Nineteen suspects accused of being involved in the 2024 shooting attack in a Moscow concert hall that killed 149 people, and wounded over 600, have appeared in court in a glass cage at the beginning of their trial. A faction of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Chairman, Board of Trustees at Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre, Zubair Idris, and a laywer, Victor Giwa, have faulted the recent clampdown on Badeggi FM in Niger State by Governor Umar Bago, describing the action as unconstitutional and a threat to press freedom.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Idris described the governor’s action as “overzealous” and counterproductive to democracy.
He noted that some Nigerian politicians appeared more focused on the 2027 elections than on fulfilling their current mandates.
He emphasised the constitutional duty of journalists to hold public officials accountable.
READ ALSO:  , NBA Condemns Shutting Down Of Radio Station In Niger, Demands Immediate Reversal
“This is what is entrenched in the Constitution, which gives the media the power to hold public officers accountable and also account for themselves”, Idris said.
He stressed that complaints about any broadcast content should be directed to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the body responsible for regulating radio and television operations in Nigeria.
Similarly Giwa, expressed dismay over the governor’s action, pointing to Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression.
“The freedom to impart ideas and to hold opinions without interference under Section 39 (1) is a fundamental right”, the lawyer stated.
He explained that while freedom of expression is not absolute and must align with national security and morality, only lawful regulatory bodies — not governors — had the power to impose sanctions.
“The governor of Niger State does not have the right to order the immediate closure of the station. It is unconstitutional”, Giwa said.
He further noted that law enforcement officers, such as the police or the Department of State Services, were meant to protect the governor, not enforce his personal directives.
Addressing the idea of self-regulation within the media, Idris reiterated the importance of democracy and citizen-driven journalism.
He also decried the exclusion of local journalists from government events, which he said undermined transparency and leaves only state-sanctioned press releases available to the public.
“If t
Governor Bago had ordered the immediate revocation of the operational licence of the radio station, accusing it of consistently inciting the public against the state government through its broadcasts.
He issued the order during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting held at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall in Government House, Minna.
Roughly 40,000 revellers flocked to Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District this weekend for the Kendal Calling festival, where The Courteeners, Travis, The Prodigy, and Kaiser Chiefs took to the stage. However, the single moment that has set social media alight occurred during Fatboy Slim’s headline performance on Saturday evening.
Whilst the DJ – whose real name is Norman Cook – was delivering his 1999 chart-topper Praise You, one punter filming the show was utterly bewildered by the behaviour of the woman standing nearby. In footage posted by the Kendal Calling TikTok page, a female voice could be heard belting out the track’s lyrics, though not quite as anticipated.
Rather than simply being dreadfully out of tune like many of us regrettably are at concerts, the woman possessed a remarkable operatic voice – prompting comparisons to Britain’s Got Talent champion Susan Boyle.
The Kendal Calling account captioned their clip: “Tried to film Praise You at Fatboy Slim but was standing next to Susan Boyle???”
They noted in the description that the woman was “giving us vocals”, with viewers left stunned by just how talented the singer was – despite her performance being somewhat misplaced amongst the Fatboy Slim audience.
One user commented: “Think this might be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Another remarked: “I’m with her, at least she’s present in the moment, not filming for later.”
Whilst a third observed: “Once you reach a certain age, you sing everything in opera, unfortunately.”
Festival-goers who witnessed the woman’s vocal prowess insisted she “sang every song” in identical fashion, whilst one person crafted a brilliant pun playing on the BBC’s religious programme, Songs of Praise.
They quipped: “Songs of Praise You.”
This year, Kendal Calling celebrated its 20th anniversary. The festival concluded on Sunday (August 3rd), featuring fireworks as The Prodigy delivered their headline performance.
Andy Smith co-founded Kendal Calling and recently expressed his determination to preserve the festival’s character while it continues expanding each year.
He explained: “We do want it to be a rite of passage, but we also want it to be something that people all come back to. My group of friends is scattered around the country and world, but it’s the festival that is the one focal point of the year, where we’ll see everybody.
Kirstie Allsopp, the well-known presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location, finds her family’s former abode at the heart of a contentious planning dispute that could see a vast new housing estate erected in Wiltshire. The proposed development by CG Fry & Son is set to encroach upon the boundaries of the Grade-II* listed Vern Leaze in Calne, a historic property previously owned by Kirstie’s father, the 6th Baron Hindlip.
The grand manor, which has 11 bedrooms and was valued at a whopping £3.5 million in 2021, once held the reigns of Charles Allsopp, Kirstie’s father, and an auctioneer renowned for hammering down Van Gogh’s Sunflowers for a staggering £24.75 million in 1987.
Despite selling the estate in the early 1980s, the planned housing estate threatens to overshadow the magnificent property, complete with its stables, coach house, walled garden, and lodge. It comes after Channel 4 breaks silence after Gogglebox couple suddenly dumped from show.
READ MORE: Loose Women star hints ‘plenty of people are nauseating to work with’ after scandalREAD MORE: Gregg Wallace’s reduced life now – snubbed by pals, BBC ‘warning shot’ and shock new job
The project, which includes 180 new homes and a medical facility, sparked a wave of objections from hundreds of local residents earlier this year.
CG Fry & Son have defended their plans, stating: “This proposal will contribute towards Wiltshire Council’s annual housing requirement, and will provide high quality open market and affordable homes.”, reports the Express.
A statement stating that “Grade II* listed buildings are of national significance are considered to be of national significance” was provided.
A significant portion of this is due to the development’s southern portion remaining open space in the parkland style.
The historic house’s neighborhood was once a parkland, but it has since lost many of the original trees.
Kirsty and Location, Location, Location co-host Phil Spencer recently discussed the popularity of their show.
In a recent documentary, Kirstie reminisced over her years on the show and said their long-running role on the series, and on Channel 4, had been an “absolute privilege”.
They both agreed that the many couples and families they’ve met along the way have had a significant impact on them, despite their efforts to make sure people’s lives are settled in the right place.
She claimed, “They’ve also altered our lives.” They added that they have “been through a lot together” over the years.
Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.
READ MORE: Samsung fans pick up £9 a month Galaxy Watch7 – plan costs pennies per dayREAD MORE: ‘I lost 4 stone in a year but still eat takeaways by changing just two things’
A sea of flowers, messages and tributes left in Birmingham in memory of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne are being moved today.
Thousands of fans have visited Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street in the musician’s home city to lay bouquets, wreaths, posters, balloons, candles and cards since he died at the age of 76 on July 22. They are now being handed to his family, who are still coming to terms with the legend’s death.
The tributes were being stored until earlier, when Birmingham City Council made a cortege procession to place their own flowers on the bench. The Osbourne family visited the bench on Wednesday and received them.
A handful of fans watched on from behind barriers, took photographs and hugged each other as officials in hi-vis jackets collected all the flowers and tributes which had been laid in front of the bench and on the railings behind it. It comes after Sharon Osbourne breaks down in tears at Ozzy’s funeral in heartbreaking scenes.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Anton Du Beke shares heartbreak over wife’s ‘cruel and inexplicable’ diagnosisREAD MORE: John Torode’s businesses collapsed after racking up eye-watering debts
The rock star’s relatives would gather and arrange the mementos, according to the council, and are then stored “with the utmost care in a secure location, ensuring they are protected and treated with dignity.”
According to the council, “they will be passed on to the Osbourne family so that they can keep them as a lasting reminder of the support and affection of the public.”
The Osbourne family said in a statement released by the city council that: “We are deeply moved by the heartfelt tributes that have recently been displayed at the Black Sabbath Bridge and the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street.
“These expressions of remembrance reflect the profound impact that Ozzy had on the city and its people, as well as fans from around the world – BIRMINGHAM FOREVER!”
Kelly Osbourne has today paid an emotional tribute to her late father nearly two weeks on from his death. His loved ones announced the sad news via a family statement signed by Sharon Osbourne and four of the Black Sabbath frontman’s six children.
The singer, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, was “with his family and surrounded by love”. The statement read : “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
He was surrounded by love and his family. At this time, we ask that everyone respects our family’s privacy.
Kelly shared an incredible bond with her beloved dad by posting a personal note to him on social media this afternoon.
She remarked, “I’ve sat down a hundred times and still don’t know if the words will ever feel like enough… but from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
“I’ve truly been able to carry myself through the most difficult time of my life thanks to the love, support, and beautiful messages I’ve received from so many of you.” More than I can possibly explain, every kind word, every shared memory, and every bit of compassion have meant.
“Grief is a strange thing; it sneaks up on you in waves,” says the statement “I won’t be okay for a while,” but knowing that our family is not the only ones who are suffering makes a difference.
I’m keeping my eyes on the legacy that has been left behind, light, and love. I appreciate you visiting. I adore you all so much.
It was a series for the ages. The best in the UK since 2005? It’s hard to argue.
For the first time since 2004 the game went into the fifth day in all five Tests in the series, leaving players on both sides to summon energy from their depths.
From England there was so much good before they ultimately fell short of winning a five-Test series for the first time since 2018.
The result is a squad that will remain largely settled going forward to the Ashes in Australia in November. There will not, and should not, be wholesale changes.
Some have pushed their case but there remains a feeling that others could have done more.
Ben Duckett: The opener’s 149 to set up victory in the first Test was an all-timer of a knock. That he reached 12 in all but one of his eight innings afterwards yet did not make another century was disappointing. Still, given he provides fast starts, is the consistent run-getter in England’s opening partnership and is growing as an influential leader who will take the fight to Australia, Duckett remains one of England’s most important players. 7
Zak Crawley: The right-hander ended the series with no hundreds and an average of 32.22, effectively matching that of his 59-Test career. It means calls for England to move him on will not go away. That remains highly unlikely, however. Captain Ben Stokes and the management regularly pointed to the partnerships he shared with Duckett – 188 in the fourth innings at Headingley, 166 at Manchester and 92 at The Oval – and still believe he is best suited to the pacey, bouncy pitches in Australia. After all of the backing, it would be a massive call to change now. 5
Ollie Pope: Similarly, this was the most Pope of series, with 106 in his first innings and only one fifty afterwards. The discrepancy between his record in the first and second innings – 46.7 compared to 19.8 – remains a concern and did not improve against India. His place is in more doubt because of how highly England rate Bethell but Pope is more likely than not to remain at number three. His captaincy in Stokes’ absence at The Oval was uninspiring. 5
Harry Brook: Two hundreds and a 99 make this Brook’s best home summer. Another banker for the Ashes. England will need him at his best. 8
Ben Stokes: Stokes back bowling at full tilt, taking 17 wickets across 140 overs, was the biggest plus of England’s summer. Their captain’s 141 at Old Trafford was also welcome and will quieten any talk of a batting decline. The Oval defeat showed how crucial his captaincy and leadership remains and 34-year-old is confident he will be fit from his shoulder injury to play a full part in Australia. If he’s not, England have no chance. 9
Jamie Smith: Smith’s 184 not out in the second Test at Edgbaston was arguably the knock of the series. It showed why England rate him so highly. Concerning, though, was how his summer tailed off with scores of eight, nine, eight and two in his final four innings. He looked tired physically and mentally at The Oval where he failed to take England over the line on the fifth morning. Australia could be even harder on body and mind. 7
Brydon Carse: Nine wickets at 60.9 across four matches does not reflect how well Carse bowled at times in his first home summer as a Test cricketer. He was England’s best seamer in the first two Tests and his two wickets in the second innings at Lord’s broke open the game. He will have a big part to play this winter. 7
Josh Tongue: Tongue’s series is the hardest to evaluate. Despite playing in only three Tests, he ended up as England’s highest wicket-taker with 19. That flatters him a little, although more of his wickets were top-order dismissals than lower-order by the series’ end – a reversal of his return at the start. He bowled one of the most wayward spells in recent memory in the first innings at The Oval but England will focus on the positives, such as his five-wicket haul in the second. While not a starter, he will be a part of the Ashes bowling group. 6
Shoaib Bashir: Bashir took 10 expensive wickets before breaking a finger in the third Test at Lord’s. In truth, the best two Tests for him were probably those he missed. Liam Dawson did not take his chance in his place at Old Trafford and Jacob Bethell’s spin is not good enough to pass as more than part-time. It may be England return to Bashir after all because, although he leaks runs, no spinner since Graeme Swann has taken wickets more regularly. 6
Liam Dawson: Dawson could have forced England’s hand at Old Trafford by taking wickets in Bashir’s absence but managed only one in 62 overs. If you expected differently, you probably had not been watching closely enough. Dawson is a steady and accurate spinner but is not one to run through batting line-ups or bowl magic deliveries. That means him and England’s Test team do not feel a natural fit. 4
Gus Atkinson: Eight wickets at The Oval after a frustrating, injury-hit summer were timely for Atkinson. Others – Carse and Archer in particular – had caught the eye in recent months but the Surrey quick reminded England just how dependable he is. Accurate and capable of conjuring wickets from nowhere, Atkinson should take the new ball in the first Ashes Test. 7
Jacob Bethell: This score appears harsh on a supremely talented 21-year-old asked to play in a red-hot finale on the back of one first-class game in seven months. Scores of six and five, including a poor second-innings dismissal, were a reflection of that preparation. England’s faith will not be dimmed, however. He will go to Australia and could yet put some pressure on Pope with white-ball runs against South Africa in September. 3
Though they have white-ball matches against South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand, England do not play another Test before their Ashes opener on 21 November.
BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Carse, Archer, Wood.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Archer, Wood, Carse/Tongue.
Ex-England batter Ebony Rainford-Brent: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Archer, Wood, Bashir.
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Wood, Archer, Carse, Atkinson.
Ex-England spinner Phil Tufnell: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Archer, Wood, Carse/Tongue.