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Effingham County, Georgia, is reeling from tragedy as Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide inside his courtroom. The incident occurred late Monday night into early Tuesday, on what would have been his last day on the bench following a recent election loss. Yekel’s body was discovered Tuesday morning, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,
Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

Effingham County, Georgia, is reeling from tragedy as Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide inside his courtroom.

The incident occurred late Monday night into early Tuesday, on what would have been his last day on the bench following a recent election loss.

Yekel’s body was discovered Tuesday morning, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, GBI, is currently probing the circumstances surrounding his death.

Judge Yekel, who had served since his appointment in 2022, attempted to resign from his position after losing his re-election bid.

However, Governor Brian Kemp rejected his resignation, citing a desire to respect “the will of the people of Effingham County.”

Yekel expressed frustration in his resignation letter, stating that only 6 per cent of eligible voters had participated in the election he lost to Judge Melissa M. Calhoun.

Yekel’s death follows a difficult year marked by personal and professional challenges. His ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, had publicly defended him against rumours related to their divorce and his re-election campaign.

She also revealed financial difficulties stemming from a failed daycare business and described him as “one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know.”

In addition to his election loss, Yekel was facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford, who alleged wrongful termination and sought $10,000 in damages.

Crawford claimed Yekel fired her to replace her with his own staff and accused her of conspiring to reduce charges for DUI offenders, allegations Yekel denied in an email submitted as evidence in the case.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed shock and sadness over the incident, announcing that the courtroom would remain closed until January 2.

The county extended its condolences to Yekel’s family and loved ones, describing his death as a significant loss.

Governor Kemp has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the tragedy.

Judge Yekel had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement and the judiciary. Before he was appointed judge, he served as an assistant district attorney in Chatham County and worked as a special agent with Georgia’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit.

He leaves behind four children—Sean, Ashleigh, Blake, and Brett—and a legacy of service that many in the community are now mourning.

Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commiserated with the Catholic community in the state, following the demise of the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who died at the age of 104 on Sunday morning. In a press statement on Monday, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo said the
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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commiserated with the Catholic community in the state, following the demise of the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who died at the age of 104 on Sunday morning. In a press statement on Monday, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo said the

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The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has called for the introduction of the death penalty for drug peddlers, particularly those whose actions result in the death of children. In an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Adeyeye emphasized that only severe penalties
NAFDAC proposes death penalty for drug peddlers

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has called for the introduction of the death penalty for drug peddlers, particularly those whose actions result in the death of children.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Adeyeye emphasized that only severe penalties would effectively deter drug peddlers, especially those selling harmful substandard medications.

She shared a troubling example from a recent investigation where children’s medicine was sold at vastly different prices, with one costing N13,000 while a counterfeit version was sold for just N3,000 in the same mall.

When tested at NAFDAC’s Kaduna laboratory, the medicine was found to contain no active ingredients.

“Someone doesn’t need to put a gun to a child’s head to harm them. Just give them bad medicine, and that child’s life can be destroyed,” Adeyeye said, expressing her frustration with the growing issue.

Adeyeye is pushing for a legal framework that would impose harsher penalties for those involved in the trade of counterfeit and dangerous drugs. She stressed the need for cooperation between the judiciary, the National Assembly, and NAFDAC to enforce stricter laws.

“You cannot combat substandard and falsified medicines in isolation. The agency can only do so much, but without strong deterrents, the problem will persist,” she stated.

She cited the case of a person importing a highly dangerous 225mg dose of Tramadol, which could cause severe harm or death, yet only receiving a minimal sentence of five years in prison or a fine of N250,000.

“Who wouldn’t pay a fine of N250,000 and go on to commit the same offense? That’s part of our issue—there are no stringent measures in place to prevent repeat offenses,” Adeyeye added. She urged lawmakers to partner with NAFDAC to make penalties for drug peddling far more severe.

While NAFDAC works tirelessly to address these issues, Adeyeye also highlighted the agency’s struggle with limited staffing and resources. With just around 2,000 employees nationwide, the agency faces significant challenges in carrying out its enforcement duties.

“We are understaffed, and our funding is limited. I hope things will improve so we can strengthen our efforts,” she concluded.

NAFDAC proposes death penalty for drug peddlers