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From President To Prison: Bazoum’s Year-Long Detention Sparks Legal And International Outcry

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2 years ago

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From President To Prison: Bazoum’s Year-Long Detention Sparks Legal And International OutcryIt has been a full year since the coup in Niger, and ex-President Mohamed Bazoum remains in strict custody in Niamey under the military regime currently in power. Concerns about a potential trial are growing among his supporters and close associates.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Recall that Bazoum was ousted on July 26, 2023, by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of his presidential guard.

Elected in 2021, Bazoum has refused to resign and continues to assert his legitimacy as the president of Niger.

Since the coup, both Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza, have been confined to the presidential palace in Niamey. Bazoum’s last public appearance was on August 19, 2023, during a visit by a Nigerian mediator, which was broadcast nationally.

The conditions of their detention have deteriorated since then. In October, the military accused Bazoum of attempting to escape, an allegation denied by his legal team.

Bazoum’s phone has been confiscated, and only his doctor is permitted to visit him twice weekly.

Despite these harsh conditions, Bazoum remains steadfast. According to his communications advisor, Hamid N’Gade, Bazoum is in good physical health and maintains high spirits, showing no inclination to resign.

“Physically, they are doing well. Their morale is very high. The president remains committed to continuing his resistance.

“He is a man of strong convictions and a staunch republican. Resigning is out of the question for him,” said Hamid N’Gade, his communications advisor, to AFP.

He remains dedicated to resisting the military regime, seen by those close to him as a symbol of courage and democracy. His son, Salem Bazoum, who was initially detained with him, was provisionally released in January and has relocated to Togo.

Allegations Against Bazoum

Despite the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordering Bazoum’s release in mid-December, the military has ignored this directive, leading Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.

Last month, the military-established State Court revoked Bazoum’s presidential immunity. He faces charges of “conspiracy to attack the security and authority of the state” and “treason.”

The military accuses him of contacting French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to seek support for armed intervention during the coup.

Mohamed Seydou Diagne, one of Bazoum’s lawyers, argues that the court lacks legitimacy, as its members were appointed by a leader who was never formally sworn in.

“This court lacks legitimacy. Its members were appointed by a coup leader who was never sworn in,” said Mohamed Seydou Diagne, one of Bazoum’s lawyers.

Potential Trial

The removal of Bazoum’s immunity opens the door to a trial, although no date has been set. The charges carry severe penalties: treason could result in the death penalty by firing squad, while conspiracy against state authority could lead to life imprisonment.

“The crime of treason carries the death penalty, by firing squad, which remains in effect in Niger, although it has not been implemented for thirty years,” said Moussa Coulibaly, former president of the Niger Bar Association and one of Bazoum’s lawyers.

A trial would provide Bazoum with his first opportunity to publicly address the charges since the coup. However, Diagne criticized the process, describing it as an exceptional jurisdiction lacking fair trial guarantees. He called it a “mockery of justice” designed to secure Bazoum’s conviction.

“It will only be a mockery of justice, a continuation of what they have initiated. They are determined to convict him at any cost,” added Oumar Moussa, his deputy chief of staff.

Support for Bazoum

Initially, many Western leaders demanded Bazoum’s immediate release. ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on Niger’s military rulers and even threatened military intervention to reinstate him. However, no intervention occurred, and sanctions were lifted in February.

In recent months, international calls for Bazoum’s release have waned. A French diplomatic source expressed concern about the pressures exerted by the junta and the impending “legal charade.”

An International Monetary Fund spokesperson, whose aid to Niger has resumed, declined to comment on Bazoum’s situation, citing non-interference in the political affairs of member states.

Rebel groups in Niger advocating for Bazoum’s return have recently claimed responsibility for attacks on a major oil pipeline.

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JUSTICE AT LAST: Killer Kidnapper Sentenced To Death After Brutal Murder Of Kogi Hotelier!.

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June 17, 2026

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A Kogi State High Court, presided over by Justice Abdul Nicodemus Awulu, has sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death for his role in the kidnapping and murder of Uche Andrew Offo, a hotel owner in Obajana. Halilu was found guilty of conspiracy and kidnapping, in violation of the Kogi State Kidnapping and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2023.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The incident occurred on March 23, 2023, when Halilu and an armed gang abducted Offo from his hotel, the Everready Hotel. Although Offo’s family paid a ₦2.5 million ransom, he was killed after recognizing Halilu—his own neighbour—among his abductors. Halilu was eventually arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on December 4, 2025, and was also linked to the April 2, 2023, kidnapping of Ibrahim Abdullahi in Lokoja, for which a ₦5 million ransom was paid.

This verdict is part of a series of recent major legal successes for the DSS:

  • Owo Church Attack: On June 3, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris—to death for the 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, which resulted in over 40 deaths and 100 injuries.

  • Katsina Arms Courier: Just 24 hours prior to the Kogi ruling, a Katsina State High Court sentenced a female arms courier apprehended by the DSS to death.

Security sources stated that these consecutive convictions serve as a strong message that those involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime will be held accountable and face the full extent of the law.

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“‘A DEEP WOUND’: Victor Osimhen Finally Breaks Silence On The Heartbreak Of Missing Two World Cups!”

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3 hours ago

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June 17, 2026

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Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen recently shared his personal disappointment regarding Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the second consecutive time the team has failed to qualify. During a social media livestream, the striker acknowledged that the team’s failure to reach the expanded 48-team tournament is deeply painful for both himself and his teammates. Nigeria’s hopes were dashed after finishing second in their qualification group and subsequently losing to DR Congo in the continental playoffs. Despite his status as a premier forward, this result means Osimhen and several of his teammates have yet to compete at a senior FIFA World Cup, with Nigeria’s last appearance dating back to 2018. Ultimately, Osimhen expressed that while the setback is difficult to accept, the players must maintain their resolve and focus on future challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Victor Osimhen has opened up about the “painful” experience of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles striker noted that missing two consecutive tournaments has been a significant blow for the entire squad. Nigeria’s qualification journey ended after a group stage second-place finish followed by a playoff defeat to DR Congo. While Osimhen admitted the situation is “bad” for the team, he emphasized the need to keep moving forward despite the disappointment of missing the global stage.

Option 3: Analytical

The absence of Nigeria from the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a tournament featuring increased representation for Africa—serves as a stark reminder of the national team’s recent struggles. Victor Osimhen’s candid remarks during a livestream highlight the emotional toll on a talented generation of players who remain unproven on football’s most prestigious stage. Having missed out on both the 2022 and 2026 editions, Nigeria is currently facing a significant drought in World Cup participation. Osimhen, who last saw his country compete in the 2018 tournament, described the latest failure as a situation where “life happens,” signaling a pragmatic need for the players to pivot their focus toward upcoming international assignments.

Key Points Summarized:

  • Tournament Absence: Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a group-stage finish and a subsequent playoff loss to DR Congo.

  • Historical Context: This marks the second consecutive World Cup miss for the Super Eagles, who last played in the tournament in 2018.

  • Osimhen’s Reaction: The striker described the failure as a “painful” experience for the team, noting that he and many of his peers have yet to experience playing at a senior FIFA World Cup.

  • Looking Forward: Despite the disappointment, Osimhen stated that the players must move on and continue to work toward future goals.

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“‘My Hands Are Itching!’: Troost-Ekong Reveals Emotional Struggle With Life After Super Eagles Retirement!”.

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3 hours ago

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June 17, 2026

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Months after retiring from international football, former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has shared that he still experiences a sense of longing for the national team environment. Speaking during a roundtable discussion on the Bassey Talks podcast with former teammates Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey, the 32-year-old expressed that while he is at peace with his decision, he deeply misses the camaraderie he shared with the squad. Although he admits that watching the team on television makes him yearn to be back on the pitch, he maintains that he has no regrets about his retirement. Troost-Ekong, who debuted for Nigeria in 2015, ended his ten-year international career in December 2025 following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

William Troost-Ekong, who retired from the Super Eagles in December 2025, recently revealed he still misses his former teammates. During a podcast appearance alongside current national team players, the veteran defender explained that while he is content with his decision to step away, the unique bond of the team environment remains something he deeply cherishes. Known for his leadership and his role in the celebrated “Oyibo Wall,” Troost-Ekong retired with 83 caps and 8 goals for Nigeria, including a standout performance as the Best Player at the 2023 AFCON. He noted that while he misses the atmosphere of match days, he is satisfied with his choice to move on from international football.

Option 3: Analytical

William Troost-Ekong’s recent comments shed light on the emotional transition that follows a decade-long international career. After stepping down in December 2025, the former defender’s reflection on the Bassey Talks podcast emphasizes that the “family” dynamic of the Super Eagles is difficult to replace. His career was marked by significant milestones, including an Olympic bronze in 2016 and a historic run at the 2023 AFCON, where he was named the tournament’s Best Player. Despite his itch to return when watching the team play, Troost-Ekong remains resolute in his retirement, ending a chapter that saw him become the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.

Key Career Highlights:

  • Retirement Date: December 2025.

  • National Team Tenure: A ten-year career beginning with his 2015 debut under Stephen Keshi.

  • Statistical Record: 83 total appearances and 8 goals for the Super Eagles.

  • Tournament Achievements: Named Best Player at the 2023 AFCON and holds the record as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals in that competition.

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