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• January 3, 2025
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Inmate takes five staff hostage at French prison

A 37-year-old inmate armed with a handmade weapon took five staff members hostage at Arles prison in southern France on Friday, local police and prison officials reported. The incident began around 11:15 a.m local time when the prisoner, serving a sentence for armed rape, held four nurses and one prison guard captive in the infirmary.
Inmate takes five staff hostage at French prison

A 37-year-old inmate armed with a handmade weapon took five staff members hostage at Arles prison in southern France on Friday, local police and prison officials reported.

The incident began around 11:15 a.m local time when the prisoner, serving a sentence for armed rape, held four nurses and one prison guard captive in the infirmary.

Authorities say the hostage-taker suffers from “significant psychiatric disturbances” and does not fit the profile of a terrorist. His primary demand is to be transferred to another prison, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Elite police forces, including the RAID unit, have been deployed to the scene, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that all available resources have been mobilized to resolve the crisis.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in real-time,” Darmanin stated.

The standoff remains ongoing but officials describe the situation as “calm.” The inmate, whose sentence runs until 2031, continues to negotiate with authorities.

Inmate takes five staff hostage at French prison

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• January 3, 2025
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Obi visits Farotimi, hails his dedication to Nigeria’s progress

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed admiration for lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi. Obi disclosed this in a tweet on Friday, following his visit to Farotimi, who recently returned from a correctional facility in Ekiti. The politician noted that Farotimi remains in high spirits despite his ordeal
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Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed admiration for lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi. Obi disclosed this in a tweet on Friday, following his visit to Farotimi, who recently returned from a correctional facility in Ekiti. The politician noted that Farotimi remains in high spirits despite his ordeal

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• January 3, 2025
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Afe Babalola: Peter Obi visits Dele Farotimi after lawyer regains freedom

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has visited embattled human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi. Obi said Farotimi was in good spirits when he visited. Posting on X, the former presidential candidate Farotimi’s situation was an indication that a new Nigeria is possible. He wrote: “Yesterday, following my visit and meeting with
Afe Babalola: Peter Obi visits Dele Farotimi after lawyer regains freedom

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has visited embattled human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

Obi said Farotimi was in good spirits when he visited.

Posting on X, the former presidential candidate Farotimi’s situation was an indication that a new Nigeria is possible.

He wrote: “Yesterday, following my visit and meeting with President Obasanjo, I made time to visit my dear younger brother, Dele Farotimi.

“Since his return from the correctional center in Ekiti, I have not had the opportunity to meet with him.

“I was pleased to find him in good spirits and deeply encouraged by his unwavering dedication to the struggle for a better Nigeria.

“@DeleFarotimi exemplifies courage in the face of adversity, consistently taking bold stands for good governance in our nation. I wish him a fruitful and productive year as we continue to work together toward the development of our country. A New Nigeria is POssible.-PO”

In December 2024, DAILY POST reported that the lawyer was arrested for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD.

Farotimi was remanded in a correctional centre in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

A few weeks ago, a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti granted him a N30 million bail.

Farotimi regained his freedom on Tuesday after meeting his bail conditions.

Afe Babalola: Peter Obi visits Dele Farotimi after lawyer regains freedom

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• January 3, 2025
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PRP slams Bauchi Government over N3.4bn allocated for fuel, travel expenses in 2025 budget

The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP has berated the State Government and House of Assembly for proposing a budget of N3.4 billion for fueling and travel expenses in 2025. In a statement issued by its State Secretary, Wada Abdullahi, and made available to journalists in Bauchi, the PRP condemned what it
PRP slams Bauchi Government over N3.4bn allocated for fuel, travel expenses in 2025 budget

The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP has berated the State Government and House of Assembly for proposing a budget of N3.4 billion for fueling and travel expenses in 2025.

In a statement issued by its State Secretary, Wada Abdullahi, and made available to journalists in Bauchi, the PRP condemned what it described as a “blatant disregard for the welfare of the citizens” by the government and legislators.

The statement detailed the allocation of N1 billion for fueling vehicles and generators at the Government House.

Out of this, N500 million is earmarked for motor vehicles and another N500 million for generators.

The PRP also raised alarm over the proposed N1.4 billion budget for travel expenses by the State House of Assembly.

It condemned the additional N1 billion budgeted by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for international travel.

The party accused the government of prioritising personal extravagance over the pressing needs of the people.

“It is time to spotlight the disturbing priorities of those in power and hold them accountable for their greed and irresponsibility amidst the growing economic struggles of Bauchi State residents,” Abdullahi said.

“This extravagant spending reflects the gross mismanagement of state resources,” While families in Bauchi struggle to make ends meet, our leaders indulge in excess, turning a blind eye to the real needs of the people.” he noted.

“This monstrous amount could fund life-changing healthcare facilities and schools. Yet, our leaders prioritize unnecessary travel over addressing the dire challenges facing our communities,” the statement added.

“Our hospitals lack basic medical equipment, our schools remain underfunded, and our roads are in disrepair. Despite this, the government chooses lavish trips abroad over addressing these urgent issues. This reeks of self-aggrandizement and neglect of the citizens’ interests,” Abdullahi stated.

The PRP warned Governor Bala Mohammed and members of the State Assembly that the people of Bauchi are watching and will hold them accountable for their actions.

“We demand an immediate end to this reckless mismanagement of public funds. The citizens of Bauchi deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare over personal indulgence.”

The party also called on Bauchi residents to rise against the culture of impunity and demand better governance.

“We must unite to reclaim our state from those whose greed threatens its future. The time for change is now,” the PRP concluded.
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PRP slams Bauchi Government over N3.4bn allocated for fuel, travel expenses in 2025 budget

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• January 3, 2025
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La Liga: Flick unhappy as Barcelona risks losing Olmo

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Friday he was unhappy about potentially losing key midfielder Dani Olmo because of the club’s dire financial state, but optimistic the situation would be resolved successfully. The Catalan giants said Tuesday they had asked the Spanish football federation to grant Spanish international Olmo a new license to play, after his
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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Friday he was unhappy about potentially losing key midfielder Dani Olmo because of the club’s dire financial state, but optimistic the situation would be resolved successfully. The Catalan giants said Tuesday they had asked the Spanish football federation to grant Spanish international Olmo a new license to play, after his

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• January 3, 2025
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Attempt to arrest South Korean President suspended after dramatic standoff

A six-hour standoff between South Korean investigators and security forces loyal to suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol ended on Friday without an arrest, as authorities abandoned their attempt to detain the impeached leader. Dozens of police vans surrounded Yoon’s residence early Friday, with a 150-member arrest team from the Corruption Investigation Office, CIO, attempting to
Attempt to arrest South Korean President suspended after dramatic standoff

A six-hour standoff between South Korean investigators and security forces loyal to suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol ended on Friday without an arrest, as authorities abandoned their attempt to detain the impeached leader.

Dozens of police vans surrounded Yoon’s residence early Friday, with a 150-member arrest team from the Corruption Investigation Office, CIO, attempting to enforce a court-issued warrant.

However, they were met with resistance from Yoon’s security detail and a military unit tasked with protecting Seoul.

The confrontation began at 8:00amam local time, 11:00 PM GMT, with investigators initially gaining partial access to the compound. However, they were blocked by Yoon’s security service which formed a barricade with personnel and vehicles.

At one point, physical confrontations reportedly occurred between the two groups. As the situation escalated, the CIO cited concerns for the safety of their team and halted the arrest operation.

“We’ve determined that the arrest is practically impossible,” a CIO spokesperson stated. They criticized Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with the legal process as “deeply regrettable” and indicated that the next steps would be reviewed.

Pro-Yoon demonstrators, who had been camped outside the residence for days, erupted in celebration when the arrest was suspended, chanting, “We won!”

Meanwhile, opposition figures, including Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, condemned Yoon’s actions.

“He has failed to uphold his promise to take responsibility,” Park said, urging the CIO to attempt the arrest again.

Yoon is under investigation for abuse of power and inciting insurrection following his declaration of martial law in early December. The move, though quickly overturned, led to a parliamentary vote on December 14 to impeach him.

If arrested, Yoon would become the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to face such an action. His impeachment has plunged the nation into political chaos, with acting President Han Duck-soo also impeached in late December for allegedly obstructing the impeachment process.

The current warrant for Yoon’s arrest expires on January 6, leaving a narrow window for a renewed attempt. Alternatively, investigators may seek a fresh warrant or pursue other legal actions.

CIO’s inability to enforce the warrant points to broader tensions between South Korea’s anti-corruption agency and other government entities, raising questions about the agency’s effectiveness in holding high-ranking officials accountable.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have charged military officials, including Army Chief Park An-su and Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong-geun, for their roles in supporting the martial law declaration. Both are set to face trial while in custody.

South Korea remains deeply divided over Yoon’s leadership and the fallout from his actions. Protests and counter-protests have escalated, reiterating the political instability gripping the nation.

Attempt to arrest South Korean President suspended after dramatic standoff