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Over 1,400 Protesters Jailed in Nigeria Following #EndBadGovernance Demonstrations

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ABUJA, Nigeria  — More than 1,400 individuals have been arrested and charged across 11 Nigerian states following the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, according to a survey conducted by local media. Many of these detainees are reportedly being held without bail or legal representation, raising concerns about due process.

The protests, which took place from August 1 to August 10, were organized by youth groups to draw attention to economic hardships and hunger in the country. While demonstrations remained largely peaceful in some areas, including Abuja and Lagos, violence erupted in several northern states, leading to property damage and loss of life.

Police reports from various states indicate:

– Kano State recorded the highest number of arrests at 832, with 600 individuals charged to court without bail.

– Sokoto State reported 110 arrests, many of whom remain in correctional facilities.

– Borno State saw 97 arrests, including individuals accused of flying Russian flags.

– Other states with significant arrests include Katsina (90), Bauchi (60), Plateau (51), Yobe (51), Kaduna (50), Nasarawa (40), Niger (23), and Zamfara (19).

Charges against the protesters vary by state but generally include criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson. In some cases, such as in Plateau State, suspects were charged with failing to comply with government orders.

Legal representation for the detained protesters appears to be limited. In Katsina State, lawyers from the Lawyers for Rule of Law and Human Rights group reported securing bail for 30 out of 64 protesters they represented. However, in many other states, there is no evidence of legal representation during arraignments.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which had previously committed to providing legal aid to arrested protesters, has not been visibly present in many of the courts where arraignments took place.

Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute, stated that while branches were mandated to provide assistance, most cases are ongoing and data has not been collated at the central NBA level.

Some arrests have drawn particular attention, including those accused of flying Russian flags in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina. These individuals, including a foreign national, have reportedly been transferred to Abuja for further investigation on charges of sedition.

The mass arrests and subsequent legal proceedings have raised questions about the handling of protesters and the potential for overcrowding in Nigeria’s prison system. With many cases adjourned for weeks or months, concerns are growing about prolonged pre-trial detention.

As the legal process unfolds, human rights organizations and legal experts are calling for transparency, due process, and adherence to constitutional rights for all detained individuals.

The aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests continues to unfold, with potential long-term implications for civil liberties and the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria.

Credit: Vanguardngr.com

OnlyFans Star Erects Giant Billboard on Side of Road to Attract Customers

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A Louisiana woman looking to attract new customers to her OnlyFans account erected a huge billboard on the side of the road – and doesn’t give a hoot what people think.

Meighan Baker, user name ‘ArielleMyles88,’ has an idea for the billboard that started as a joke – but since it went up on July 29 viewership has sky-rocketed.

The billboard located in Central City near the Caesars Superdome features the caption ‘Only Fans @ArielleMyles88’ with a modest photo of Baker-  in sharp contrast to the seductive and racy photos – splashed all over her account.

According to Baker, business is better than ever. She told NOLA her fanbase has grown from 90 to 200 members and her income has increased 200 percent, so far. 

‘As long as you put the work in, the money is there,’ she said.

Now, the dancer turned digital creator, is looking to cash in more and considering erecting more billboards in other parts of New Orleans, despite what the naysayers think.

Those in New Orleans and the sex industry seem to be most supportive but those who aren’t so keen, she said, are from her hometown of Baton Rogue.

One woman praised Baker in video.

‘Now, to that woman who got that billboard across, from the Smoothie King Center and the Mercedes-Benz Superdog with her face up there, girl …kudos to you baby because it takes that “I don’t give a f*** a**” person,’ she hollered.

Baker, who worked as a dancer in the French Quarter in 2021 turned to OnlyFans to make ends meet, when business slowed.

Her dancing gigs are not as often, she explained, as she mostly focuses on her OnlyFans and the other businesses she shares with her business partner/boyfriend Steven Gremillion, and her family.

Baker is the mother to a 13-year-old daughter, and Gremillion has three children of his own – two daughters and a son.

The duo have created several platforms together including a number of YouTube channels, seven Facebook accounts, five Instagram accounts, and six different TikTok accounts, as per the news outlet.

They also use OFTV, a video platform only available to OnlyFans creators – where the couple shares fishing content. 

According to Baker the sexual content is only a small percentage of what they offer their viewers.

Gremillion has been so busy with their other businesses that he left his job to focus solely on these ventures, and able to not only support his family but spoil them at times too.

‘I couldn’t make the amount of money in a lifetime that some of the people on OnlyFans were making, he said. ‘[Our kids] could have anything they’ve ever asked for,” Gremillion said.

Baker’s inspiration to create the billboard came from two different sources.

The first was when she learned of an OnlyFans collaborator fired from her nursing home position after her company found out. According to Baker, she is making in the triple-digits a month.

The second was when she saw a ‘welcome’ digital billboard in June of Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels that gave her the idea to go big.

She worked with with an ad agency who just required that the picture she used not be too steamy.

Despite the mixed reviews, she has developed a thick skin.

Copied: Daily MailOnline

King Charles Removes Prince Andrew’s Security Team at Windsor Mansion, May Vacate 30-Bedroom Mansion Worth £30m

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LONDON  — King Charles III has discontinued the private security team for his brother, Prince Andrew, at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, according to palace sources familiar with the matter.

This move is seen by some as the latest in a series of attempts to persuade the Duke of York to vacate the 30-room, £30 million property.

The monarch had been funding private guards at the mansion since 2022, when Andrew’s armed police protection, costing an estimated £3 million annually, was removed following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Sources indicate the private security team, consisting of ten individuals, will cease operations at the Royal Lodge this autumn.

A palace insider, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic, told The Sun on Sunday, “Everyone is speculating this means the Duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away?” The source added, “It isn’t a secret that the King wants him out.”

Prince Andrew, who remains largely removed from public royal duties due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has reportedly resisted previous attempts to relocate.

Earlier this year, he declined an offer to move to nearby Frogmore Cottage, formerly occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The Duke of York signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate when he moved to Royal Lodge in 2003, making an initial payment of £1 million.

According to lease documents seen by The Times, Andrew is responsible for the property’s maintenance, including repainting the exterior every five years and redecorating the interior every seven years.

Reports suggest that King Charles may be interested in generating commercial revenue from the property.

However, previous speculation that the mansion was earmarked for the Prince and Princess of Wales has been dismissed, with the couple reportedly content at their current residence, Adelaide Cottage.

The Royal Lodge, situated on 98 acres in Windsor Great Park, has a rich history within the royal family. It was used by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) as a private country house, even after their ascension to the throne in 1936.

The property includes a swimming pool, tennis court, and the Royal Chapel of All Saints, where Princess Beatrice, Andrew’s daughter, married in 2020.

Prince Andrew has reportedly invested nearly £7 million in renovations and repairs to the property since moving in.

The ongoing dispute over his residency at Royal Lodge comes amid broader changes in the royal family’s property portfolio and security arrangements under King Charles’s reign.

Buckingham Palace has not officially commented on the matter when contacted by the press.

Jeremy Madix, Brother of TV Star, Arrested for Marijuana Possession

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ORLANDO, Fla.  — Jeremy Madix, brother of “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix, was arrested Tuesday on charges of felony trafficking in cannabis, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The arrest stems from an incident on February 16 at Orlando International Airport, where Customs and Border Protection agents reportedly discovered over 100 pounds of marijuana in luggage belonging to Madix and an associate, Jonah Ahad.

According to the court documents, Madix and Ahad were scheduled to board a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, when their luggage was searched at a security checkpoint. Agents allegedly found 64 bags of marijuana weighing approximately 76 pounds in two suitcases belonging to Madix. An additional 31 bags weighing 37 pounds were reportedly discovered in Ahad’s suitcase.

The Orlando Police Department reports that both men declined to answer questions without attorneys present when detectives attempted to question them at the time of the discovery.

Despite the February incident, arrests were not made immediately. Ahad was taken into custody in May, while Madix was arrested this past Tuesday. Both face charges of felony trafficking in cannabis.

Jeremy Madix has previously appeared on the reality TV show “Vanderpump Rules” alongside his sister Ariana.

The Orlando Police Department has not provided information on why arrests were delayed following the initial discovery in February. The investigation is ongoing.

Experts Warn Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lovers Can Steal Your Cash

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NEW YORK  — Cybersecurity experts are raising alarms about the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and virtual romantic partners, warning that these technologies could be exploited by cybercriminals for financial fraud and data theft.

Jamie Akhtar, Co-Founder and CEO of CyberSmart, told reporters that while AI technology for creating virtual partners is improving, it also presents new opportunities for malicious actors.

“Deepfake technology has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years,” Akhtar said. “The problem is that this technology can be used for malicious ends.”

Experts highlight two primary concerns. Cybercriminals could potentially use emotionally manipulative AI to extort money or trick users into downloading malicious software. Akhtar cited a recent incident where a finance worker at a multinational firm was deceived into paying $25 million to criminals using deepfake technology to impersonate a company executive.

Additionally, even legitimate AI chatbots may pose privacy risks. Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, warned that these applications often collect extensive user data and may share information with third parties.

“Many of these apps do not make it clear as to what data is shared with third parties, nor are they clear about the AI they use,” Hauk explained. He added that as users become more comfortable with AI chatbots, they might reveal more personal information, increasing their vulnerability to data breaches or identity theft.

The experts advise users to exercise caution when interacting with AI chatbots. They recommend using only official, well-known, and well-reviewed chatbot applications and avoiding downloads from third-party app stores or suspicious websites.

Users should limit sharing personal information, even with popular AI platforms like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, and be aware that chatbots can potentially leak shared information.

Experts emphasize treating AI chatbots with the same caution as interacting with strangers online and never agreeing to send money or share financial information with an AI chatbot.

As AI technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, cybersecurity experts anticipate an increase in AI-based attacks targeting individuals and businesses. They emphasize the need for increased awareness and caution among users of AI chatbot technologies.

The growing popularity of AI chatbots and virtual partners underscores the importance of developing robust security measures and clear privacy policies for these technologies. As the field evolves, ongoing research and regulation will be crucial in addressing these emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Bianca Censori Burst of Tattered Clothes in Driver’s Seat

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Those close to Bianca and her husband Kanye West have expressed concerns about their behavior and claimed the rapper is controlling his wife.

BIANCA Censori has donned possibly her most daring ensemble yet in a new photo of her posing in the driver’s seat of her car.

The model’s sister Angelina posted the ultra-sexy snap to her Instagram Stories early Saturday morning.

In it, Bianca, 29, put her incredible figure on display wearing nothing but nude panties and a tattered top that didn’t cover much of her breasts.

The fabric wrapped around her arms, only partially concealing her chest and showing some major sideboob.

Her seat belt crossed over her chest as she leaned forward to rest her arm on the steering wheel.

Kanye West’s wife wore minimal makeup and had her short brunette hair slicked back as she gazed directly at the camera.

SCANDALOUS OUTFITS

Bianca has proven she isn’t shy about showing off her body on social media and in public, as she regularly wears sultry outfits.

The Yeezy architect’s nearly-naked looks have caused quite a stir online, as many critics have complained that her wardrobe is inappropriate.

Bianca has appeared to ignore the chatter, although she might not be able to much longer since Kanye’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian, 42, has demanded a meeting with her to discuss her behavior.

Earlier this week, The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that Kim is increasingly worried about her and Kanye’s children being around Bianca with her revealing ensembles.

im’s concerns stem from Kanye, 47, and Bianca often being photographed traipsing around the world together and the Aussie native rarely looking covered up.

A source told The U.S. Sun that Kim feared that “it’s no longer a healthy environment” for her four children to be in and wants to sit down with Kanye and Bianca to discuss some “ground rules.”

Kim and Kanye are parents to daughters North, 11, and Chicago, six, and sons Saint, nine, and Psalm, five.

This isn’t the first time Kim has raised concerns over Bianca’s outfits; however, she’s empathized with the star as she feels Kanye is the “puppeteer” behind her behavior.

An insider recently told Ok! Magazine that Kanye is “forcing” Bianca to dress the way she does, and given the Donda rapper had a significant influence over Kim’s looks when they were married, the Skims founder “has compassion” for her children’s stepmother.

The source also claimed that Bianca is stuck in a “toxic marriage” with Kanye, who has been the center of countless scandals in recent years.

There’s no doubt that Bianca has undergone a drastic physical transformation since first getting together with Kanye.

Fans were shocked when they learned the pair had tied the knot in January 2023 – just two months after Kanye finalized his divorce from Kim.

Before that, Kanye was linked to several other women, of whom he’s also been accused of running the show in their relationships.

Fans have pleaded with Bianca to distance herself from Kanye, including her family.

In March, Bianca’s father urged Kanye to fly to Australia to have a conversation about his daughter’s controversial relationship with the rap star.

However, an insider told The Daily Mail that Kanye was “hesitant” to make the trip, and it never happened.

Copied: the-sun.com


Ferris Wheel Fire at German Music Festival Injures About 30 People

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LEIPZIG, Germany  — A fire erupted on a Ferris wheel at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig, Germany, on Saturday evening, injuring approximately 30 people, including four police officers, according to local authorities and media reports.

The blaze started around 9 p.m. local time at the festival grounds near Stormthaler Lake. Two gondolas on the Ferris wheel caught fire, with images showing flames and smoke billowing into the air. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Festival organizers released a statement saying, “Those affected are receiving treatment and are doing well considering the circumstances.” They added that they were in close coordination with fire brigade, police, and medical services.

A fire brigade spokesperson later confirmed that the situation was under control. The two affected gondolas were completely burned out.

German rapper Ski Aggu, who was performing when the fire broke out, addressed the incident on his Instagram account. “I am absolutely dismayed and shocked by the Ferris wheel fire during my show on the Highfield,” he said. Aggu explained that he was instructed to continue his performance to prevent mass panic, prioritizing crowd control.

“For me, the priority was that the situation did not escalate further, which fortunately also worked,” Aggu stated. He thanked the audience for remaining calm and praised the quick response of rescue workers.

Despite the incident, festival organizers announced shortly after 10 p.m. that they had closed the Ferris wheel and resumed performances on stage. They urged attendees to “continue to look after one another,” adding, “You are doing a great job. The shows are back in action.”

The Highfield Festival, an annual music event, attracts thousands of visitors to the area near Leipzig. This incident raises questions about safety measures at large-scale outdoor events and the protocols in place for emergency situations.

Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the overall safety procedures at the festival. The incident may lead to reviews of safety regulations for temporary amusement rides at similar events across Germany. As the festival continues, organizers and local officials will likely maintain heightened vigilance to ensure the safety of remaining attendees. The long-term implications of this incident for the Highfield Festival and similar

Credit: news.sky.com

Belfast Zoo Investigates Alleged Incident of Worker Locked in Lion Enclosure

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BELFAST, Northern Ireland  — The Belfast City Council has launched an investigation into an incident at Belfast Zoo where a worker was allegedly locked inside a lion enclosure, officials said Thursday.

The incident, reported to have occurred earlier this month, involved two staff members entering the lion enclosure, according to the Belfast Telegraph, which cited an unnamed source familiar with the matter. The newspaper reported that a more experienced staff member allegedly left the paddock, locking the gate and leaving a colleague inside with the lions.

In a statement to ABC News, the Belfast City Council said, “We are aware of an incident at the lion enclosure at Belfast Zoo earlier this month. We take the safety of all our staff, visitors and animals very seriously. An investigation is underway into the circumstances of this incident.”

The duration of the worker’s alleged confinement in the enclosure remains unclear.

Belfast Zoo officials declined to comment on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.

The zoo houses a pride of Barbary lions, including one male named Qays and two females, Fidda and Theibba, according to the zoo’s website. Barbary lions, once native to North Africa, are now found only in zoos and are part of a global breeding program aimed at ensuring their survival.

This incident raises questions about safety protocols and procedures at the zoo, particularly concerning dangerous animal enclosures.

The Belfast Zoo, operated by Belfast City Council, is a popular attraction in Northern Ireland and home to over 120 species of animals.

As the investigation continues, local authorities have not released information about potential changes to zoo procedures or any disciplinary actions that might result from the incident.

Credit: abcnews.com

Chechen Leader Invites Musk to Russia After Filming Armed Cybertruck

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GROZNY, Russia  — Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, a republic within the Russian Federation, invited Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Russia on Saturday after sharing a video of himself driving a Tesla Cybertruck mounted with a machine gun.

The video, posted on Kadyrov’s official Telegram channel, shows the Chechen leader behind the wheel of the stainless steel-clad vehicle, taking it for a drive before standing next to a machine gun mounted in the truck bed. The weapon was draped with belts of ammunition.

In an accompanying message, Kadyrov praised the Cybertruck, calling it “undoubtedly one of the best cars in the world,” adding, “I literally fell in love.”

Kadyrov also stated his intention to donate the vehicle to Russian forces involved in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. “It’s not for nothing that they call this a cyberbeast,” he said. “I’m sure that this beast will bring plenty of benefits to our troops.”

The Chechen leader claimed he received the truck from Musk, though this assertion has not been independently verified. Requests for comment sent to Tesla were not immediately answered.

Extending an invitation to Musk, Kadyrov said, “I don’t think the Russian Foreign Ministry would mind such a trip.” He added, “And, of course, we’re waiting for your new developments that will help us finish our special military operation (in Ukraine).”

Kadyrov, who has been sanctioned by the United States government due to alleged human rights violations, has been a vocal supporter of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, often referring to the invasion as a “special military operation,” echoing official Kremlin terminology.

The video and invitation come amid ongoing international tensions surrounding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and raise questions about the potential use of civilian vehicles in conflict zones.

Musk, known for his controversial statements and actions on social media, has not publicly responded to Kadyrov’s invitation as of this report.

The incident highlights the complex intersections of technology, politics, and international relations, as well as the role of social media in modern diplomacy and conflict narratives.

Source: apnews.com

Fire Breaks Out at London’s Somerset House, Major Art Collections Unharmed

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LONDON — A fire broke out in the roof of London’s Somerset House on Saturday, prompting a massive response from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) but leaving the building’s major art collections unscathed.

The LFB deployed 25 fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters to combat the blaze after the alarm was raised just before midday. Police reported no injuries.

Keeley Foster, the LFB’s assistant commissioner, told reporters, “Crews are now working to extinguish the final pockets of fire. The fire was located in part of the building’s roof space. The age and design of the building proved a challenge for crews as they initially responded.”

Foster added that firefighters would remain on site overnight and that the cause of the fire was under investigation.

The fire affected Somerset House’s west wing, which houses offices rather than artworks. The Courtauld Gallery, home to masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century including works by Manet, van Gogh, and Cezanne, is located in the north wing and was not impacted.

Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, said, “It’s too early to comment on the building’s condition. I’m confident that the damage is to one small part of the building.” He announced that while the main Somerset House building would remain closed to the public until further notice, the Courtauld Gallery would reopen on Sunday.

Somerset House, overlooking the River Thames, has a rich history dating back to 1547. Originally a royal palace and stately home, it now serves as an arts, cultural, and entertainment center. The current structure was rebuilt after the original building was demolished in 1775.

The site has played significant roles in British history. It was the residence of Princess Elizabeth before she became Queen Elizabeth I in 1558. During the English Civil War, it served as headquarters for the Parliamentary Army from 1642. It has been home to both the Admiralty and the Inland Revenue. The Great Fire of London in 1666 stopped just short of the Somerset House site.

The incident highlights the challenges of protecting historic buildings and valuable art collections in modern London. It also demonstrates the swift response capabilities of London’s emergency services in safeguarding the city’s cultural heritage.

As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, questions may arise about fire safety measures in historic buildings housing important cultural artifacts.

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