The first human to receive a genetically-modified pig kidney transplant has died — two months after the operation.

Announcing the development on Sunday, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), United States, said there was no indication his death was as a result of the transplant.

On March 16, surgeons at the hospital transplanted a pig’s kidney into 62-year-old Richard Slayman, a living human recipient, for the first time.

The hospital said a genetically-edited pig kidney was used for the “successful” surgery, which took four hours.

Slayman has been living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension for years.

He was on dialysis for many years before receiving a kidney transplant from a deceased human donor in December 2018.

The kidney began to fail about five years later and Slayman was forced to resume dialysis in May 2023.

The patient was discharged from hospital in April, almost three weeks after the operation.

Slayman’s relatives said his story was an inspiration and said one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive.

“Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever,” he said.

“To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humour who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers.”

Gossips of romance between International DJ and singer, Ireoluwa Otedola, DJ Cuppy and World Heavyweight Champion boxer, Anthony Joshua never lose colour and it appears it never will as the duo were caught together, looking like an adorable couple recently in a picture.

Cuppy was in attendance for the wedding of British billionaire/Pretty Little Thing (PLT) founder, Umar Kamani and model Nada Adelle in the South of France in what has now been labeled the wedding of the year – and certainly, one with a lot of money behind it.

The couple kicked off the first evening of their four-day wedding nuptials with a lavish white party at the luxury Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera, the exclusive resort linked to Eden Rock, owned by Pippa Middleton’s in-laws. A host of top celebs were spotted during the celebrations and we could see Cuppy hanging out with a few familiar faces, including Nigerian British boxing champion, Anthony Joshua and forever glamorous top model, Naomi Campbell.

For the Nigerian media, Cuppy and Joshua are always going to be worth more than a cursory glance. They have sparked dating rumours in the past, and it wouldn’t sound awkward to suggest the two are up to something.

Of course, while the rumors linger, neither of the two has shared an intimate story or hint to the public about the status of their association. But then, two single youngsters are never going to be trusted hanging out together, beaming with telling smiles at each other.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday posted a cryptic message on X which appears to be directed at Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi.

The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.

On April 18, the anti-graft agency declared the former governor wanted over alleged financial crimes.

The EFCC asked anyone with useful information on Bello’s whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station.

BACKGROUND

On March 14, the EFCC named the former Kogi governor in an amended charge filed against Alli Bello.

Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, the incumbent governor of the state, and one Daudu Suleiman, are the two defendants in the 17-count amended charge.

The EFCC alleged that the suspects diverted about N100 billion belonging to the Kogi state government in September 2015 – about four months before Bello assumed office as governor.

On April 17, the anti-graft agency barricaded the Abuja residence of the former governor of Kogi to arrest him.

Some hours later, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence and was said to have left with the former governor in his vehicle.

THE CRYPTIC MESSAGE

The EFCC in its “Eagle Series” posted on X, wrote that “once the eagle is on your case, you cannot hide — you can only run”, adding that “it will smoke you out in a matter of time”.

“Reason: The Eagle will smoke you out. It’s just a matter of time,” the anti-graft agency added.

“The world may be very big and Wide Only a coward thinks he can run and Hide But the Eagle will locate where you Reside In due time, you will bring yourself Outside The option now is left for you to Decide.”

Earlier on Friday, Abdulwahab Mohammed, lead counsel for Yahaya Bello, former Kogi governor, asked a federal high court in Abuja to give him four weeks to search for his client.

Mohammed added that the ex-governor’s whereabouts remain unknown.

The court has also refused to vacate a warrant of arrest issued against Bello.

Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, criticised Bello for filing applications despite his refusal to show up in court.

He described the actions of the former governor as an attempt to truncate the case preferred against him by the EFCC.