Nigeria VP indicted on corruption charges News
Nigeria VP indicted on corruption charges

[JURIST] A senate panel in Nigeria [JURIST news archive] Tuesday indicted Vice President Atiku Abubakar [official profile] on corruption charges [JURIST report] stemming from the alleged diversion of $145 million dollars of public money to private interests, as well as allegations of receiving more than $4.6 million dollars in bribes. Abubakar has left the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) [BBC backgrounder] and is now the presidential candidate for the opposition Action Congress (AC) [Independent National Electoral Commission backgrounder]. If convicted, he will be precluded from running for the Nigerian presidency. Last week, a Nigerian appeals court ruled [JURIST report] Abubakar could not legally be stripped of his office after his break with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo [official profile]. AFP has more.

Earlier Tuesday, Nigerian officials announced the creation of an election tribunal [JURIST report] to preside over disputes and complaints arising from the nation's upcoming general elections [BBC report] to be held in April.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.