Eight killed in Nigeria blasts

At least eight people have been killed in explosions in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, marring celebrations to mark 50 years of independence from the UK.



Police have confirmed that two blasts outside the justice ministry were caused by car bombs.



Earlier, the militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, had threatened to target the festivities.



The bombs reportedly went off not near Eagle Square, where the Nigerian elite had gathered for the official celebrations, but no-one there was hurt.



President Goodluck Jonathan, who was inspecting a guard of honour at the time, called it a wicked act of desperation by criminals and murderers.