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DNA Exonerates Man 47 Years After Rape Conviction

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DNA Exonerates Man 47 Years After Rape Conviction

DNA Exonerates Man 47 Years After Rape Conviction

 

 

After 47 years, a New York man has been exonerated after new DNA testing conclusively excluded him as the perpetrator of a 1975 rape.

 

 

DNA Exonerates Man 47 Years After Rape Conviction

This is the longest-known wrongful conviction in US history to be overturned by DNA evidence.

The tests identified a different man, who has since confessed to the rape.

Leonard Mack, 72, spent over seven years in prison after being convicted in 1976 for a crime he did not commit.

Mr Mack said: “I never lost hope that one day that I would be proven innocent.”

In May 1975, two teenage girls were walking home from school in the predominately white town of Greenburgh, New York when a man stopped them and held them at gun point.

One of the girls was raped twice while the other managed to escape and run for help.
The Greenburgh Police Department issued a dispatch for officers to be on the lookout for a black male in his early 20s.

Shortly after the attack, police stopped Mr. Mack, who happened to be driving through the neighbourhood.

Though Mr Mack had a strong alibi and was wearing different clothes than the suspect, police still arrested him.

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit, along with the Innocence Project – a nonprofit committed to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals – conducted new DNA testing in the rape case in 2022.

It revealed the actual perpetrator was a man who had been convicted of a burglary and rape in Queens that occurred weeks after this crime.

 

 

The man had also been convicted in 2004 for burglary and sexual assault of a woman in Westchester County.

 

 

“This exoneration confirms that wrongful convictions are not only harmful to the wrongly convicted but also make us all less safe,” district attorney Miriam E Rocah said in a statement.

 

 

Ms Rocah praised Mr Mack’s “unwavering strength” for fighting to clear his name for almost 50 years.

Witness misidentification is the leading cause of wrongful convictions, according to the Innocence Project. In this case, the girls identified Mr Mack during a flawed police identification process.

Susan Friedman, a senior attorney at the Innocence Project, said the case had “many of the ingredients of a wrongful conviction”.

“The state’s decision to continue the prosecution instead of reopening the investigation demonstrates the power of tunnel vision and the role that racial bias plays in the criminal legal system,” she said.

Mr Mack, who is a Vietnam War veteran, has been living in South Carolina with his wife of nearly 21 years.

Now the truth has come to light and I can finally breathe. I am finally free,” he said.

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Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.

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Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.

 

As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.

 

Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.

 

He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.

 

While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.

 

The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.

 

Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.

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Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice

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Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice

 

The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.

Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.

The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.

“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”

The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.

In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.

“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”

Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.

As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.

Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.

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Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims

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Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims

 

As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.

In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.

“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.

I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”

Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.

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