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06/18/20
Colombian army rescues abducted Swiss and Brazilian tourists
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The Swiss and Brazilian tourists were kidnapped by dissidents from the former Farc rebel movement.
The Swiss and Brazilian tourists were kidnapped by dissidents from the former Farc rebel movement.
Colgate reviews China's Darlie brand amid race debate
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The popular Chinese brand features a caricature and translates as "black person toothpaste".
The popular Chinese brand features a caricature and translates as "black person toothpaste".
New Zealand police shooting: Two officers 'seriously injured'
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The shooter fled the scene in a vehicle in Massey, west Auckland, and has not been caught.
The shooter fled the scene in a vehicle in Massey, west Auckland, and has not been caught.
BREAKING: Police Arrest CUPP Spokesperson, Ugochinyere, On Orders Of House Of Reps Speaker, Gbajabiamila Over Infectious Disease Bill
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties.
His arrest is at the instance of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, SaharaReporters can confirm.
Ugochinyere was arrested at his residence in Abuja on Thursday and still being held at the a police facility in Maitama, Abuja, as at the time of this report. 
Recall that a federal high court in Abuja barred the police and the Department of State Services from arresting Ugochinyere on June 4.
Ugochinyere had accused the House of Representatives of bribery over the infectious disease bill and in a resolution, the lawmakers directed that he be arrested.
In a suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/475/2020, the court had earlier granted Ugochinyere’s prayer that the House of Representatives be barred from proceeding with its plan to hold a hearing on the allegation.
Othman Musa, the judge, who delivered the ruling in the suit number FCT/HC/BW/CV/120/2020, ordered the security agencies not to give any effect to the resolution of the House for disobeying previous orders granted by the court.
The court also advised parties to the suit not to take any further steps in defiance of the order as any such directive shall be void.
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BREAKING: Police Arrest CUPP Spokesperson, Ugochinyere, On Orders Of House Of Reps Speaker, Gbajabiamila Over Infectious Disease Bill
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties.
His arrest is at the instance of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, SaharaReporters can confirm.
Ugochinyere was arrested at his residence in Abuja on Thursday and still being held at the a police facility in Maitama, Abuja, as at the time of this report. 
Recall that a federal high court in Abuja barred the police and the Department of State Services from arresting Ugochinyere on June 4.
Ugochinyere had accused the House of Representatives of bribery over the infectious disease bill and in a resolution, the lawmakers directed that he be arrested.
In a suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/475/2020, the court had earlier granted Ugochinyere’s prayer that the House of Representatives be barred from proceeding with its plan to hold a hearing on the allegation.
Othman Musa, the judge, who delivered the ruling in the suit number FCT/HC/BW/CV/120/2020, ordered the security agencies not to give any effect to the resolution of the House for disobeying previous orders granted by the court.
The court also advised parties to the suit not to take any further steps in defiance of the order as any such directive shall be void.
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Police Bow To Pressure, Release Katsina Protest Leader, Sharif
Detained leader of protests in Katsina State organised to call government to action over rising insecurity in the state, Ashir Sharif, has been released by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement by spokesperson for Coalition of Northern Groups, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the group said it will not relent in its pursuit of justice for all.
The statement reads, "Coalition of Northern Groups hereby confirms that Nastura Ashir Sharif, its chairman of the Board of Trustees, has today been freed from a two-day police captivity. 
"He was arrested Tuesday afternoon and moved to Abuja shortly after the peaceful protests in Katsina against the killings of helpless and defenceless citizens by bandits.
"We acknowledge that Sharif's freedom was made possible by the enormous pressure exerted by the CNG, the Northern Elders Forum, patriotic leaders and elders of the North, a decent section of the civil society, a multi-sectoral cooperation of regional groups and activists and the vigilance of the national and international press. See Also 
"We equally appreciate the support, cooperation and patience of the entire Northern public throughout the period of Shariff's detention. This is indeed reassuring.
"We assure the public that we shall never relent in our struggle for a decent, free, fair and just society no matter the odds.
"We urge authorities to endeavour to always place value on human liberty and people's rights as basic cornerstones for civilised democracy."
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NANS Zone A Demands Release Of Arrested Katsina Student Leaders During Protest
The National Association of Nigerian Students (Zone A) has demanded the immediate release of student leaders arrested on Thursday during a protest against rising insecurity in Katsina State.
In a statement by Zakari Hashim, Coordinator of NANS Zone A, the group condemned the harassment of peaceful protesters, calling for the police to do the right thing.
The statement reads, "It has become pertinent to make this release, sequel to the arrest of some Katsina State student leaders by Nigeria Police Force, Katsina State Command. 
"The students leaders, who were out to protest against the incessant killings going in the state, were arrested a day after the arrest of Nastur Ashir Sheriff, Chairman Board of Trustees, Coalition of Northern Groups.
"Among the arrested student leaders is Abu Bature Dandume, Assistant Secretary-General of NANS zone A. See Also
"It is laughable that the security agency that don't know the whereabout of Adamu Alero and his co-bandits has the guts to arrest peaceful protesters in an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
"We give the NPF Katsina State Command 24 hours to release our students or face mass exodus of Nigerian students into the state."
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BREAKING: APC Crisis Gets Messier As Giadom Obtains Court Order To Act As National Chairman
Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Victor Giadom, has obtained a court order to confirm him as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
According to the court order dated June 18, 2020 with suit No FCT/HC/M/7707/2020 and sighted by SaharaReporters, the lifespan of the previous order granted to Giadom on March 17, 2020 was extended.
The order reads, "Consequently and in line with rule No 5 of the COVID-19 direction of the FCT High Court 2020, the order of this court made on the 16th Day of March, 2020 is hereby extended for a period of 2 weeks. 
"Application is hereby granted as prayed."
The National Working Committee of the party had in a meeting on Wednesday night declared Giadom's seat vacant, claiming that he had ceased to be an officer of the party since 2018.
The APC said that Giadom resigned in 2018 to contest as deputy governorship candidate of the party in Rivers State.
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BREAKING: APC Crisis Gets Messier As Giadom Obtains Court Order To Act As National Chairman
Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Victor Giadom, has obtained a court order to confirm him as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
According to the court order dated June 18, 2020 with suit No FCT/HC/M/7707/2020 and sighted by SaharaReporters, the lifespan of the previous order granted to Giadom on March 17, 2020 was extended.
The order reads, "Consequently and in line with rule No 5 of the COVID-19 direction of the FCT High Court 2020, the order of this court made on the 16th Day of March, 2020 is hereby extended for a period of 2 weeks.
"Application is hereby granted as prayed."
The National Working Committee of the party had in a meeting on Wednesday night declared Giadom's seat vacant, claiming that he had ceased to be an officer of the party since 2018.
The APC said that Giadom resigned in 2018 to contest as deputy governorship candidate of the party in Rivers State.
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EFCC Arraigns Benue Deputy Speaker, Clerk For Alleged N5m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Makurdi Zonal Office, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, arraigned Deputy Speaker of Benue State House of
Assembly, Christopher Adaji, and Clerk of the Assembly, Torese Agena, before Justice S. O. Itodo of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi, for their complicity in an alleged fraud totalling N5, 040,950.
They were arraigned on two-count charge bordering on conspiracy, bribery, criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Count one reads, “That you, Torese Agena, on 18th day of October, 2019 being Clerk, Benue State House of Assembly, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage to yourself as bribe, to the tune of N200, 000 (Two Hundred thousand naira only) from N50, 000, 000 (Fifty Million Naira) payable to High Profile Investment Nigeria Limited by the Benue State Government for the Benue State House of Assembly legislative tour to European countries, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Act." 
Count two reads, "That you Christopher Adaji between 8th - 14 of November, 2019 within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court spent the sum of N4, 840, 950 (Four Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira only) the funds allocated to you for European legislative tour on your legal and other services and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(5) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000."
After their no guilty plea, prosecution counsel, G. G. Chia-Yakua, asked the court for a date for the commencement of trial and also sought an order of the court to remand the defendants in a Nigeria Correctional Services centre.
However, the defence counsel prayed the court to grant them bail on liberal terms or on self-recognisance, adding that they would always be available in court to face trial.
Justice Itodo admitted them to bail on self-recognisance and thereafter adjourned the case until July 6, 7, and 8, 2020, for commencement of trial.
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EFCC Arraigns Benue Deputy Speaker, Clerk For Alleged N5m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Makurdi Zonal Office, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, arraigned Deputy Speaker of Benue State House of
Assembly, Christopher Adaji, and Clerk of the Assembly, Torese Agena, before Justice S. O. Itodo of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi, for their complicity in an alleged fraud totalling N5, 040,950.
They were arraigned on two-count charge bordering on conspiracy, bribery, criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Count one reads, “That you, Torese Agena, on 18th day of October, 2019 being Clerk, Benue State House of Assembly, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage to yourself as bribe, to the tune of N200, 000 (Two Hundred thousand naira only) from N50, 000, 000 (Fifty Million Naira) payable to High Profile Investment Nigeria Limited by the Benue State Government for the Benue State House of Assembly legislative tour to European countries, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Act."
Count two reads, "That you Christopher Adaji between 8th - 14 of November, 2019 within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court spent the sum of N4, 840, 950 (Four Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira only) the funds allocated to you for European legislative tour on your legal and other services and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(5) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000."
After their no guilty plea, prosecution counsel, G. G. Chia-Yakua, asked the court for a date for the commencement of trial and also sought an order of the court to remand the defendants in a Nigeria Correctional Services centre.
However, the defence counsel prayed the court to grant them bail on liberal terms or on self-recognisance, adding that they would always be available in court to face trial.
Justice Itodo admitted them to bail on self-recognisance and thereafter adjourned the case until July 6, 7, and 8, 2020, for commencement of trial.
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Australia targeted by 'state-based' cyber attack, PM Morrison says
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The country is being targeted by a "sophisticated" state actor, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.
The country is being targeted by a "sophisticated" state actor, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.
Keedron Bryant: Warner Records signs black protest singer, 12
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Keedron Bryant's song I Just Wanna Live was posted one day after the death of George Floyd.
Keedron Bryant's song I Just Wanna Live was posted one day after the death of George Floyd.
Belarus: Rival of President Lukashenko arrested ahead of election
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Viktor Babaryko was held amid pressure on opposition figures before August's presidential election.
Viktor Babaryko was held amid pressure on opposition figures before August's presidential election.
Colonial abuses haunt France's racism debate
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Lucy Williamson examines France's struggle to deal with the painful legacy of empire.
Lucy Williamson examines France's struggle to deal with the painful legacy of empire.
Trump in Tulsa: City faces up to violent past ahead of rally
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The city in Oklahoma was the site of the deadliest single act of racial violence in US history.
The city in Oklahoma was the site of the deadliest single act of racial violence in US history.
Galwan Valley: The soldiers killed in the India-China border clash
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BBC Hindi speaks to five families from the eastern state of Bihar who lost loved ones in the clash.
BBC Hindi speaks to five families from the eastern state of Bihar who lost loved ones in the clash.
COVID-19: Abia Government Seals Church, Market In Aba
Members of the Abia State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19 on Wednesday stormed Aba on an enforcement visit and sealed Chapel of Answer Church, along Jubilee Road as well as the Electronic Plaza in Ariaria International Market.
Chairman of the committee and Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, who led the team, visited two churches in the city, the Central Mosque along Hospital Road and the popular Ariaria International Market.
He expressed worry over the level of compliance to COVID-19 prevention and control guidelines issued by the state government and appealed to residents to take the fight against the disease seriously to avert looming danger.
At the Chapel of Answers Church, Ezem who was displeased by the fact that the members were conducting midweek service in defiance to the protocols on religious worship for only Fridays for Muslims, Saturdays and Sundays for Christians, also condemned what he described as the non-observance of social distancing by the worshipers as well as non-wearing of face masks by many of those found inside the church.
He said, “Religious worship centres must partner the government to curtail the spread of infections recorded in Aba as it is Biblical to do so. We cannot afford to sit idly and watch our people get exposed to this deadly virus that is threatening to kill as many people as it can find in the world.”
At the Central Mosque in Aba, the SSG addressed shop owners and the leaders of the mosque and warned against trading in the night during curfew hours as well as loading and unloading interstate buses from the northern part of the country in particular and other parts of the nation in general.
He further expressed displeasure with reports of non-compliance with wearing of face masks, maintenance of social distancing and gathering of not more than 50 persons during worship services.
He said any further violations would lead to the indefinite closure of the mosque.
Similarly, at the Intercessors Ministry along Ukaegbu Road in Aba, Ezem warmed members of the church against holding midweek services and non-compliance to other protocols for worship and threatened to close down the church if further reports of non-compliance were received.
During the visit to Ariaria International Market, the team observed that traders at the electronic plaza did not observe any of the guidelines issued by the committee for the operation of markets in the state and announced an immediate closure of the plaza till further notice.
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Rayshard Brooks widow: 'I felt everything that he felt'
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The widow of Rayshard Brooks gives her reaction as the district attorney shares details of the death.
The widow of Rayshard Brooks gives her reaction as the district attorney shares details of the death.
Group Bemoans State Of Health Facilities In Nigeria
The Movement for a Socialist Alternative (MSA), affiliated to the International Socialist Alternative (ISA), has blamed the ruling and political elites for the deteriorating and deadly conditions of health facilities in the country.
The group, in a statement by Dagga Tolar, said that the country has yet to make any headway against Coronavirus, lamenting the lack of PPE for healthcare workers
Tolar said, "The easing of the lock-down is not based on any medical breakthrough in the fight against the COVID-9 pandemic. The regime is in complete paralysis and has demonstrated a false sense of surprise at the comatose state of health facilities in the country.
"The ruling elites should be held responsible for the deadly conditions of health facilities in Nigeria, given the growing shortfall in budgetary allocation to the health sector, and the preference of the ruling elites to travel abroad for any form of medical check-up or treatment.”
Tolar also slammed the labour unions for not moving against private organisations.
He said: "Already, private institutions have silently begun the sacking of workers, a situation that decades of contract-staffing and anti-labour practices have made easier. Some of these companies hide behind COVID-19 downturn to carry out this unwholesome sack.
"The leadership of the labour movement has once again demonstrated its unwillingness and unpreparedness to provide leadership for their aspirations for improvement in the masses’ living conditions. A crisis like this exposes the true orientation of socialists or activists, because of the unavailability of middle grounds. "
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Amnesty International Condemns Arrest Of Leader Of Katsina Protest, Sharif
Amnesty International on Wednesday condemned the arrest of Nastura Sharif, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Coalition of Northern Groups, who organised a series of protests against the killing of innocent people by bandits and other criminal elements in Katsina State.
They also called on Aminu Masari, governor of the state, and President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over their inability to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians in the North.
Amnesty Nigeria media manager, Isa Sanusi, in a chat with journalists urged the government to immediately release the CNG chairman. 
He said, “Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Nastura Ashir Sharif who has done nothing more than speak up in defence of people’s right to life and calling for an end of the rising insecurity across northern Nigeria.
“He was simply asking the authorities to do their job. His arrest appears to be an attempt to intimidate and harass both him and others peacefully exercising freedom of assembly and expression. Protest is not a crime, it is a right. Subjecting activists to such arbitrary arrest is a violation of Nigerian and international human rights laws.”
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Free Speech Police Arrest, Detain Organiser Of Protest In Katsina 0 Comments 15 Hours Ago
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Amnesty International Condemns Arrest Of Leader Of Katsina Protest, Sharif
Amnesty International on Wednesday condemned the arrest of Nastura Sharif, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Coalition of Northern Groups, who organised a series of protests against the killing of innocent people by bandits and other criminal elements in Katsina State.
They also called on Aminu Masari, governor of the state, and President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over their inability to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians in the North.
Amnesty Nigeria media manager, Isa Sanusi, in a chat with journalists urged the government to immediately release the CNG chairman. 
He said, “Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Nastura Ashir Sharif who has done nothing more than speak up in defence of people’s right to life and calling for an end of the rising insecurity across northern Nigeria.
“He was simply asking the authorities to do their job. His arrest appears to be an attempt to intimidate and harass both him and others peacefully exercising freedom of assembly and expression. Protest is not a crime, it is a right. Subjecting activists to such arbitrary arrest is a violation of Nigerian and international human rights laws.”
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Police Lay Ambush For Participants Of Rape, Killings Protest Scheduled For Thursday In Abuja
The Nigerian Government has deployed armed mobile policemen at the entry point of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, ahead of a planned protest by a group of women foundation over rising cases of killings and rape in the country.
Our correspondent on Wednesday spotted a detachment of armed policemen stationed at strategic locations along Kubwa-Abuja expressway. 
Some residents of the area said the presence of heavily amred policemen was unusual.
Also, police water canon trucks were sighted in different locations in the city center in preparation to disrupt the planned protest on Thursday. 
Several groups have decried the deplorable security situation in the Northern part of the country and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise to his constitutional responsibility and end the killings in the region.
The Nigerian Government has become intolerant of criticisms by stifling dissenting and stop protests against injustice and oppression from holding. 
Recall that the police in Katsina on Tuesday arrested Nastura Ashir Sharif, leader of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), who organised a protest against the senseless killings by bandits in the state.
See Also
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Police Lay Ambush For Participants Of Rape, Killings Protest Scheduled For Thursday In Abuja
The Nigerian Government has deployed armed mobile policemen at the entry point of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, ahead of a planned protest by a group of women foundation over rising cases of killings and rape in the country.
Our correspondent on Wednesday spotted a detachment of armed policemen stationed at strategic locations along Kubwa-Abuja expressway. 
Some residents of the area said the presence of heavily amred policemen was unusual.
Also, police water canon trucks were sighted in different locations in the city center in preparation to disrupt the planned protest on Thursday. 
Several groups have decried the deplorable security situation in the Northern part of the country and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise to his constitutional responsibility and end the killings in the region.
The Nigerian Government has become intolerant of criticisms by stifling dissenting and stop protests against injustice and oppression from holding. 
Recall that the police in Katsina on Tuesday arrested Nastura Ashir Sharif, leader of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), who organised a protest against the senseless killings by bandits in the state.
See Also Sahara Reporters Police Arrest, Detain Organiser Of Protest In Katsina 0 Comments 13 Hours Ago
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Galwan Valley: India rebuts China's land ownership claim
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Galwan Valley, where China and India fought a deadly brawl, is known for its harsh climate and terrain.
Galwan Valley, where China and India fought a deadly brawl, is known for its harsh climate and terrain.
Coronavirus Beijing: Why an outbreak sparked a salmon panic in China
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Beijing is seeing a rise in virus cases - but is frozen salmon really the cause?
Beijing is seeing a rise in virus cases - but is frozen salmon really the cause?
Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh kicked out for calling rival 'racist'
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Jagmeet Singh was thrown out of the House for not apologising after he called another MP "racist".
Jagmeet Singh was thrown out of the House for not apologising after he called another MP "racist".
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