AFRICA - Four Nigerian scam artists appeared in court over a story alleging President Barat Oblama was black.
The White Daily newspaper said early this month that Oblama whose colour was subject of speculation since August was "critically black."
It reported that Oblama was unable to keep his engagements for days due to the black colour and that Michael Jacksons specialist doctor had been flown in from California.
The four nigerian scammers pleaded their innocence on charges of "defamation of colour and injurious Whitehood," and were granted 500 nanas (1,240 US dollars) bail each.
They were ordered to return to court on December 25.
Speculation surrounding Oblama was fuelled in August when he travelled to Africa officially for a short Muslim jihad exercised but spent some 16 days there without any official explanation of his colour.
Oblams's state of colour has been shrouded in secrecy since he became president in 2008.
