1.   Over the decades, British colonialists and Nigerian military rulers retained control over such a large, diverse and unruly land by pitting ethnic groups against one another.

2.   A former Nigerian military ruler, Yakubu Gowon, was engaged in talks with various groups in an effort to stop the fighting, state television reported.

3.   A new presidential decree gives Nigerian military ruler Gen. Sani Abacha the power to dissolve local elections, infuriating opponents who accuse him putting up further roadblocks to democracy.

4.   Among those given a life sentence was former Nigerian ruler Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.

5.   Among those given a life sentence was former Nigerian ruler, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.

6.   Canada has urged harsher sanctions against the Nigerian military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha.

7.   Critics of Nigerian ruler Gen. Sani Abacha denounced the tribunal as a sham and said the nine were targeted because of their opposition to the government.

8.   Critics of Nigerian ruler Gen. Sani Abacha said the nine were framed because of their opposition to his government.

9.   Former Nigerian ruler Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo is believed to have received a life term.

10.   Nigerian military ruler Gen. Sani Abacha did not attend the ceremony, instead sending his defense chief.