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Trump Insists Nigeria Is ‘Disgrace,’ Calls Violence ‘Genocide’ as Anger Escalates

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Simeon
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WASHINGTON (BN24) — U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the Nigerian government, accusing it of committing “genocide” against Christians amid rising violence from extremist groups. Speaking on a conservative radio show Friday, Trump condemned the Nigerian government for its failure to curb attacks on Christian communities, claiming that thousands have been killed in what he described as an ongoing genocide.

“Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” Trump said during the interview. “They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it.”

Trump’s remarks, which were later highlighted by Fox News, come amid heightened international concerns over religious persecution in Nigeria. The U.S. government has already designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to the widespread violence against religious minorities, particularly Christians, who are often targeted by Islamist militant groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates.

The former president reiterated his administration’s stance on Nigeria, warning that the U.S. could take further actions if the situation does not improve. We give a lot of subsidies to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping,” Trump added, referring to U.S. financial aid to the country. He also renewed his threat of military intervention, stating that the U.S. would take action against jihadist groups if the Nigerian government “does not do more” to protect its citizens.

Trump’s comments reflect growing frustration in Washington over the Nigerian government’s response to the escalating violence. On the same day, a U.S. Department of War official confirmed that American officials had been working closely with Nigeria’s leadership to address the growing threat posed by jihadist groups, which have increasingly targeted Christian communities in northern and central parts of the country.

Secretary of the War Department said he had met with Nigeria’s National Security Advisor to discuss the ongoing violence, with a focus on coordinating efforts to combat extremism and protect vulnerable populations. The official posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists.”

The U.S. government’s concerns were echoed during a meeting between Congressman Riley M. Moore and senior Nigerian officials in Washington earlier this week. Among the Nigerian delegation were key figures such as National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu. The discussions centered on Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, the protection of religious communities, and strengthening cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria to address the violence.

Following the meeting, Moore released a statement reaffirming the U.S. commitment to combating religious persecution in Nigeria. “The United States stands ready to coordinate and cooperate with Nigeria,” Moore said. “As President Trump made abundantly clear, the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution.”

The statement from Moore also noted that the Nigerian delegation had shared the country’s ongoing challenges in tackling terrorism, security threats, and the protection of vulnerable communities. The U.S. government has made it clear that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and push Nigeria’s government to accept international cooperation to stop the bloodshed.

The situation in Nigeria remains dire, with ongoing reports of violent attacks on Christian villages, religious leaders, and schools. The international community, led by the U.S., has called on Nigerian authorities to take more decisive action to protect all citizens, regardless of their religion.

Trump’s comments come at a time of increasing scrutiny on Nigeria’s security forces, which have been criticized for their inability to contain the violence. The country has struggled to curb the influence of extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have ravaged the northeast and other regions, causing widespread displacement and loss of life.

As tensions continue to rise, both the U.S. and Nigerian governments face mounting pressure to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further atrocities. The situation in Nigeria remains a point of contention in U.S.-Nigeria relations, with critics demanding more effective action from the Nigerian government to safeguard its citizens from the violence that has plagued the country for years.

Ukraine Allies Push Back on U.S. Peace Plan Seen as Favoring Moscow

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Simeon
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KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — Ukraine’s Western allies voiced strong opposition on Saturday to a U.S.-crafted peace proposal that many in Kyiv and Europe believe could favor Russia despite its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The 28-point blueprint, designed to bring an end to the war that has lasted nearly four years, has sparked alarm among Ukrainian leaders and European capitals, who warn that the plan could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The U.S. proposal, which foresees Ukraine ceding territory to Russia and limiting the size of its military, has been met with resistance from Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowing that Ukraine will “always defend” its home. The plan also includes provisions that would block Ukraine’s path to NATO membership, another major point of contention.

A Ukrainian delegation, supported by officials from France, Germany, and the U.K., is set to meet with Washington in Switzerland on Sunday to discuss the proposal. The diplomatic talks are seen as a crucial moment in the ongoing international effort to resolve the conflict, with Ukraine’s allies emphasizing the need for any peace agreement to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its right to self-defense.

The U.S. proposal has raised serious concerns. Zelenskyy and other leaders in Kyiv fear that it could leave the country vulnerable to further aggression from Russia. Ukrainian officials have consistently rejected the idea of territorial concessions to Moscow, a key demand of the Russian government, and have emphasized that they will not compromise on their sovereignty.

On Saturday, leaders from the European Union, Canada, and Japan issued a joint statement expressing support for U.S. peace efforts but pushing back on several elements of the plan. “We are ready to engage to ensure that a future peace is sustainable,” the statement said. “We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force,” it added, voicing concerns about the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which they argue would leave the country vulnerable to future Russian attacks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, reiterated European leaders’ insistence that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine’s full participation. “Wars cannot be ended by major powers over the heads of the countries affected,” Merz said, stressing that Kyiv needs strong security guarantees. “From my perspective, there is currently a chance to end this war,” Merz added, though he cautioned, “we are still quite a way from a good outcome for everyone.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced his concerns, emphasizing the importance of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. In a speech at the G20 summit, Macron stated, “There can be no peace in Ukraine without respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.”

The European pushback highlights the growing divide over how to end the war, with Kyiv’s allies insisting that Russia’s ongoing aggression and refusal to honor previous peace agreements should not be rewarded in any final settlement. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commenting ahead of the G20 summit, criticized Russia for undermining diplomatic efforts while continuing its brutal attacks on Ukraine.

“Time and again, Russia pretends to be serious about peace, but their actions never live up to their words,” Starmer said, referencing a recent Russian strike in western Ukraine that killed over two dozen civilians.

In the wake of growing tensions, European leaders have repeatedly warned against rushing into peace talks, stressing the need for a solution that reflects Ukraine’s needs and interests. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” must be the guiding principle of any peace process.

For his part, Zelenskyy remained defiant. In a video address on Saturday, he reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to defending its national interests and vowed to prevent any further Russian invasions. “Real peace is always based on security and justice,” he said, underscoring that Ukraine would not be coerced into compromising its territorial integrity.

The upcoming talks in Switzerland, which will include key Ukrainian officials such as Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andrii Yermak and envoy Rustem Umerov, are seen as a critical juncture in the conflict. Zelenskyy confirmed that the talks would allow Ukrainian negotiators to discuss directly with Russia’s representatives.

Saturday also marked the anniversary of the Soviet-era famine, known as the Holodomor, which Ukrainians commemorate as a reminder of the devastating suffering caused by Soviet policies. Zelenskyy referenced the tragic event in his remarks, drawing parallels to the current situation. “We defended, defend, and will always defend Ukraine. Because only here is our home. And in our home, Russia will definitely not be the master,” he said.

As the U.S. peace plan remains under scrutiny, the world watches closely to see whether Ukraine’s allies and Kyiv’s leadership can find common ground on a path to end the war while securing Ukraine’s future.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Spanish Bishop Accused of Sexual Abuse

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Simeon
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ROME (BN24) — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of 76-year-old Cádiz Bishop Rafael Zornoza, marking the first known time that the pontiff has removed a bishop accused of sexual abuse. The resignation, which had been submitted by Zornoza in 2022 when he turned 75, the typical retirement age for bishops, was delayed until this month, following revelations that the bishop was under investigation by a church tribunal for alleged sexual abuse dating back to the 1990s.

A brief statement from the Vatican on Saturday confirmed the acceptance of Zornoza’s resignation but did not specify the reasons behind the decision. The timing follows a report in the Spanish daily El País, which highlighted the investigation into Zornoza, accusing him of abusing a former seminarian during his time as a young priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The allegations, which stem from incidents that allegedly took place when the seminarian was between the ages of 14 and 21, include accusations of sexual abuse and manipulation.

The former seminarian, who has remained anonymous, wrote to the Vatican earlier this year, describing how Zornoza allegedly fondled him and regularly slept with him during his youth. According to the letter, Zornoza also attempted to manipulate the seminarian’s psychological well-being, pressuring him to seek psychiatric help to “cure” his homosexuality. These revelations prompted the Vatican’s intervention and the opening of an investigation by the church’s tribunal, the Rota, in Madrid.

In response, the Diocese of Cádiz denied the allegations but confirmed that an investigation was underway. A statement from the diocese on November 10 confirmed that Zornoza was cooperating with the investigation, noting that he had temporarily suspended his official duties to focus on his health, as he is reportedly undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of cancer.

“The accusations made, referring to events that took place almost 30 years ago, are very serious and also false,” the diocese statement said. Zornoza himself has not publicly addressed the specific charges but has made clear his intention to clear his name.

The case is particularly significant as it represents the first publicly known instance of a bishop being retired and placed under investigation for allegations of abuse, particularly amid Spain’s growing reckoning with decades of sexual abuse and cover-up within the Catholic Church. While the Spanish church has faced years of criticism, the resignation of a high-ranking official like Zornoza marks a critical moment in the institution’s efforts to address these long-standing issues.

In recent years, Spain has seen an increasing number of abuse cases come to light, with the country’s first official investigation, launched in 2023, revealing that the number of victims could potentially number in the hundreds of thousands. The investigation, conducted by Spain’s ombudsman, documented 487 cases of alleged abuse, with many of the victims recounting their experiences in the church’s care. In response to these findings, Spain’s bishops issued a public apology. Still, the church hierarchy rejected parts of the report, calling some conclusions “false” and arguing that many victims had been abused outside of the church.

The Catholic Church in Spain has since undertaken its own internal review, with a 2024 report confirming that at least 728 church officials had been identified as abusers since 1945. This prompted the Spanish bishops’ conference to announce plans to compensate victims, following the approval of a government initiative that would require the church to pay economic reparations to survivors.

Zornoza’s resignation is the latest in a series of developments that have underscored the Catholic Church’s ongoing struggle to confront its past and build trust with victims of sexual abuse. As the church faces mounting scrutiny and criticism, Pope Leo XIV’s acceptance of Zornoza’s resignation could be seen as a symbolic step toward greater accountability within the institution. However, the investigation into the allegations against Zornoza and similar cases remains ongoing, as the church grapples with its troubled history.

Olise Inspires Bayern Munich’s 6-2 Comeback Win Over Freiburg

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Simeon
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MUNICH (BN24) — Michael Olise produced a commanding performance with two goals and three assists as Bayern Munich stormed back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Freiburg 6-2 at home on Saturday, tightening their grip on the top of the Bundesliga.

Bayern trailed early after Freiburg struck twice from set pieces. Yuito Suzuki opened the scoring before Johan Manzambi doubled the visitors’ lead, leaving Bayern momentarily unsettled as manager Vincent Kompany’s rotation with Joshua Kimmich benched and Serge Gnabry rested ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal appeared to backfire.

But Bayern responded with force. Seventeen-year-old winger Lennart Karl began the comeback after collecting an Olise pass and sliding his finish into the net. Moments later, Karl repaid the favor, setting up Olise to score Bayern’s second with a deflected close-range shot.

Karl had another goal disallowed for offside early in the second half, but Bayern surged ahead soon after when Dayot Upamecano tapped in an Olise-delivered corner. The hosts continued to press, and Harry Kane extended the lead with a powerful close-range finish. The England captain now has 24 goals in 18 games in all competitions, including 14 in 11 Bundesliga matches.

Olise’s influence continued as he created a fifth Bayern goal for Nicolas Jackson, who finished from close range. The French forward then capped his exceptional outing with a late goal, securing Bayern’s sixth and closing out one of the club’s most emphatic performances of the season. Bayern have now dropped just two points across 18 matches in all competitions.

Karl, reflecting on the win, told Sky Germany that Bayern “came back well, scoring six goals” after a difficult start marked by two set-piece concessions. Midfielder Aleksander Pavlovic, who had earlier set up Kane’s goal, praised Karl’s poise, saying he had “never seen a player with so much self-confidence at his age.”

The victory lifted Bayern eight points clear at the top after Borussia Dortmund were held to a 3-3 draw at home by Stuttgart. Dortmund led 2-0 at halftime through an Emre Can penalty and a Maximilian Beier tap-in, but Germany striker Deniz Undav completed a second-half hat trick, including a stoppage-time equalizer, to deny them all three points. Dortmund have not beaten Stuttgart since October 2022.

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen moved into second place with a 3-1 win at Wolfsburg, with Jonas Hofmann, Edmond Tapsoba, and Malik Tillman on target. Augsburg edged Hamburg 1-0 thanks to Anton Kade’s goal, while Borussia Moenchengladbach defeated last-place Heidenheim 3-0 away. Promoted Cologne were set to host Eintracht Frankfurt later on Saturday.

EPL: Nottingham Forest Beat Liverpool 3-0

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Simeon
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LIVERPOOL, England (BN24) — Nottingham Forest delivered a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, tightening the pressure on the defending Premier League champions and extending a steep decline that has reshaped the early-season standings.

Forest took control midway through the first half when Murillo broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. The Brazilian defender reacted sharply after a corner confused the penalty area, sweeping his finish beyond Alisson and silencing the home crowd. The goal punctuated a period in which Liverpool struggled to maintain possession, with Forest repeatedly disrupting their buildup play.

Liverpool began the second half seeking a lift, but Forest struck again before momentum could shift. Nicolo Savona doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly after the restart, finishing clinically to extend the gap and deepen the frustration inside Anfield. Forest continued to press higher up the pitch, capitalizing on Liverpool’s inability to impose structure or sustain attacks.

Any faint hopes of a Liverpool comeback faded with 12 minutes left when Morgan Gibbs-White secured Forest’s third. After Alisson parried Omari Hutchinson’s effort, Gibbs-White was quickest to the rebound, steering the ball into the net and sealing the outcome. The goal reflected the broader pattern of the match: loose marking, slow reactions and a Liverpool side visibly drained of confidence.

The defeat marked Liverpool’s sixth loss in their last seven Premier League matches and their second consecutive home defeat to Forest. The champions now sit eight points behind league leaders Arsenal and have lost eight of their past 11 matches in all competitions. The 3-0 margin also made unwelcome history, with Liverpool losing back-to-back league matches by three goals for the first time since 1965.

Manager Arne Slot acknowledged Friday that the squad remains emotionally affected by the death of Diogo Jota in a July crash in Spain. That lingering grief appeared again in the performance, as Liverpool produced another low-energy display marked by slow ball movement and a lack of urgency in midfield.

Liverpool’s slump arrives despite a summer spending spree exceeding £400 million. Among the new arrivals is striker Alexander Isak, who joined for a British-record fee from Newcastle. Isak was substituted during the second half of his fourth Premier League start for the club. The Swedish international is yet to score in the league for Liverpool, adding to the growing concerns surrounding the team’s attack.

Forest’s strong showing left Liverpool languishing in 11th place, far adrift of the title pace and struggling to regain any rhythm. The result highlighted the widening gulf between Liverpool’s preseason expectations and their current form, as pressure mounts on the squad to arrest an alarming downturn.

Barcelona vs Athletic Club, La Liga: Final Score 4-0, Barça Dominate on Historic Return to Camp Nou

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Simeon
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BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona marked their long-awaited return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou with a commanding 4-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday, a result that lifted the Catalan side to the top of the La Liga table for at least 24 hours. Playing in front of 45,000 fans, Barça were not at their sharpest throughout the match but were decisive at key moments, punishing Athletic’s missed chances and taking full advantage after the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the second half.

Barcelona struck first when high pressing from Gerard Martín and Eric Garcia forced a turnover that led to Robert Lewandowski scoring the first goal at the new Camp Nou. Athletic responded well and pressed aggressively, exposing Barcelona’s difficulties playing out from the back without injured midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. Garcia, operating as a makeshift defensive midfielder, endured early discomfort in the role, and Dani Olmo struggled to ease the pressure during the opening phase.

Athletic created two major chances to level the match. Unai Gómez, deployed unexpectedly as a false nine by Ernesto Valverde, failed to convert a clear opportunity in front of the goal. Moments later, Nico Williams was jeered by the home crowd but nearly silenced them before missing Athletic’s best chance of the night.

Barcelona doubled their lead before halftime through a brilliantly crafted moment from Lamine Yamal, whose trivela assist found Ferran Torres. Unai Simón appeared positioned to make the stop but could not prevent the shot, giving Barça an advantage they had not entirely earned through overall play.

The hosts quickly extended their lead after the break as Fermín López finished off another sequence created through high pressing, this time again initiated by Garcia. Soon after, Athletic’s challenge unraveled when Oihan Sancet was sent off following a VAR review for a reckless kick on López. The referee had initially shown a yellow card, but the video review revealed no attempt to play the ball, resulting in what became one of the clearest red cards of the season.

With Athletic down to 10, Barcelona controlled the final half-hour. Yamal produced a stream of chances, several of which teammates failed to convert, but the teenager remained the most dynamic player on the pitch and was central to nearly every attacking movement. His dazzling solo run and assist created Barça’s fourth goal, allowing Torres to score his second of the night while Yamal delivered one of the first signature highlights of the new Camp Nou.

Manager Xavi Hernández used the opportunity to introduce young winger Dro Fernández, who played more than 30 minutes in a pressure-free environment. Garcia, who overcame his shaky start to excel in the pivot role, earned a standing ovation when he was replaced by Marc Bernal with 15 minutes left. The crowd also welcomed back Raphinha, who returned from injury and immediately tested Simón with a shot that curled just wide.

Barcelona’s convincing win marked a triumphant homecoming, showcasing their blend of youth and experience while reasserting their position near the top of La Liga. The performance was far from flawless, but it was decisive and delivered in front of a home crowd eager to celebrate their return to a stadium rebuilt for a new era.

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Brazil’s ex-president Bolsonaro arrested over alleged plot to escape and avoid 27-year prison term

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Brazil’s federal police on Saturday arrested former President Jair Bolsonaro on suspicion that he attempted to engineer an escape to avoid the beginning of a 27-year prison sentence tied to his role in a failed coup attempt. The preemptive detention, ordered by a Supreme Court justice, marked a dramatic turn in one of Brazil’s most polarizing political chapters and ignited immediate celebrations among his critics even as his supporters mobilized prayer vigils and public displays of loyalty.

Federal agents entered Bolsonaro’s Brasília residence early Saturday under authorization from Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has overseen the case examining Bolsonaro’s efforts to cling to power following his defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election. De Moraes said the former president violated the terms of his house arrest by tampering with an electronic ankle monitor shortly after midnight. Bolsonaro’s lawyers disputed the claim, but custody reports reviewed by The Associated Press show he acknowledged using a soldering iron to pry open the device. Court footage also captured his admission, and video images revealed the monitor’s cap visibly damaged.

Bolsonaro, 70, had been required to wear the device after the court deemed him a flight risk. His aide Andriely Cirino confirmed the arrest occurred shortly after dawn. Supporters quickly assembled outside federal police headquarters in Brasília, where authorities kept rival groups apart as tension grew and car horns echoed through the area.

De Moraes wrote that the arrest was necessary to prevent Bolsonaro from using a protest organized by his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as cover for an escape attempt. In a video posted earlier, Flávio Bolsonaro urged supporters to gather at his father’s home Saturday evening, framing the demonstration as a patriotic duty. The justice said the plan created conditions for “confusion” that could facilitate the former president’s flight, including a possible dash to the U.S. Embassy in Brasília, which lies just 13 kilometers from Bolsonaro’s residence.

Prosecutors had previously uncovered messages linking Bolsonaro to a political-asylum request in Argentina, governed by his ideological ally President Javier Milei. When asked about the arrest at the White House on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump, who maintains an alliance with Bolsonaro, said he had only just learned the news and called the development “too bad.” He also noted he had spoken with Lula the previous night and suggested the two leaders may meet soon.

Bolsonaro’s legal team said his detention was based on a “vigil for prayer,” not a protest, and accused the justice of mischaracterizing events. The Supreme Court panel of five justices that convicted Bolsonaro in September by a 4-1 margin is expected to review the preemptive arrest order Monday.

Local media reported that the former president is likely to begin serving his 27-year sentence as early as next week once remaining appeals are resolved. Organizers of the prayer vigil cited by Bolsonaro’s lawyers said they planned to relocate the gathering to the federal police facility, while his detractors scheduled celebrations in major cities.

In his ruling, de Moraes accused Bolsonaro’s circle of engaging in “pathetic illegal initiatives” designed to undermine the Constitution, judicial authority and the country’s democratic institutions. Bolsonaro and several allies were convicted for leading a conspiracy to overturn the 2022 election and for plotting violence, including alleged plans to kill Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and de Moraes himself. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing.

Fabio Wajngarten, a former Bolsonaro adviser and current lawyer, called the arrest a “terrible stain on the institutions” and challenged claims the ankle monitor had been violated. In a social-media statement, he said the device appeared functional hours after the alleged tampering and described Bolsonaro’s Friday evening activities, which he said included dinner with relatives and medication for persistent hiccups.

Bolsonaro’s political allies quickly defended him. Congressman Sóstenes Cavalcante accused de Moraes of “psychopathy at the highest level,” while former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro said supporters “will not give up on our nation.” She was traveling outside Brasília when authorities detained her husband.

With Lula abroad at a G20 summit in South Africa, prominent government figures said the arrest followed efforts by Bolsonaro to intimidate members of the Supreme Court. Analysts said the move is likely to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 election. Lula is expected to seek reelection, while Bolsonaro, already barred from holding office, may become a symbolic centerpiece of the campaign.

Creomar de Souza, a Brasília-based political analyst, said Bolsonaro’s allies had hoped to cast the 2026 race as a referendum on the former president’s legacy. Instead, he said, the arrest forces the Bolsonaro family to confront the need to cultivate a new political standard-bearer. “They wanted Bolsonaro to emerge as a martyr and a powerful popular figure,” de Souza said. “Now they must build an alternative for the next election.”

An Associated Press story

Number of Children Abducted in Nigerian School Attack Rises to More Than 300-AP

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The number of children abducted during the armed attack on St. Mary’s School in north-central Nigeria has risen to more than 300, the Christian Association of Nigeria said Saturday, significantly increasing an earlier total released after the incident.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, said that 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were taken when gunmen raided the Catholic boarding school in Papiri community. The update came after what he described as a verification process and final census conducted during his visit on Friday. He said 88 of the abducted students were captured as they attempted to flee, and that the children taken range in age from 10 to 18 and include both boys and girls.

The mass abduction occurred four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in a similar attack in neighboring Kebbi state’s Maga town, roughly 170 kilometers away. No group has claimed responsibility for either assault, but authorities say tactical units and local hunters have been deployed in hopes of locating and rescuing the captives.

Yohanna rejected a claim by the Niger state government that the school had reopened despite an earlier directive ordering institutions in the area to close temporarily due to heightened security threats. He said there was no evidence the school received such an instruction before the attack and described the government’s assertion as an attempt to shift blame. He urged families to remain calm and continue praying for the students’ safe return.

School kidnappings have become a defining feature of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, with armed gangs increasingly targeting educational institutions to draw attention and secure ransom payments. UNICEF reported last year that only 37% of schools across 10 conflict-affected states have any form of early warning system to detect threats.

The latest abductions come against the backdrop of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, a claim the government has denied. Analysts note that both Christians and Muslims are frequently targeted in the northern and central regions where armed groups operate. The school attack earlier in the week in Kebbi state took place in a predominantly Muslim town.

The assault on St. Mary’s School coincided with a visit by Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the United States, where he met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday as Nigeria’s government faces renewed pressure to curb mass kidnappings.

Nigerian Government Moves Nnamdi Kanu From DSS Custody in Abuja to Sokoto Prison

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Simeon
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ABUJA (BN24)— The Nigerian government has transferred Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention facility in Abuja to a correctional centre in Sokoto State, according to his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The announcement came on Friday, one day after Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ejimakor disclosed the development in a post on X, saying Kanu was moved “so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones, and well-wishers.” His statement sparked immediate reaction from supporters and human rights observers concerned about the distance and potential impact on legal access as the defence prepares for an appeal.

Kanu’s legal team has sharply condemned Thursday’s ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which found the IPOB leader guilty on terrorism-related counts. The defence described the decision as “a travesty of justice” and said it would challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.

Speaking to journalists after the judgment, Ejimakor called the ruling “a dark day in Nigeria’s judicial history,” arguing that Kanu was convicted solely for statements he made rather than any violent actions. “Today is the only day I have witnessed a man being convicted for just what he said from his mouth, not what he did with his own hands,” he said.

He insisted that the prosecution failed to present evidence linking Kanu’s broadcasts to acts of violence or terrorism. “The verdict is not consistent with the evidence laid before the court. The sentence is overbroad, cruel, and unusual,” he said, questioning how a broadcast from an unspecified location could form the basis for a terrorism conviction.

Ejimakor argued that Kanu’s campaign for self-determination was not a crime under Nigerian or international law. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu made broadcasts, and so what? You convict him for terrorism for mere words in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What kind of precedent is being laid?” he said.

The legal team said it would proceed immediately to the Court of Appeal. “We are going to approach the justices there to check out what happened here today,” Ejimakor said. “If the Court of Appeal disagrees with us, we will head to the Supreme Court. By God Almighty, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not going to stand convicted. It is going to get overturned.”

Another defence lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, also criticized the ruling, claiming it was influenced by emotion rather than grounded in legal reasoning. He called for calm in the South-East, urging supporters to refrain from violence as the legal process continues. Okpara expressed confidence that higher courts would correct what he described as a grave miscarriage of justice.

Kanu’s transfer to Sokoto marks a new chapter in a case that has drawn international attention, heightened tensions in the South-East, and intensified debate over free expression, national security, and the rights of political dissidents in Nigeria.

Roger Federer to Be Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025

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Simeon
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NEWPORT, Rhode Island (BN24) — Roger Federer, one of the most iconic figures in tennis history, is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025, solidifying his place among the sport’s all-time greats. The 44-year-old Swiss tennis star, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, will become the first member of the “Big Three,” the legendary trio of Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, to be honored with this prestigious accolade.

Federer’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his unparalleled career, one marked by a combination of on-court brilliance, elegance, and unmatched consistency. Over the course of his career, Federer accumulated 103 ATP titles, a figure that ranks second only to Jimmy Connors’ record of 109. His longevity, skill, and success across all surfaces helped him remain one of the sport’s most revered athletes for more than two decades.

Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles was the highest of any male player at the time of his retirement, a benchmark that was later surpassed by his rivals Djokovic (24) and Nadal (22). Nevertheless, Federer’s achievements, including becoming the first man in history to reach 20 Grand Slam singles titles, solidified his status as one of the most decorated and admired players in tennis history.

As part of his induction, Federer will join the ranks of other tennis legends in Newport, Rhode Island, during the Hall of Fame induction weekend scheduled for August 27-29, 2025. The prestigious event, which takes place annually in the charming seaside town, will celebrate Federer’s remarkable career and lasting influence on the sport. His induction ceremony will feature a gathering of tennis greats, fans, and peers who have followed his illustrious journey from his early days as a promising junior to his status as a global ambassador for the sport.

Upon hearing the news of his induction, Federer shared his gratitude and excitement. “It’s a tremendous honor to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game’s great champions,” Federer said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I’ve always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me. To be recognized in this way by the sport and by my peers is deeply humbling. I look forward to visiting Newport next August to celebrate this special moment with the tennis community.”

Federer was informed of his induction during a video call with current Hall of Fame members at Swiss Tennis, the organization where he first developed his love for the game in his youth. The announcement came as a moment of reflection for Federer, who throughout his career maintained a strong connection to the rich history of tennis. His presence among the Hall of Fame inductees will add a new chapter to that history, one that includes his unforgettable moments on the court and his enduring legacy as an ambassador for the sport.

Federer’s career is defined by more than just his impressive title count. He is also one of only eight men in tennis history to have completed a Career Grand Slam, having won each of the sport’s four major titles, the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, at least once. His versatility and ability to adapt his game to all surfaces set him apart, making him one of the most complete players the sport has ever seen. Federer’s victory at Wimbledon in 2009, where he claimed his sixth title at the All England Club, remains one of the most iconic moments in tennis history, as it saw him surpass Pete Sampras’ record of Wimbledon wins and further solidify his legacy.

In addition to his on-court success, Federer is known for his poise, sportsmanship, and commitment to the growth of tennis around the world. His influence extends far beyond his accomplishments in the ATP rankings; he is also widely regarded as one of the sport’s most respected and beloved figures. Federer’s graciousness and respect for his competitors, coupled with his engaging personality, have earned him a place in the hearts of tennis fans across the globe.

Federer’s Hall of Fame induction comes at a time when the sport is witnessing a generational shift. While the “Big Three” Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal continue to dominate headlines, Federer’s legacy as the elder statesman of the trio will forever be cemented by his induction into the Hall of Fame. Djokovic and Nadal, both of whom have broken records in recent years, will follow in Federer’s footsteps in due time, but Federer remains the first to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, marking a historic moment for tennis fans.

His induction is expected to draw a large international crowd to Newport next summer, where fans will gather to honor Federer’s contributions to the game. The ceremony will serve as both a celebration of his past achievements and a recognition of his continued impact on the sport, even after he retires from competitive play.

As the world prepares to honor one of tennis’ greatest champions, the sport will reflect on Federer’s exceptional career, his unrelenting pursuit of excellence, and his lasting influence on the future of tennis. For Federer, this next chapter is yet another milestone in a journey that continues to inspire players and fans alike.

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