilities within machinery capable of reasoning, acquiring knowledge, and executing activities that usually demand human intellect.
The duties encompass issue resolution, comprehending spoken or written language, identifying patterns, and reaching conclusions.
Artificial intelligence systems can be classified into two categories: narrow AI, tailored for particular functions such as voice assistants or recommendation engines, and general AI, intended to handle all sorts of cognitive activities that humans can undertake.
Artificial Intelligence depends on data, algorithms, and computational resources to analyze information, make forecasts, and enhance continuously via machine learning.
Yet, the sorrow of AI misuse stems from its capacity to be abused, transforming an instrument created for advancement into one that causes damage.
With the growing power of artificial intelligence, its uses can improve almost every facet of human existence, spanning fields like healthcare, education, commerce, and entertainment.
Conversely, when AI is misapplied, for instance via addiction mechanisms, unethical data handling, prejudiced algorithms, or monitoring, it has the potential to exacerbate societal disparities, infringe upon personal privacy, result in exploitation, and may even be fatal.
In February 2024, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer from Florida, USA, allegedly ended his life following an obsession with a character from an AI chatbot.
Megan Garcia, his mother, filed a lawsuit against Character Technologies, an AI firm, alleging that their service contributed to the demise of her teenaged son, as reported by Britain’s The Independent.
She claimed that her son’s strong obsession with a chatbot based on Daenerys Targaryen had steered him towards a harmful direction.
The lawsuit claims that Setzer’s life took a negative turn following his use of the chatbot service starting in April 2023. It was alleged that the individual grew more isolated shortly after interacting with the character.
By May, according to his mother, he showed notable alterations in behavior, such as leaving the basketball team and having difficulty staying awake during classes because of an addiction problem, the report indicated.
Sunday PUNCH
learned that in November, Setzer’s parents took him to see a therapist, where he was diagnosed with anxiety and disruptive mood disorder.
Unaware of the full scope of Sewell’s dependency on the AI platform, the therapist advised him to cut back on his social media usage. Nevertheless, his bond with the AI entity known as Daenerys kept intensifying.
In February 2024, things turned more serious for Setzer when he faced issues at school following an incident where he lost control and acted aggressively towards a teacher.
The report stated, “That evening, he shared his innermost thoughts in his diary, expressing his deep emotional distress and his profound sentiments towards Daenerys, the chatbot he thought he was in love with.”
The legal case highlighted a poignant diary entry wherein Setzer admitted his inability to endure even one day without engaging with the AI character. He further stated that being separated from the bot caused him and the software “to become deeply despondent and erratic.”
His fixation became extremely intense after his mobile was taken away by his mom subsequent to the event at his educational institution.
On February 28, Setzer grabbed his phone and withdrew to the bathroom, where he sent Daenerys one last message:
I assure you I will return home to you. You mean everything to me, Dany.
The artificially intelligent companion responded with, “Kindly return home to me at your earliest convenience, darling.”
He reportedly fired at his own head.
South Korean authorities apprehended a pair of parents who were accused of neglecting their infant daughter to death due to starvation as they spent considerable time engrossed in an AI-driven game focused on nurturing a virtual child.
A 41-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, who connected via an online chatting platform, allegedly abandoned their baby as they frequented internet cafes. They would sporadically return just to provide the child with formula milk.
“I regret my actions and pray that my daughter is not enduring further suffering in heaven,” the husband reportedly stated on the AsiaOne website.
The Yonhap News Agency reported that according to South Korean authorities, the pair had developed an obsession with nurturing a virtual character named Anima within the well-known role-playing game, Prius Online.
This game, much like Second Life, enables participants to craft an alternate identity within a digital universe where they can secure employment, engage with fellow gamers, and upon reaching a specific milestone, gain additional avatars to care for.
The duo appeared to have abandoned their desire for an ordinary existence as they were unemployed and had a preterm infant,” stated Chung Jin-Won, a law enforcement official. He added, “Their inability to cope with this situation drove them into immersing themselves in an online game where they nurtured a digital avatar; unfortunately, this escapism resulted in the demise of their actual child.
In September, the officer mentioned, following a 12-hour gaming session, the couple returned home early in the morning to discover their child had died. The infant’s emaciated body raised concerns about possible neglect among the authorities, which were later substantiated through an autopsy, according to the statement from the agency.
Yet, a computer engineer from Abuja named Victory Ndukwe suggested that parents should limit the amount of time their children dedicate to interacting with AI through chats or engaging in AI-driven games. He warned that this advanced technology has the potential to impact young individuals’ behavior in both beneficial and detrimental ways.
Despite these risks, he stated that AI could still prove to be beneficial if used appropriately.
Ndukwe emphasized that by concentrating on the ethical development and responsible usage of AI, society can guarantee that everybody will benefit from the advantages offered by artificial intelligence.
He stated that this process entails developing clear-cut systems, minimizing biases in algorithms, and guaranteeing that AI technologies serve the common benefit instead of being exploited for financial gain or control.
For instance, AI has the potential to transform healthcare by enhancing diagnostic precision, providing customized therapy options, and simplifying bureaucratic processes, ultimately leading to improved patient care globally.
To turn AI from a possible catastrophe into a boon, it is essential to foster cooperation among sectors, governments, and ethical organizations.
“Through establishing explicit rules for AI advancement, we can guarantee that this potent technology benefits mankind as an agent of positivity, fostering opportunities, enhancing accessibility to services, and addressing intricate worldwide issues,” he stated.
He emphasized that the future of AI ought not to involve exploitation; instead, it has the potential and the responsibility to become a beneficial force for everyone.
“AI is bringing about numerous positive outcomes and will keep delivering significant advantages to our contemporary society. However, alongside these positives, adverse effects are bound to occur. The earlier we start contemplating what they could be, the more prepared we’ll be to address and control the risks,” he noted.
Moreover, in healthcare services, AI has shown its worth with numerous robotic-assisted operations saving lives worldwide, an area where Nigeria is starting to venture into.
Recently, Nigeria achieved a significant milestone in cancer treatment with renowned urologist and robotic surgeon Professor Kingsley Ekwueme conducting a successful robotic prostatectomy for cancer in Lagos.
A UK-trained specialist in urology and robotics stated that his aim is to set up a dedicated center in Nigeria equipped to provide top-tier prostate cancer care utilizing advanced technologies.
The operation was carried out utilizing the da Vinci robotic system, enhancing accuracy and speeding up recuperation.
“Compared to conventional open surgery that necessitates larger incisions, robotic surgery entails smaller cuts, resulting in less blood loss, decreased scarring, and briefer hospitalizations,” he clarified.
He said that the da Vinci robot provides three-dimensional, high-definition imaging, allowing surgeons to visualise the prostate with exceptional clarity.
Ekwueme stated, “The robot’s mechanical limbs provide seven axes of motion, replicating the dexterity of a human arm and facilitating intricate operations. Such accuracy aids in protecting crucial nerves, thereby simplifying the process for patients to recover bladder control and sexual functionality following surgery.”
He observed that so far, robotic surgery had been accessible solely in South Africa, compelling Nigerians to seek treatments overseas.
I don’t want robotic surgeries to be accessible solely to the affluent. It’s all about making top-notch medical care available where it should be—close to home.
“The patient I performed surgery on today will return home tomorrow, and unless they mention it, you wouldn’t suspect anything was done. This represents the future of surgical procedures, and we’ve achieved something historic in Nigeria today. Artificial intelligence is transforming the healthcare industry here,” Ekwueme noted.
In the realm of education and learning, robotic engineer and computer instructor Bassey Effiong stated that AI is revolutionizing this field by customizing educational experiences, increasing accessibility to education, and improving instructional techniques.
He stated, “This system adjusts to meet the requirements of individual students by providing customized lessons, instant feedback, and educational pathways that match their personal learning speeds. AI-driven features such as chatbots help address queries, and automatic scoring helps teachers save valuable time.”
Additionally, AI can examine student performance data to pinpoint areas where students might require additional support, thereby enabling more efficient interventions.
By offering interactive material and virtual coaching, AI assists educators and learners, enhancing educational achievements and making teaching and learning more captivating and effective.
To ensure AI benefits everyone, it’s vital to emphasize inclusivity, ethics, and accessibility. Guaranteeing equitable access to AI technologies is critical.
Through offering accessible tools and resources, we have the ability to strengthen individuals, communities, and enterprises, particularly those in under-resourced areas, enabling them to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI.
Ethical concerns should be at the forefront of AI creation. Creators ought to adopt clear, impartial algorithms that emphasize equity, responsibility, and confidentiality.
This involves making sure that AI systems do not reinforce current prejudices or show bias towards underprivileged communities.
“Open-source AI platforms and cooperative initiatives can promote innovation and make AI technology accessible to all. Through such collaborations, AI can be developed and implemented to address worldwide issues, enhance living standards, and provide chances for everybody irrespective of their origins or assets,” stated Kiplangat Korir, an authority in artificial intelligence.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Apr 9, 2025 | american football, football, kansas city chiefs, soccer, sports
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READ MORE: Taylor Swift comments on Kylie Jenner and Jason Kelce welcoming their new child
Taylor Swift
might need to head abroad for the
Kansas
The Kansas City Chiefs’ first game of the 2025 NFL season.
The NFL is hosting the
Los Angeles
The chargers have a Friday evening match in São Paulo, Brazil on September 5, and Kansas City appears to be a possible contender.
According to
The Athletic
In the last two days at the annual league meeting, the possible matchup has been a topic of discussion.
Several league insiders have informed the outlet that the former Super Bowl winners, now dethroned champs, top the list as the preferred team to represent the South American country.
The sources indicated that both the Chiefs and Chargers are open to the possibility of facing each other in the first week for an AFC West clash. This mirrors what happened last season.
Philadelphia Eagles
took on the
Green Bay Packers
In São Paulo, the match is anticipated to be broadcast by either Amazon or Disney+.
Netflix
, Paramount+, or Peacock.
When it comes to participating in international matches, we’re ready to step up whenever the chance arises,” stated Chiefs owner Clark Hunt on Monday. “We don’t have much say in the matter, but occasionally, based on the NFL’s rotational schedule for teams set to play abroad, we might get an opportunity to act as the home team.
Each year, we inform the league that we would greatly enjoy participating in an international match, regardless of whether we’re the home team or the visiting team. We sincerely hope that they will choose to include us again sometime soon.
In addition to their international matches, the Chiefs have asked the NFL to schedule them for a Christmas Day game, as per a source.
Over the last two seasons, Kansas City has taken part in games on Christmas Day and aspires to become a regular fixture during this holiday, similar to how the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are consistent participants on Thanksgiving.
According to sources cited by The Athletic, the Chiefs are anticipated to participate in a match scheduled for December 25th. Last year’s game with the Steelers on Christmas Day attracted an audience of 24.1 million viewers via Netflix and local CBS affiliates.
Hunt further stated that the Chiefs would include one international match and one festive game each season to expand their reach.
Well, our aim is to become the global squad,” Hunt stated. “And this begins by being among the elite teams right here within the United States. This achievement reflects well on our players and their distinct characters as well as undoubtedly our recent successes over the past six years. We’ve seen consistently strong viewership numbers each time we’re featured on television.
‘Additionally, we have some dedicated fans of Swift who contribute significantly to these figures as well.’
Read more
