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Atlanta shooting of Black male was homicide – Coroner

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Atlanta shooting of Black male was homicide – Coroner

The death of Rayshard Brooks, a black man killed by a white police officer in Atlanta on Friday, was a homicide caused by gunshot wounds to the back, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office said on Sunday.

Brooks’ death reignited protests in Atlanta after days of worldwide demonstrations against racism and police brutality prompted by the death of George Floyd, an African American, in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.

An autopsy conducted on Sunday showed that Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by two gunshot wounds, an investigator for the medical examiner said in a statement. The manner of his death was homicide, the statement said.

Brooks’ fatal encounter with police came after an employee of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta phoned authorities to say that someone had fallen asleep in his car in the restaurant’s drive-through lane.

Caught on the officer’s body camera and a surveillance camera, the encounter seemed friendly at first, as Brooks cooperated with a sobriety test and talked about his daughter’s birthday.

“I watched the interaction with Mr. Brooks and it broke my heart,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said. “This was not confrontational. This was a guy that you were rooting for.” But when an officer moved to arrest him, Brooks struggled with him and another officer at the scene before breaking free and running across the parking lot with what appears to be a police Taser in his hand, a bystander’s video showed.

A video from the restaurant’s cameras shows Brooks turning as he runs and possibly aiming the Taser at the pursuing officers before one of them fires his gun and Brooks falls.

Atlanta’s police chief, Erika Shields, resigned over the shooting. The officer suspected of killing Brooks was fired, and the other officer involved in the incident, also white, was put on administrative leave.

As demonstrators in Atlanta took to the streets and chanted for the officers in Brooks’ case to be criminally charged, at one point late on Saturday blocking traffic on a nearby interstate highway, the Wendy’s restaurant went up in flames.

On Sunday, police offered a $10,000 reward and published photos of what appeared to be a masked white woman being sought in connection with the case.

Bottoms said on Saturday that she did not believe the shooting was a justified use of deadly force.

Lawyers for Brooks’ family said he was the father of a young daughter who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday. They said the officers had no right to use deadly force even if he had fired the Taser, a non-lethal weapon, in their direction.

Prosecutors will decide by midweek whether to bring charges, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said on Sunday.

Wike condemns NGF over failure to support Obaseki

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Wike condemns NGF over failure to support Obaseki

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has lashed out at the Nigerian Governors Forum for failing to condemn the disqualification of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki from participating in the party’s governorship primaries.

Governor Wike while addressing journalists at the Government House in Port Harcourt accused the body of championing the APC agenda in a multi party and national organization

The Governor also criticized APC Governors for allegedly abandoning one of their own for fear of suffering a similar fate.

He described the reason for the disqualification of the sitting Governor as unfortunate

Governor Wike also reacted to rumours of Governor Obaseki’s defection saying no decision of such was taken during their private meeting in port harcourt on sunday.

He however added that though Governor Obaseki will be welcomed to PDP, the choice of who eventually fly the PDP flag during the election would depend on the Edo State PDP chapter.

Activists, ex- Security Chiefs urged to emulate Tsav in defending worthy institutions —Agbese

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Activists, ex- Security Chiefs urged to emulate Tsav in defending worthy institutions —Agbese

Chief Executive Officer of TheNigerian News Group, a media conglomerate with outlets in Nigeria and the UK, Chief Philip Agbese, has urged security experts and human rights activists in the country to emulate the late former Lagos State commissioner of police, Abubakar Tsav, in standing up in defence of worthy deeds and institutions in Nigeria.

Tsav died last week at a hospital in Makurdi, Benue State, after a brief illness.

Agbese, who is a human rights activist and Middlesex University London trained  lawyer,  gave the charge to the security experts and activists during a condolence visit to the late Abubakar Tsav’s family home in Makurdi.

The renown philanthropist and pillar of sports in Benue State,  recalled that when Tsav was alive, his sense of patriotism was deep and felt in every nook and cranny and all sectors of the country because he does not shy away from defending what he believes stood in the best interest of Nigeria.

Agbese, who is also the Okanga of Agila, said it was that sense of patriotism that made Tsav to always encourage the Nigerian military in its fight against insurgency and terrorism and in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

This, Chief Agbese said is rooted deeply in the fact Tsav had served at the highest level of security network in Nigeria and understands better the  complexity and depth the average security institution in Nigeria is exposed to and appreciates the processes brought to bear in achieving positive results.

“That is why while others who have little or no knowledge of security matters are busy castigating and making mockery of the Nigerian military, Tsav stood solidly behind the institution encouraging them and this is because he had the vision of a bigger picture that projects the defeat of terrorism in Nigeria and was not driven by mere ego or peti sentiments,” he stated.

Agbese, who led other civil rights activists across the country to a special condolence visit to the late Tsav’s family also described the intervention by the late elder statesman on security matters as significant due to the authority and weight it carried.

He said, “When Tsav speaks on such issues, you cannot afford to ignore him as he does so with authority and deep knowledge of the subject matter and I must say that his words of encouragement to the military institution in Nigeria is deeply appreciated.

“It is at this point that I’ll like to call on other security experts and human rights activists to take a cue from where the late elder statesman stopped and continue to support key and sensitive institutions in Nigeria to succeed because the peace and well being of the nation is tied to the success of their operations.”

Chief Agbese recalled that Tsav also believed in the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to sustain the drive that will push insurgency out of Nigeria and had never hesitated to suggests ways that these could be achieved.

“In other words, the late elder statesman was not only a guide but was a solution to the security problems in Nigeria.

“His type of interventions were not only objective but advisory and intended for the general good of the nation and dedicated to the defence of truth and justice,” he noted.

While eulogizing the late Tsav, Agbese said the former commissioner of police lived and died for the truth and in defence of national security, national institutions and national cohesion.

He said Nigerians forget that Tsav was one of the early promoters of democracy and the rule of law by his conduct while serving as a police officer by using his good office to defend justice, truth and order.

“He did not fail to point out what was right even while serving under a military government as he will not bend the rules to cover up any form of wrongdoing but will insists that things should be done in the right and proper way.”

Chief Agbese said Tsav would be missed at this time when the war against insurgency is at its last push and would require all the support it can get from credible Nigerians.

“It is a pity that he did not live to witness the total defeat of insurgency in Nigeria but his words of support and encouragement would reassure the military that there are people who appreciate the sacrifice they are making to keep Nigeria as one united and peaceful country,” Agbese said.

He added that if all other security chiefs who have retired would lend their experiences to the course of serving their fatherland like the late Tsav had done, that the war on insurgency would have long been over.

“So these ex- security chiefs should not just keep quite while our continuous existence as a nation is being tested but should emulate their late colleague and beam their knowledge and experience on the current security challenges in the country for the wellbeing of Nigeria”

Buhari orders probe into Aso Rocks shooting

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Buhari orders probe into Aso Rocks shooting

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into the shooting incident that occurred in the State House on Thursday, June 11.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Shehu said: “The Presidency wishes to acknowledge concerns expressed by several members of the public regarding the recent incident among the occupants of the State House which escalation led to the arrest of some staff by the police.

“This is to assure all and everyone that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, is not, and was not at any time in any form of danger arising, either from deadly infections or the reported incident by security personnel which is currently under investigation.

“This particular incident happened outside the main residence of the President.

“Armed guards and other security personnel assigned to the State House receive the necessary training of especially weapons handling and where they come short, their relevant agencies have their rules and regulations to immediately address them.

“Having authorized the proper investigation to be carried out into this unfortunate incident by the Police, the President has acted in compliance with the rule of law.

“That a minor occurrence is being used by some critics to justify attacks on the government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari beggars belief.

“In this particular instance, the President says the law should be allowed to take its course.”

Bloody day in Central London as rival protesters clash

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Bloody day in Central London as rival protesters clash

Trafalgar Square and Waterloo Station in Central London were scenes of violent clashes between far-right thugs and Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters on Saturday, featuring about 1,300 troublemakers. Police also had a raw deal with the warring sides as they had to fight back with batons to repel attacks from them.

Police chiefs had imposed the 5pm curfew on all demonstrations in a bid to quell the unrest as the anti-racist rally championed by BLM and a pro-statue counter-protest by far-right thugs descended turned into full scale hooliganism.

Hooligans who had joined the pro-statue demonstration were seen attacking policemen before clashes broke out between BLM activists and the far-right faction in Trafalgar Square.

After the groups were driven out of Trafalgar Square at 5pm, the clashes spilled over to Waterloo station where a group of BLM activists were seen beating a lone white man accused of being a member of a far-right group.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson later spoke out against what he described as the “racist thuggery.” The Prime Minister, who urged protesters to avoid the demonstrations all together – wrote on Twitter: “Racist thuggery has no place on our streets. Anyone attacking the police will be met with full force of the law.

“These marches and protests have been subverted by violence and breach current guidelines. Racism has no part in the UK and we must work together to make that a reality.”

Elsewhere in the country tens of thousands gathered at anti-racism protests that were largely peaceful, even though clashes also erupted in Bristol and Newcastle.

Trouble began when the clocks struck 5pm but about 1,200 protesters in London ignored requests to go home, choosing instead to stay in Trafalgar Square – one of the flash points where a small number of troublemakers on both sides sparked violent clashes with police earlier in the day.

Elsewhere, between 350 and 400 Black Lives Matter protesters headed south of the River Thames to Waterloo station, chasing men they said were members of hate group EDL.

Smoke bombs were let off and bottles thrown as police struggled to protect the men on the steps of the train station.

In Parliament Square, officers herded the final far-right protesters away from the statue of Churchill and began moving them across the green space and onto a road.

Although the area was later clear of demonstrators, piles of rubbish were left behind.

Shortly before the curfew, a man believed to be a Tommy Robinson supporter was attacked by angry crowds in Trafalgar Square. The injured man was swarmed upon before he was punched and kicked to the floor, leaving blood streaming from his nose.

Other protesters managed to drive a wedge in between the man and his attackers and stop the violence before police moved in. He was later taken out of the square by officers, staggering unsteadily on his feet.

Met Police confirmed five people had been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on police, possession of an offensive weapon, being drunk and disorderly and possession of Class A drugs.

A total of 15 people were treated for injuries at the London protests. Six of the patients, all members of the public, were taken to hospital. Six officers suffered minor injuries after ‘pockets of violence’ were directed towards the Metropolitan Police.

In a statement, Met Commander Bas Javid said: “Thousands have travelled to London despite being asked not to, and some of those have been intent on causing harm.

“We understand why people want to express their concerns and have worked hard to keep people safe.

“Many people have complied with these conditions and have listened to officers during the day, and have behaved as we have requested in order to keep them safe.

“A number of people have not followed these conditions, putting officers, and others’ safety at risk.

“There have been pockets of violence directed towards our officers. This is completely unacceptable and I condemn those involved.”

Police had to block off two pedestrian bridges between Embankment and Waterloo in London.

Officers said they had been blocked off as Black Lives Matter protesters had been on them attempting to get north in the capital.

Tommy Robinson vowed in a video posted on social media last weekend that he would be visiting the capital on Saturday to ensure the city’s historical monuments were protected.

He later backtracked and said he would not be attending, but protests went ahead without him.

Demonstrators on all sides flocked to Central London despite desperate pleas from the Home Secretary to “go home to stop the spread of this virus.”

Police Commander Javid added: “We impose conditions for people’s safety. One of those conditions was that the assembly must finish by 5pm.

“If you’re at Parliament Square, you must go to Victoria. If you are at Trafalgar Square, you must go to Charing Cross. Go home.”

Naira Marley again breaks COVID-19 rule as Abuja concert turns rowdy

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Naira Marley again breaks COVID-19 rule as Abuja concert turns rowdy

Popular hip hop artist, Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, has again broken the social distancing rule of the Coronavirus Disease when the drive-in concert he held in Abuja turned rowdy.

The concert was held on Saturday, with Marley arriving earlier in the day in Abuja in a private jet without using a face mask as did all those with him.

The concert, put together by Play Network Africa, Traffic Bar, El’Carnival and sponsored by Glenfiddich, had the ticket sold by Nairabox and Ariiya.

The venue was Jabi Lake Mall, with tickets sold for between N20,000 and N250,000.

It was meant to be a drive-in concert with participants expected to sit in their vehicles.

However, available video showed a dancing crowd surging towards Marley at the concert which had Kim Oprah as the host the show.

Marley had before now been indicted in Lagos for the same offence when he showed up at a party hosted by Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, popularly known as Jenifa, in honour of her husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, also known as JJC Skillz, who was celebrating his birthday.

Meet the Navy Personnel who gunned down five armed robbers in Calabar

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Meet the Navy Personnel who gunned down five armed robbers in Calabar

Mohammed Mubarak is a sea man, a gallant marksman and a skillful Navy Personnel. His display during the encounter with armed men that attacked Uddy King Filling Station in Calabar some time ago has gained him recognitions and awards.

He recently received a Gold Medal award from the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar for displaying such gallantry and bravery act in bringing down the bandits.

Mubarak was said to have returned fire in the defence of himself and passerby and his courage and marksmanship even in the adverse conditions led to the killing of the 5-man gang and seizure of their weapons.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, who presented him with the Gold Medal Award, said the Gold Medal Award is for any personnel that distinguish themselves for bravery and gallantry.

If the Nigerian Navy or other Security agencies in the country can have skillful, gallant men like Mubarak, robbery and other criminal activities would reduce and peace returned to the country.

The issue of Robbery, Kidnapping and Killing has become a usual activity in the Country as the security system is porous, posing threat and fear in the minds of Nigerians as no one knows who could be the next victim

Monguno Attacks: Buratai applauds troops for resilience in subduing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists

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Monguno Attacks: Buratai applauds troops for resilience in subduing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai has congratulated officers and men of the Army Super Camp, Monguno for their resilience and bravery in holding and dealing with the members of the BHT/ISWAP group that attacked Monguno town on Saturday.

In a statement, Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col Sagir Musa said the COAS is highly impressed by the high number of casualties inflicted on the insurgents and the number of BHT members and equipment captured or destroyed by the gallant troops with the support of the Air Task Force.

The Army Chief urged the troops to remain firm and resolute in containing the threat finally.

General Buratai further charged the Commander OPLD to consistently engage in massive offensive patrols to all identified terrorists’ locations and enclaves within the theatre to ensure the terrorists are denied freedom of action and eliminated.

He assured the troops and people of the North West especially Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States that he will soon be there to ensure that the madness of the bandits is put in proper check.

”He is also impressed with the performance of the troops in the ongoing operations ACCORD and HADARIN DAJI. He urges them to maintain the momentum.” Col Sagir said.

He added that details of the BHT equipment captured or destroyed will be released in due course through a press release.

20 terrorists killed as troops repel attacks, capture four gun trucks in Monguno, Borno State

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20 terrorists killed as troops repel attacks, capture four gun trucks in Monguno, Borno State

The Ground troops of Sector 3 and Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE successfully repelled attack on Monguno town and inflicted heavy casualties on Boko Haram /Islamic State of West Africa terrorists who attempted to breach Munguno Town in Borno State on Saturday, the military says.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche said the combined brave Sector 3 counter attack and precise ISR and munition delivery by the Air Task Force, 20 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters were killed and four of their gun trucks destroyed.

”The troops also captured some of the terrorists and their equipment.” He said.

”The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria commends the Land component and Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE for the dexterity and professionalism exhibited during this operation.

”The troops are further encouraged to remain resolute and decisive in their ground and air offensives in the theatre” – Enenche added.

One Year: Zulum tackles 326 capital projects, 49 programmes, Borno SSG declares

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One Year: Zulum tackles 326 capital projects, 49 programmes, Borno SSG declares

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has in one year, undertaken 326 capital projects and 49 policies and programmes, some of which were capital-intensive, Secretary to the State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa has announced.

Jidda, in a statement on Saturday, explained that under 21 of the capital projects, Zulum’s administration is constructing 6,544 sub-urban and low-cost houses in 12 local government areas, for re-settlement of internally displaced persons and refugees.

The SSG’s statement was to kick-start media engagements lined up to mark the one year in office. Commissioners and heads of boards and agencies are scheduled to begin pictorial-based press conferences from Monday in Maiduguri.
Jidda said while his statement was to give statistical overview, commissioners at their sectoral briefings, give specifics of the projects, their status and exact locations.

The SSG continued: “On security, 300 surveillance vehicles were distributed to security agencies and volunteers and these vehicles were captured under one project. On education, 76 projects were carried out including establishment of 21 new schools in 13 LGAs. On healthcare, 46 projects were carried out and they include 37 new primary healthcare centers in 17 LGs. On infrastructure, there are 40 projects in 9 LGs and they include 30 new and rehabilitated roads as well as ongoing construction of Borno’s first flyover in Maiduguri”.

Giving further breakdown, Jidda explained that on restoration of civil authorities in local government areas, Zulum’s administration undertook 53 projects in 21 LGAs, 11 of which were started from scratch while 42 were reconstruction works. The projects centred on council secretariats, lodges, police stations, LEA offices, courts and palaces of resident traditional rulers.

The SSG further explained that Zulum undertook 38 capital projects on water supply including drilling of 213 new boreholes, 18 projects on electrification, 8 on agriculture and 7 on vocational skills and entrepreneurship development.

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