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Month: May 2025

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Dead Man ‘Returns’ Via AI To Address His Killer In Court [Video]

PHOENIX, ARIZONA — In an emotional and unprecedented moment, the family of Chris Pelkey used artificial intelligence to deliver a victim impact statement during the sentencing of Gabriel Horcasitas, the man convicted of killing Pelkey in a road rage shooting three years ago.

The AI-generated message featured a digital recreation of Pelkey’s voice and likeness, built using past recordings, photos, and videos. The statement, written by Pelkey’s sister, Stacey Wales, reflected what she believed her brother—a man known for his kindness and deep faith—would have said if he were alive.

“To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me, it is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances,” said the AI-rendered version of Pelkey, appearing in a grey baseball cap on courtroom screens.

“In another life, we probably could have been friends. I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Todd Lang, who presided over the sentencing, responded with emotion to the use of the technology.

“I loved that AI, thank you for that,” he said. “As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”

Horcasitas was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison on manslaughter charges.

Paul Grimm, a retired federal judge and current professor at Duke Law School, said he wasn’t surprised by the use of AI, pointing out that Arizona courts already use the technology in various forms, such as summarizing complex Supreme Court decisions for public consumption.

Since the video was shown only after the jury had reached a verdict, legal experts say its use did not violate courtroom procedures. However, ethicists warn about the implications of using AI to represent deceased individuals.

“If we have other people doing this moving forward, are we always going to get fidelity to what the person, the victim in this case, would’ve wanted?” asked Derek Leben, a business ethics professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

Stacey Wales defended the decision, saying their family was guided by morals and respect for her brother’s memory.

“We approached this with ethics and morals because this is a powerful tool,” she said. “Just like a hammer can be used to break a window or rip down a wall, it can also be used as a tool to build a house—and that’s how we used this technology.”

The post Dead Man ‘Returns’ Via AI To Address His Killer In Court [Video] appeared first on The Bureau Newspaper.

2027: Gov. Nasir Idris’ Rising Popularity Rattles Political Heavyweights in Kebbi — Abdullahi Zuru

By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi

As the 2027 general elections approach, growing political awareness and a renewed demand for accountability are shifting the political landscape in Kebbi State—and unsettling long-entrenched political figures.

According to political analyst Abdullahi Zuru, the electorate in Kebbi and across Nigeria is beginning to reject the era of political “bigmanism” and recycled, unproductive leadership. “Today’s voters are no longer swayed by empty titles or wealth,” Zuru said. “They are now demanding leaders with a verifiable record of service, integrity, and developmental impact.”

Zuru pointed to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) as a prime example of this shift. Before entering politics, Governor Idris was a career teacher who rose to become National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). His leadership in these roles earned him national recognition and deep grassroots support, especially across the Gwandu Emirate.

“During his years in unionism, ‘Nasir NUT,’ as he was popularly known, impacted lives positively—rehabilitating school infrastructure and providing vital teaching materials long before he became governor,” Zuru noted.

When Idris eventually joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), his reputation as a people-centered leader gave him an edge, even against deep-pocketed political actors with longstanding ambitions. His widespread goodwill helped him clinch the APC governorship ticket and ultimately win the 2023 election.

Since assuming office, Governor Idris has focused on inclusive governance—consulting party stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, and non-partisan elders in major decisions. This open-door leadership style has translated into visible developmental progress acknowledged by both residents and independent observers.

His close relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also brought significant federal attention and resources to Kebbi. Notable projects facilitated under this alliance include:

  • Revocation and takeover of the long-abandoned Koko-Zuru federal road project by the Kebbi State Government

  • Reconstruction of key routes including Malando-Warra, Maga-Gamji, and Natsini-Kangiwa-Kamba roads

  • Allocation of 250 kilometers of the 1,600-kilometer Illela to Badagry Super Highway to Kebbi

  • Federal commitment to end political hijacking of appointments into national boards and commissions

“These achievements have made Governor Nasir Idris a formidable force, and understandably a source of worry for self-serving politicians eyeing 2027,” Zuru stated.

He condemned what he described as a desperate smear campaign being mounted against the governor by political opponents threatened by his growing popularity.

“At this point in our democracy, especially in Kebbi, the people are wise. The loyalty of Governor Nasir Idris to President Tinubu is firm, and his commitment to the APC’s unity is unshakable,” Zuru said. “His stance is clear: ‘No retreat, no surrender, and no political prostitution.’”

Zuru urged those fueling political tension and false narratives to abandon their “cowardly acts of frustration” and instead focus on preparing for the 2027 elections through genuine engagement with the people.

The post 2027: Gov. Nasir Idris’ Rising Popularity Rattles Political Heavyweights in Kebbi — Abdullahi Zuru appeared first on The Bureau Newspaper.

Troops Bust Mahmuda Camp, Arrest 12 in Kainji Lake Sweep

By Andrew Haruna
KAIAMA, KWARA STATE – The Nigerian Army has apprehended no fewer than 12 suspects believed to be connected with terrorist activities orchestrated by a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, identified as the Mahmuda group.

The insurgent faction had reportedly taken over the Kainji Lake National Park, turning it into a base of operations for terrorizing residents in nearby border communities.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, confirmed the arrests during a visit to military camps within the affected regions. The arrests, he stated, were made during a series of coordinated raids in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, and Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

General Onubogu revealed that two of the detained individuals have been positively identified as active members of the Mahmuda-led insurgent group, while the remaining suspects are currently under investigation for suspected complicity in terror activities.

The GOC emphasized that the operation—codenamed Operation Park Strike Four—was initiated to dismantle terrorist cells, flush out bandits, and secure the Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding areas. According to him, troops have combed over 90 kilometers of forest terrain, from Kemanji into the heart of the Kainji forest, where a strong operational base has now been established.

“Our troops have made significant progress. We have successfully dislodged the bandits and are restoring peace to the region,” General Onubogu said.

He further disclosed that the ongoing military campaign is in line with directives from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, to maintain a continuous military presence across the forest corridor and border communities to ensure lasting security for the affected populations.

Security operations are expected to continue in full force until the insurgent threat is completely neutralized and normalcy fully restored in the region.

The post Troops Bust Mahmuda Camp, Arrest 12 in Kainji Lake Sweep appeared first on The Bureau Newspaper.

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