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The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has said the words British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, used in describing Nigerian Police was unfair.
The National Chairman of PCRC, Mogaji Olaniyan, said while the Nigeria Police have its challenges, they are also doing great work in the nation.
Olaniyan, who stated this in an interview with newsmen on Friday, advised Kemi Badenoch to use her good office for the country’s good.
The PCRC Chairman said that there are many good and decent police officers in the country, like the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayode, who rejected N20 million bribe.
He emphasized that United Kingdom and United States policemen in the 1960s and 1970s were also accused of corruption and unprofessional practices.
“While we are not denying the fact that there are challenges and room for improvement, we must not forget the great dangers of ridiculing our country.
“It is an undeniable fact that many horrible things happened and are still happening in foreign countries, particularly in the UK and US, that are not reported by their media.
“Rather than ridiculing the Nigeria Police, it would have been better for Badenoch to use her good position to impact positively on the system,” he said.
He emphasized that Kemi‘s outburst could be a result of an experience she had with some police officers, but that should not take away the great work of some of the personnel.
“It is possible that Badenoch or her family members were stopped or interrogated by the Police in Nigeria over an issue which prompted that derogatory comments.
“This should never take away or ignore the great works of the police in Nigeria, especially, under the current leadership,” he stated.
The Oyo State Police Command has announced ongoing investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair held in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The incident, which occurred at the Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, resulted in the death of at least 35 children, with six others sustaining critical injuries and currently receiving medical treatment.
The probe follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of the stampede.
Speaking on Channels Television’s programme, The Morning Brief, on Friday, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, shed light on the initial findings of the investigation.
According to Osifeso, preliminary evidence suggests that poor crowd management may have played a significant role in the tragedy.
He explained that the system for entry into the fair might have contributed to the chaos. Initially, attendees were required to pay a token fee to gain entry.
However, at some point, the fees were reduced, and later, entry was reportedly granted for free. This shift, Osifeso suggested, may have led to agitation and confusion among the crowd.
“Investigations are in progress, but from the preliminary findings, it was discovered that at some point the fair, they were supposed to go in with a token, at some point the prices were slashed and later, some had the opportunity of going in free. So, at some point, something must have gone wrong as regards some sort of agitation,” Osefiso said.
He highlighted that the overwhelming number of attendees far exceeded the expected capacity for the venue, further exacerbating the situation.
“In this case, when it comes to crowd control anything could have triggered it; it could be excitement, it could be fear, it could be panic and judging by the space, which at the end of the day we discovered that the crowd that got into that place which was not the originally planned number, could have also contributed to the stampede because those going in actually did most of the damage to those already in,” Osifeso stated.
In the aftermath of the incident, the police confirmed the arrest of seven suspects believed to have played a role in the stampede.
Among those in custody are Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi.
The police have not disclosed the specific roles of the suspects but have assured the public that the investigation will be transparent and thorough.
Former Special Adviser on Media to ex President Olusegun Obasanjo, Doyin Okupe, has said the priority given to defence in 2025 budget showed President Bola Tinubu’s seriousness in tackling insecurity.
The former Director-General of Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation said the projections on daily crude oil output, price and foreign exchange benchmarks, are realizable.
Okupe stated this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Recall that President Bola Tinubu, in the 2025 budget, allocated to defense and security ₦4.91 trillion, infrastructure ₦4.06 trillion, health ₦2.48 trillion and education ₦3.52 trillion.
“The oil daily production of slightly more than ₦2 million barrels, the forex benchmark of ₦1,500 to the dollar and the projected crude oil price of $75 are all vividly realistic figures going on by current and predictably prevailing global trend.
“The huge allocation of ₦4.91 trillion (10 percent) to Defence and Security underscores the seriousness and political will of the administration to finally decimate insurgency and banditry.
“These two plagues are major contributors to food shortage, availability and inflation as they prevent farming activities in the North,” Okupe said.
The former aide to ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan, commended the President for the budget size. He said it showed the administration was out to spend thereby providing the necessary impetus for economic growth of the country.
“All in all, the huge size of the budget is also indicative of government’s intention to increase its spending thereby providing the necessary impetus for economic growth and increase in purchasing power of the citizens.
“The 2025 budget further strengthens the workability of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
Former federal lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani has lamented that the Kaduna-Abuja free train ride announced by President Bola Tinubu’s government has facilitated the movement of thugs.
DAILY POST recalls that on December 26, the Federal Government announced a free train ride for any Nigerian wishing to travel during the Christmas festivities.
The initiative, which received praise from citizens, has reportedly been hijacked in some quarters by thugs, according to Shehu Sani.
In a post on his official social media on Friday, the former lawmaker expressed his concerns, lamenting that thugs have taken over the Kaduna-Abuja train station for aimless trips.
He wrote: “The FG Kaduna-Abuja free train ride is a good gesture that has not helped those travelling for Christmas but provided an opportunity for thugs to take over the station and the train seats, just travelling to and from Abuja without purpose.”
The Nigerian Government will in the coming day partner with Bloomberg to rebrand the country’s global image and attract foreign investments.
In a statement released on its X handle the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) is expected to sign a two-year tenure initiative aimed at rebranding the nation’s global image and attracting foreign investment.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), is set to partner with Bloomberg in a two-year initiative aimed at rebranding the nation’s global image and attracting foreign investment,” it said.
Speaking at a meeting with Minister of Finance, Wale Edun Bloomberg’s Global Director, Nicole Keefe, reiterated the company’s commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s narrative and showcasing its economic potential to the global audience.
“Bloomberg plans to leverage its vast media network to highlight Nigeria’s achievements and opportunities, addressing investor hesitations tied to outdated or negative perceptions”, the statement added.
On his part, Armstrong Takang, CEO of MOFI, noted that the partnership would spotlight key government projects such as the Real Estate Investment Fund and gas pipeline initiatives, further promoting Nigeria’s progress in critical sectors.
A United States-based Nigerian, Oluwole Adegboruwa, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, have been sentenced to 40 years combined jail term for coordinating the sales and distribution of a banned drug through the dark web across several states in the US.
PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement obtained on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Utah on Thursday that the US District Court also ordered Adegboruwa to forfeit the sum of $20m.
According to the statement, Adegboruwa led a syndicate of drug peddlers whom he instructed on how drugs obtained by customers through a dark web marketplace he controlled would be packaged and distributed.
Stressing on the arrest of the convict alongside Isong, it noted that the convict sold and distributed 300,000 oxycodone pills between October 2016 and May 2019 and made a sum of $9m from the illegal drug trade.
While Isong was jailed for 10 years in October, Adegboruwa was jailed for 30 years in November 2024.
The statement read, “Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, of Las Vegas, Nevada, the main defendant and mastermind in a multi-million dollar dark web drug trafficking operation was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment. He was also ordered supervised release for life and the forfeiture of over $20m, which is among the largest forfeitures holding a defendant financially accountable for his crimes in the history of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
“The sentence, imposed by the US District Court Judge Jill N. Parish, comes after a jury found Adegboruwa and his co-defendant Enrique Isong, 49, of Los Angeles, California, guilty in May 2024 of multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and money laundering. On October 23, 2024, Isong was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
“According to court documents, evidence presented at trial, and statements made at Adegboruwa’s sentencing hearing, from October 2016 through May 2019, Adegboruwa sold more than 300,000 oxycodone pills on dark web marketplaces to customers throughout the United States. The jury found that Adegboruwa organised and supervised a continuing criminal enterprise that earned approximately $9,112,471 in drug proceeds.”
Stressing the trial process, the statement noted that the convict confessed that he controlled the sales of illicit drugs and accepted payments through cryptocurrency before converting them to local currency.
It continued, “The jury found that Adegboruwa was unquestionably in charge of the illicit narcotics operation. Each member of his enterprise served in different capacities. Some were tasked with locating and procuring pharmacy-grade pills that were then re-sold through various dark web marketplaces. Others were involved in packaging the pills and/or shipping them to customers.
“At trial, Adegboruwa admitted that he controlled sales on the dark web markets and the monetary accounts, including the cryptocurrency accounts through which the enterprise received the bulk of its profits. Adegboruwa also admitted he was the one who decided to start his online dark web drug sales operation.”
Reacting to the judgement, the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge, Jonathan Pullen, noted that Adegboruwa concealed profits from his criminal proceeds in cryptocurrency transactions. He noted that the DEA would ensure that drug traffickers do not have a hiding place.
“Adegboruwa’s criminal drug enterprise was complex, sophisticated, and generated millions of dollars in profits concealed in cryptocurrency transactions. This sentencing is a stark reminder that the DEA is relentless in the pursuit of justice and that drug traffickers cannot hide their illicit activities even in the secretive expanses of the dark web,” Pullen said.
The Lagos Blue Line Phase 1, spanning 13 kilometers from Marina to Mile 2, successfully transported 2.37 million passengers by December 2024, 15 months after its launch on September 2023.
Constructed and operated by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the electric light rail project is a key milestone in Lagos State’s transportation plan.
This data was disclosed earlier in the week by John Zhao, a senior CCECC official, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“On September 4, the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line Phase 1 celebrated its first year of operation. Built and operated by #CCECC, this phase spans 13 kilometers, including 8.1 kilometers of elevated bridges and a 530-meter sea-crossing bridge.
“The line features 5 stations and a design speed of 80 km/h. Since its official launch, it has safely transported 2.37 million passengers, providing residents with a more convenient and comfortable transportation option,” Zhao’s tweet read.
The 2.37 million passengers recorded by December 2024 builds on earlier milestones, including 1 million passengers transported within the first 219 days, 1.6 million in the first year of operation, and 583,000 passengers moved during the initial four months of service, from September 4, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
What you should know
The Lagos Blue Line metro rail, spanning 27 kilometers, is a vital component of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system. The first phase, a 13-kilometer stretch from Marina to Mile 2, was completed in 2023 and began commercial operations in September of the same year.
The second phase, a 14-kilometer extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is currently under construction by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and is expected to be completed by 2026.
As of December 2024, 26-27% of Phase 2 was completed, according to Olasunkanmi Okusaga, Director of Rail Transport at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
As part of Phase 2, LAMATA plans to demolish the Mazamaza Bridge and construct a new one after structural tests revealed the existing bridge could not support railway operations.
Two additional bridges—the Satellite Bridge and the LASU Bridge—will be constructed, each designed with a lifespan of over 75 years to guarantee long-term durability and safety for rail operations.
The Phase 2 project will include six stations at Festac, Alakija, Trade Fair, Volkswagen, LASU, and Okokomaiko.
Additionally, a 400,000-square-meter depot at Okokomaiko will serve as the central hub for rail maintenance and operations, ensuring seamless functionality and supporting future expansions of the rail system.
YORUBA elders under the auspices of Kaaro Oojiire ÌmÍ Oodua Foundation, KOOOF, yesterday, expressed worry over the rising cases of ritual killing and body parts harvesting in the South West.
The Yoruba elders, in a statement by their Vice President/Diaspora Counsel, Gbenga Adewusi, wondered how cases of human decapitation and harvesting of human bodies have now become a daily occurrence.
Adewusi said: “The recurrence of the activities of those involved in the human ritual in the Southwest is indeed a shameful episode that should no longer be ignored and or swept under the carpet by all stakeholders in Yoruba land.
“What makes the news alarming is the regularity of the sordid and inhuman activities, and the various types of people involved – from Muslim imams to Christian pastors, from teenagers to old and young men and women.
“If urgent actions are not taken it will ultimately affect the peace, tranquillity, progress, and development of the Southwest because no investor wants to invest in an area where citizens are regularly and gruesomely murdered to harvest their body parts.
“The current evidence gleaned from news reports indicate that the majority of those caught by the security services have been Muslim Alfas and Christian pastors. However, this simple fact is not an excuse to exonerate the Yoruba people from the menace of ritual killing because all those caught by the authorities were mostly sons and daughters of the Southwest soil.”
While condemning the act, KOOOF insisted that something urgent needed to be done to bring the scourge to a halt.
“We are all aware that there is a false narrative about ritual killing in the Southwest. The false narrative is that ritual killing is practised by the traditional Yoruba religious believers. This false perception is neither supported with available evidence nor is far separated from the truth.”
“We, members of KOOOF boldly state that there is no money ritual at all. Those engaged in ritual killings for money are not practising the authentic Yoruba tradition.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the of the tenure of Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, the substantive Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), until March 7, 2025.
Naija News recalls that Tinubu had appointed Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) following the pre-retirement leave of the outgoing AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.
But in a u-turn on Thursday, the President reassigned the Acting Accountant General to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria as Director of Accounts.
The letter authorizing Madein’s continuation was issued by the Head of Service of the Federation and confirmed on Thursday.
Bawa Mokwa, spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), stated that the directive reinstates Madein to her role as AGF, allowing her to oversee treasury operations until her retirement.
He disclosef that embarking on terminal leave is optional under civil service regulations, leaving staff uncertain about whether Madein’s reinstatement invalidates Ogunjimi’s prior appointment as Acting AGF.
Although the letter did not explicitly nullify Ogunjimi’s appointment, it appears to have delayed his assumption of the Acting AGF role pending a decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Madein’s return has been met with enthusiasm from her supporters, who highlighted her commitment to completing key projects and reforms initiated during her tenure.
“By the first week of January 2025, we will start commissioning the projects she began. She felt it was important to see them through and not let another person take the credit for her efforts,” a supporter told The Nation.
The reinstatement also aims to restore stability within the OAGF. Mokwa assured that “Madein will be signing documents and checks on behalf of the AGF. She has returned, so no more rancor within the treasury.”
[NaijaNews]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will spend N9.36 billion on local and foreign travels as well as refreshments in the coming year.
This is contained in the details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The president had, on Wednesday, present the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget proposals to a joint session of the National Assembly.
The fiscal document is christened: ‘Restoration Budget, Securing peace and building prosperity.’
N59.4bn Greater Dutse Water project takes off in JigawaFG reverses Ogunjimi’s appointment as AGF; Madein to complete tenure
According to the budget proposal, Tinubu will spend N7.44 billion on travels and refreshments; while Shettima will spend N1.9 billion for same.
The president’s international travels in 2025 will gulp N6.14 billion; and his local trips, N873.9 million.
Also, the sum of N431.6 million was earmarked for Tinubu’s refreshments and meals as well as foodstuffs and catering supplies.
The vice president’s international travels in 2025 will gulp N1.31 billion; and local trips, N417.5 million.
Refreshments and meals as well as foodstuff and catering supplies for the vice president will gulp N186.02 million.
In 2024, President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu spent not less than N5.24 billion on local and foreign travel between January and March 2024, according to an analysis of the travel expenses using GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s spending.
Presidency to spend N10.6bn on cars, honorarium, fuel, SAs office
The Office of the President also proposed N4,760,035,960 for vehicles, with N3,661,566,123 for the purchase of State House operational vehicles and N1 billion for the replacement of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUVs).
Another N255,728,214 was budgeted for purchase of cars, with N127,864,107 set aside for the procurement of SUVS for the president and vice president as well as N127,864,107 for the purchase of operational vehicles at the Presidential Conference Car Unit (CCU) fleet.
The sum of N5,938,883,548 was proposed for honorarium, construction for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants’ Office Complex and fuel for generators.
The budget proposals showed that N2,118,521,128 was earmarked for sitting allowance/honorarium, N1,989,579,359 for fuel and N1,830,783,061 (billion) is for construction of office complex for SAs and SSAs.
2025 Appropriation Bill scales second reading
The National Assembly yesterday passed the N49.7tn ‘Restoration’ Budget for a second reading.
The budget was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives after various deliberations on the bill’s general principles by senators and members of the House of Representatives at their separate sittings.
In the Senate, the budget was passed and referred to the Committee on Appropriations after being put to a voice vote by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session.
Similarly, in the House of Representatives, the appropriation bill was passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for further legislative actions.
Also, the House also passed through Second Reading, a Bill to extend the capital component of the 2024 Budget to June 30th, 2025.
The bill was presented on the floor of the House by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvere.
It was titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the Implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023).’
Meanwhile, both chambers of the National Assembly have adjourned sittings to January 14, 2025, to observe recess for the yuletide celebrations.
[Daily Trust]
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Bandits terrorizing Zamfara State have reportedly abducted over 40 persons from communities in Maru Local Government Area during various attacks over the past two weeks.
A resident of Maru town, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi, told newsmen in a telephone interview on Thursday that the situation has become deeply concerning for many community members in the local government area.
According to him, the bandits have been carrying out a series of attacks in the local government headquarters and surrounding communities, abducting residents from their homes.
“Just last week, the bandits stormed our town and conducted house-to-house searches, starting from the Emir’s palace area, and kidnapped seven persons,” he said.
Abdullahi attributed the frequent attacks on Maru communities to the activities of informants collaborating with the bandits in the area.
“Our major challenge is the bandits’ informants, as most of the kidnapped victims are prominent persons in the area,” he lamented.
“As I am talking to you now, there are over 40 kidnapped victims in bandit camps following simultaneous attacks on Maru communities over the past two weeks.”
Speaking further, he noted that the bandits terrorizing the area are operating from camps behind Bakalori Dam (Bayan Ruwa) in Maradun Local Government Area of the State.
“We are in serious trouble because many bandits are relocating to the Maradun camp. There is an urgent need for authorities to dislodge them for peace to thrive.”
He appealed to the federal and Zamfara State governments to urgently deploy more troops to the Maradun area to tackle the Bayan Ruwa bandit camps.
Another resident of the area, Usman Abubakar, described the local government as a “colony of banditry,” stating that the bandits unleash terror at will.
“When the banditry began more than a decade ago, Dansadau, a district of Maru Local Government, was the epicenter. But now, the bandits have spread to all parts of the State, especially Maru Local Government Area,” he said.
Recall that a few months ago, bandits killed several police officers, including a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in Maru town.
All efforts to obtain a reaction from the State Police Command on the issue proved abortive at the time of filing this report.
[Daily Post]
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has stated that directing curses at individuals online constitutes a criminal offense punishable under the law.
Adejobi explained that such behavior amounts to cyberbullying, which cannot be justified as freedom of expression or constructive criticism.
He emphasized this in a statement, writing: “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyber bullying, not expression of freedom or criticism.
“And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.”
Reacting, a tweep said, “@felabayomi: When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these law they are using to take away peoples human right in the supreme court. Late Gani Fawehinmi would have challenged that law by now.”
@DistinctFOJ contested, “Olumuyiwa, assuming your narrative is valid, Section 1(3) of the CFRN state that if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail.
Freedom of expression is nonnegotiable. Raining curses is Constitutional.”
@omoopee_ agreed with the FPRO, “You are absolutely right sir, raining curses and engaging in cyberbullying is not freedom of expression but an act of harm. We must all learn to express ourselves responsibly. That said, sir, please, you are yet to respond to my question.”
Vanguard News
The ex-wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Naomi Silekunola, has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command following the tragic stampede at a children’s carnival she organised.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
In a statement on Thursday, the state police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, said Naomi was arrested alongside seven event organisers.
According to Osifeso, the stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 35 minors, with six children in critical condition and receiving various medical interventions.
The statement read, “Eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements in the event.
“Among those detained are Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school.”
“The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years. So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while 6 others are critically injured.”
Osifeso also stated that the command had taken significant steps in the investigation, transferring the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the Deputy Commissioner of Police will lead the inquiry, and justice will be served accordingly.
He said police have increased their presence in the area to maintain peace and security, adding that residents have been advised not to panic, as police patrols will be heightened to prevent any potential unrest.
The statement emphasised.“Residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high level patrols and visible Police presence.
“The Oyo Police Command then expressed its condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, stating, “The Oyo State Police Command sympathises with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.”
The command also provided emergency contact numbers, including a toll-free line at 615 and control room numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.
Fuji musician, Rdot maWasiu Alabi Ajibola Odetola, popularly known as Pasuma Wonder, marked 40 years anniversary in the entertainment industry on December 18, 2024.
The grand event, held at the Sheraton Bamora Hall in Ikeja, Lagos, was a spectacular affair, bringing together a host of Nigerian celebrities and music legends.
The evening saw a star-studded attendance, including Fuji maestro K1 De Ultimate, actress Faithia Balogun, and several other prominent figures, all coming together to honor the legendary musician’s remarkable career.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was captured in a viral video, where K1 De Ultimate, who has been a mentor to Pasuma, sang praises and offered heartfelt prayers for him.
In a show of deep respect, Pasuma bowed his head in gratitude, creating a touching moment that stirred social media, with fans and followers expressing their admiration for the veteran artist.
Pasuma’s journey in music began in 1984, inspired by his mentor, K1 De Ultimate.
Over the years, he has solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the Fuji music scene, making a significant impact not only as a musician but also as an actor.
Another highlight of the evening was the emotional reunion between K1 De Ultimate and Ayinla Kollington, two Fuji legends who had been estranged for years.
The duo was seen together, laughing and reminiscing, finally putting an end to years of speculation about their relationship.
See below;