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Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

Effingham County, Georgia, is reeling from tragedy as Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide inside his courtroom. The incident occurred late Monday night into early Tuesday, on what would have been his last day on the bench following a recent election loss. Yekel’s body was discovered Tuesday morning, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,
Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

Effingham County, Georgia, is reeling from tragedy as Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide inside his courtroom.

The incident occurred late Monday night into early Tuesday, on what would have been his last day on the bench following a recent election loss.

Yekel’s body was discovered Tuesday morning, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, GBI, is currently probing the circumstances surrounding his death.

Judge Yekel, who had served since his appointment in 2022, attempted to resign from his position after losing his re-election bid.

However, Governor Brian Kemp rejected his resignation, citing a desire to respect “the will of the people of Effingham County.”

Yekel expressed frustration in his resignation letter, stating that only 6 per cent of eligible voters had participated in the election he lost to Judge Melissa M. Calhoun.

Yekel’s death follows a difficult year marked by personal and professional challenges. His ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, had publicly defended him against rumours related to their divorce and his re-election campaign.

She also revealed financial difficulties stemming from a failed daycare business and described him as “one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know.”

In addition to his election loss, Yekel was facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford, who alleged wrongful termination and sought $10,000 in damages.

Crawford claimed Yekel fired her to replace her with his own staff and accused her of conspiring to reduce charges for DUI offenders, allegations Yekel denied in an email submitted as evidence in the case.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed shock and sadness over the incident, announcing that the courtroom would remain closed until January 2.

The county extended its condolences to Yekel’s family and loved ones, describing his death as a significant loss.

Governor Kemp has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the tragedy.

Judge Yekel had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement and the judiciary. Before he was appointed judge, he served as an assistant district attorney in Chatham County and worked as a special agent with Georgia’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit.

He leaves behind four children—Sean, Ashleigh, Blake, and Brett—and a legacy of service that many in the community are now mourning.

Georgia judge shoots self, dies in courtroom

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• January 1, 2025
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Drive agricultural growth, LGA transformation, Tinubu tells govs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged state governors to take the lead in driving Nigeria’s agricultural revolution and strengthening local government autonomy to foster grassroots development and economic stability. Tinubu described their role as the “most important link” to Nigeria’s prosperity and development during a New Year visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged state governors to take the lead in driving Nigeria’s agricultural revolution and strengthening local government autonomy to foster grassroots development and economic stability. Tinubu described their role as the “most important link” to Nigeria’s prosperity and development during a New Year visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members

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• January 1, 2025
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13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death

A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for various charges including murder, looting, and cowardice. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, a region severely impacted by militia violence and the ongoing insurgency of the M23 rebel group. The trial, part of a
13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death

A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for various charges including murder, looting, and cowardice.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, a region severely impacted by militia violence and the ongoing insurgency of the M23 rebel group.

The trial, part of a larger crackdown by Congolese military authorities, aims to address indiscipline within the army, which has faced criticism for territorial losses to enemy forces.

Mak Hazukay, an army spokesperson, pointed out the detrimental impact of soldiers abandoning their posts.

“Fighting has flared in Lubero territory, and cases of soldiers abandoning their positions have helped the enemy advance.

“Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline. We had to organise this educational trial to set things right,” Hazukay stated.

The tribunal tried 24 soldiers in total. Thirteen were sentenced to death, while four received prison terms ranging from two to 10 years. Six soldiers were acquitted, and one case was deferred for further investigation.

Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi stated the importance of the trial.

“The trials aimed to help restore trust between the military and the population,” Kabundi said.

All convicted soldiers pleaded not guilty and have five days to appeal their sentences. A defence lawyer for one of the soldiers confirmed plans to challenge the rulings.

The trial took place against the backdrop of the Congolese army’s struggle against the M23 rebel group, which has captured significant territory in North Kivu.

The DRC accuses neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an allegation Kigali denies.

13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death

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• January 1, 2025
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New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 23 suspects for New Year’s Eve thuggery and armed robbery in Minna, the state capital. The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest was part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful crossover celebration into the New Year. He
New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 23 suspects for New Year’s Eve thuggery and armed robbery in Minna, the state capital.

The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest was part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful crossover celebration into the New Year.

He stated that Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, directed area commanders and DPOs to deploy personnel and assets to strategic locations within the city.

Acting on this directive, Abiodun stated that the DPO of the GRA Division led patrol teams, including a Crack Squad, to Fadikpe Junction and Dutsen-Kura Junction in Minna at approximately 12:45 am on January 1, 2025.

According to him, “The team encountered a group of irate thugs burning tyres and engaging in a fierce fight with dangerous weapons.”

The swift intervention of the police resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects, who were found in possession of various weapons and illicit substances, including suspected cannabis, swords, knives, sticks, and stones.

Other items found with them include iron rods, charms, scissors, and tobacco.

The 23 suspects are currently under investigation at the GRA Division of the state police command and will be charged in court for prosecution, said Abiodun.

New Year’s Eve: Police arrest 23for thuggery, robbery in Niger

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Saudi Arabia executed 338 in 2024 – Report

Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports. The six were executed in Dammam, on the Gulf coast, for having “clandestinely introduced hashish” into the kingdom,
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Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports. The six were executed in Dammam, on the Gulf coast, for having “clandestinely introduced hashish” into the kingdom,

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• January 1, 2025
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Kano rejects Tinubu’s tax reform bills

The Kano State Government has voiced its opposition to the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, describing them as detrimental to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly in the northern region. Governor Abba Yusuf, who was represented by his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, declared the government’s position during the 2025 New Year celebration
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The Kano State Government has voiced its opposition to the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, describing them as detrimental to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly in the northern region. Governor Abba Yusuf, who was represented by his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, declared the government’s position during the 2025 New Year celebration

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• January 1, 2025
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Rennes sign Ivorian midfielder Fofana from Al Nassr for €20m

Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Rennes, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has 22 caps for the Ivory Coast, arrives on a deal estimated to be worth 20 million euros ($20.8 million). The former Lens captain joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s
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Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Rennes, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has 22 caps for the Ivory Coast, arrives on a deal estimated to be worth 20 million euros ($20.8 million). The former Lens captain joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s

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• January 1, 2025
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Terrorism allegations: Benin summons Niger’s envoy

Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat amid accusations by Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that neighbouring countries are supporting terrorism in West Africa. Tchiani, in a televised address, alleged that Benin serves as a rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilise Niger Republic. Reacting in a statement on X, Benin’s foreign ministry refuted
Terrorism allegations: Benin summons Niger’s envoy

Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat amid accusations by Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that neighbouring countries are supporting terrorism in West Africa.

Tchiani, in a televised address, alleged that Benin serves as a rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilise Niger Republic.

Reacting in a statement on X, Benin’s foreign ministry refuted the claims, describing them as baseless, and summoned Niger’s chargé d’affaires.

“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargé d’affaires of Niger has been summoned.

“Benin remains committed to dialogue and fraternal collaboration between the two nations,” the statement read.

An official letter has been sent to the diplomat by Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari.

The development followed a similar response from Nigeria, which has also debunked allegations made by Niger’s junta.

DAILY POST recalls that Tchiani accused France of negotiating with terrorist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, to destabilise Niger Republic.

The military junta also alleged that France made a substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria.

“They (France) meet and negotiate with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of the pronunciation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued a statement refuting the allegations.

Reacting to the allegations in a video posted on his X page on Friday, Bwala said the claims are baseless propaganda, designed to create chaos and incite bad blood in northern Nigeria against Tinubu.

“Yesterday I came across a video, a despicable propaganda piece by the military head of state of the Niger Republic against the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and this is what you often see with military interregnum,” he said.

Similarly, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has also described the allegations as unfounded, refuting claims that such a generous and magnanimous country as Nigeria would become a state sponsor of terrorism.

In a statement, ECOWAS expressed its support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives and condemned the allegations as unfounded.

The statement read in part: “The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.”

Terrorism allegations: Benin summons Niger’s envoy