News

Helen’s law: killer refused parole for failing to disclose where body hidden

A prisoner has become the first person to be refused parole under a new law that makes it harder for killers to be released if they refuse to reveal where they hid their victim’s body.

Glyn Razzell is serving a life sentence for the murder of his estranged wife, Linda Razzell, 41, who disappeared on her way to work at Swindon College in Wiltshire in March 2002. Razzell denied her killing but was found guilty by a jury and no trace of her body has ever been found.

On Wednesday the Parole Board said Razzell, now in his 60s, could remain in an open prison but could not be released. A document setting out the decision said Razzell had “maintained his innocence” and described his behaviour at the time of the killing as “controlling”. In custody, his behaviour had been good, he had been allowed out on temporary release but had not taken part in any courses or programmes to address his offending.

Regarding his “non-disclosure of information concerning the whereabouts of the victim’s remains”, it said: “Continued withholding of such important information suggested a need to retain a perception of himself and maintain self-preservation through keeping control of the narrative. This and a marked lack of empathy for those involved in the case were seen to bear on the panel’s risk assessment.”

He will be eligible for another parole decision in about two years’ time.

The Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020, known as Helen’s Law, was enacted in January. Named after an insurance clerk, Helen McCourt, who vanished on her way home from work in 1988, the law will also apply to paedophiles who refuse to identify those they abused.

McCourt’s murderer, Ian Simms, was released last year despite never saying where he had hidden her body. Her mother, Marie McCourt, spent five years calling for the legislation before it finally gained royal assent in November after a series of political and constitutional setbacks.

Under the law, killers could still be released if no longer deemed a risk to the public, even if they refuse to disclose information. But the Parole Board will be legally required to consider whether they have cooperated with inquiries as part of their assessment.

Human rights laws prevent the UK introducing a “no body, no parole” rule, which the government said may have faced successful legal challenges in the courts.

It is hoped the form the legislation has taken will lead to more killers owning up to their crimes, providing answers for grieving families.

News

NAPTIP insists no reported case of organ harvesting in Akwa Ibom

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Akwa Ibom State Command, has insisted that there is no reported case of organ harvesting in any hospital within the state contrary to media reports.

This was contained in a statement, titled ‘Clarification on Misrepresentations regarding NAPTIP’S Presentation at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Press Briefing’, signed by Ben Essang on behalf of the Zonal Commander, in Uyo on Tuesday.

Essang, flanked by Eno Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Emem Ette, Director, Department of GBV, Ministry of Justice, as well as other stakeholders noted that the analogies presented at the event were drawn from global trends and intended “solely for the purpose of raising awareness without any specific reference to factual occurrences in Akwa Ibom State”.

According to him, “While NAPTIP promotes public awareness regarding the issue of organ harvesting, it’s important to clarify that there have been no reported incidents in any hospital or clinic within Akwa Ibom State.

“NAPTIP, Uyo Zonal Command therefore urges members of the public, government entities and organizations to ignore and disregard the publications.”

He also said human trafficking remained a pervasive global issue and urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious in their interaction, particularly concerning the welfare of both children and adults so they would not fall prey.

He, therefore, solicited the cooperation of citizens in the fight against human trafficking in the state.

News

Federal Govt confirms bird flu outbreak in Kano

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, popularly known as bird flu, in Kano State.

The bird flu affects various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls and turkeys.

The disease is said to have has raised concerns over its potential spread in the region.

According to a circular by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Columba Teru Vakuru, authorities highlighted the heightened risk of transmission during this period.

“We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb the spread of the virus,” the circular stated.

While revealing how the outbreak started, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Kano State chapter, Dr Usman Gwarzo, recounted an incident from December 2024 that sounded the alarm.

“A young man from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area purchased a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his flock of hens and chickens.

“The duck suddenly died, and shortly after, the chickens followed,” Gwarzo explained.

The carcasses, according to him, were taken to the Gwale veterinary clinic, where avian influenza was suspected.

“Samples were sent for testing, and by the first week of January 2025, the results confirmed the presence of the virus,” he added.

He advised Kano residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious bird deaths to veterinary authorities.

News

Soldier arrested with ammunition at Borno motor park

A soldier identified as Nathaniel Jeremiah, has been arrested by personnel of the 7 Division at the Borno Express Terminal Park in Maiduguri for illegal possession of ammunition.

Intelligence sources told security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama that Jeremiah, who was on welfare pass and en route to Adamawa State, was apprehended while attempting to board a vehicle at the terminal.

During the routine search, security operatives discovered 89 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his personal bag.

The soldier was immediately taken into custody for interrogation, and the recovered ammunition was handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.