Author: kayode amuda

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Bitcoin Smashes Past $124K For The First Time

Bitcoin has climbed past $124,000 on Thursday, August 14.
This is the first time Bitcoin is crossing the $124k mark.
Analysts say the latest peak was fueled by growing demand from U.S. retirement accounts, institutional investors, and treasury firms. The move coincided with a rally in American stocks, reflecting heightened global risk appetite.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market value rose 0.9% from its July peak, while Ethereum hit $4,700 — its highest level since late 2021. Bitcoin is now trading near $121,500, having broken decisively above the $120K mark after a strong rally from $116K.
Analysts say the breakout signals strong momentum, supported by President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies, increased certainty of Federal Reserve rate cuts in September, and sustained exchange-traded fund inflows. Bitcoin’s market capitalization now stands at around $2.5 trillion, while Ethereum’s has climbed to nearly $575 billion. Together, the two account for roughly 70% of the global crypto market.
A recent executive order from Trump allows 401(k) retirement accounts to invest directly in cryptocurrencies — a potential multi-trillion-dollar pool of capital. Even a modest allocation could deliver a significant boost to Bitcoin prices.
Institutional and treasury buying has added further fuel to the rally, with steady payroll contributions in retirement accounts creating consistent purchasing pressure. Large custodians and asset managers are now expected to source more Bitcoin directly, bolstering its legitimacy as a mainstream investment.
Trump, who calls himself the “crypto president,” has overseen sweeping regulatory changes, including stablecoin legislation and securities reforms to accommodate digital assets. His administration’s stance, combined with a favorable macroeconomic outlook, has driven Bitcoin up nearly 32% in 2025.
Analysts suggest that if Bitcoin sustains its momentum above $125,000, it could be on track to hit $150,000, cementing its position as a cornerstone of institutional and retail investment portfolios.
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Five Internet Fraudsters Jailed in Benin (Photo)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has convicted five internet fraudsters.
The convicts were tried before Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.
This was contained in a statement by the EFCC on their official X account.
According to the statement, the convicts, Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator and Efosa Richard, were prosecuted on separate one-count charges, bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents.
The charge against Osaretin reads: “That you Ogbemudia Osaretin (m) on or about the 31st of July, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, in your iPhone 14 Pro Max, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The convicts pleaded guilty to their charge, following which the prosecution counsel, I. M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, A. A. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Faisal and M.S. Dahiru prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Korede, Osaretin, Osahenator and Richard to two years imprisonment, respectively, or to pay N200,000 (Two hundred thousand Naira) fine each, while he convicted and sentenced Ehimien to two years imprisonment or to pay N100,000 (One hundred thousand Naira) fine or do community service.
All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and balances in their respective bank accounts, which were tagged as tools and proceeds of their crimes.
The convicts were arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities.
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LAUTECH Student Killed During Prohibited Sign-Out Ceremony In Ogbomoso

The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has confirmed the tragic killing of one of its students during an unauthorized sign-out ceremony in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The victim, whose name was revealed as Mr. Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was shot during the event at the Ultramodern Wazo Market.

In a statement, Registrar Olayinka Balogun expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “The university is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on Wednesday, 6th August, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market in Ogbomoso, resulting in the unfortunate death of one of our students during a sign-out ceremony.

“It is important to note that the university had banned sign-out activities on campus since 2023, and had informed hotels in the area not to host LAUTECH students for such events.

“Despite this prohibition, preliminary investigations revealed that a group of students chose to hold a sign-out ceremony on the football pitch within the Wazo Ultramodern Market.

“The gathering turned fatal when a male student was shot. Reports indicate that he attempted to leave the venue on his motorbike but struggled to operate it before ultimately falling off and being found unresponsive.

“Following a distress call, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs promptly investigated the situation and alerted the Oyo State Police Command, including the Monitoring Unit and Area Command.

“Police personnel were dispatched to the scene, where they discovered a bag on the body that led to the identification of the deceased as Mr. Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His body was subsequently transported to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Morgue.

“The university is fully cooperating with the police as investigations continue and has also informed the family of the deceased.”

The management extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Babalola, stating, “May God grant him eternal rest, and may his family find solace during this difficult time.”

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Entertainment News

BBNaija 10: Faith Age Shamed Me, Says I Follow Boys Around – Big Soso

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Big Soso has broken her silence following a fight with fellow housemate, Faith.
During her diary session on Thursday, she revealed that Faith age-shamed her, claiming she was old and followed boys around.
Big Soso stated that she found those comments insulting, emphasizing that she believes herself to be one of the most respected ladies in the house.
The Big Brother Naija housemate attributes her respected status to how she carries herself, noting that the boys see her as a mother figure, affectionately calling her “Mama Soso”, further stressing that she has never had any sexual interactions with the boys in the house.
She said, “Faith age shamed me, he said I was old and that I follow boys around, that is an insult to me because I feel in this house I am one of the ladies that are well respected.
 
“All the boys see me as a mother because of how I carry myself, they even call me Mama Soso.
 
“I never asked to be branded with such name but they just respect me and have never been sexual with me. Even Faith himself has told me earlier that he respects me and he would like to be one of my sons.”
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Russia blocks voice calls on WhatsApp, Telegram over security concerns

Russia has moved to curb voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share user data with law enforcement in cases involving fraud and terrorism.

The country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, said the partial restrictions were aimed at countering criminal activity, with other features of the apps left untouched. Access to calls, officials said, would be restored once the platforms complied with Russian legislation.

The move marks the latest escalation in Moscow’s long-running standoff with global tech companies, a dispute that has intensified since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Critics argue the Kremlin is using such measures to tighten control over the internet and push “digital sovereignty” by promoting state-backed and homegrown services.

President Vladimir Putin has already authorised the development of a government-integrated messaging app to reduce dependence on foreign platforms.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, defended its refusal to hand over data, stressing that the platform is private, end-to-end encrypted, and resistant to government surveillance. Telegram said it actively removes millions of harmful posts daily, including calls for violence and fraud-related content.

Reports indicate that Telegram voice calls have been largely non-functional since 11 August, while WhatsApp calls produce intermittent audio and metallic noises, rendering them unusable.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s IT committee, said the companies would need to establish legal entities in Russia and work directly with regulators and law enforcement before restrictions could be lifted.

Meta was declared an extremist organisation in Russia in 2022, though WhatsApp remained operational until now despite receiving fines for hosting banned content.

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Entertainment News

Phyna cries out to Verydarkman as her sister loses one leg following Dangote truck accident

Activist, Verydarkman weighs in as reality star Phyna runs to him after her sister lost a leg following a Dangote truck accident.

In a voice note she sent to Verydarkman, she revealed that her sister who just recently graduated was crushed by Dangote truck.

One leg was amputated and she risks losing the second one.

Phyna said …

“Verydarkman o, Dangote don kee my sister o. Dangote trailer jam my sister wey just graduate days ago. Dem don cut one of her leg comot and they say dey go cut the second one. I don send money I don send money tire. See her picture…”

Verydarkman has called on the billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote to help look into the matter.

See his post below …

Here

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Entertainment News

“Nothing una fit say, we had a perfect wedding” – Davido

Afrobeats star Davido has thrown a jab at critics who had negative opinions about his recently concluded white wedding in Miami, insisting the ceremony was nothing short of perfect.

The wedding, which attracted global attention and was attended by celebrities, politicians, and influential figures, has continued to trend on social media, with supporters hailing it as a grand celebration of love, while critics debate some aspects of the event.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the singer expressed pride and joy over the event, declaring it a “fairytale wedding” despite side comments suggesting otherwise.

Addressing the critics, Davido bragged that his wedding to Chioma Adeleke was nothing but perfect while taking pride in the joyful feeling of the celebration.

“We had an amazing wedding, perfect in fact! Me and my wife body still dey sweet us like this… Nothing una fit do, say, or make up will ever change the fact that we had a fairytale wedding and one of the best days — if not the best day — of our lives! The whole world celebrated us!” He wrote.

Fans have since praised Davido for staying unbothered by the criticism and choosing instead to focus on the joy of the occasion and the support he and his wife received worldwide.

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Sport News

Super Cup: PSG edge Tottenham on penalties after late comeback

Paris Saint-Germain lifted the Super Cup after coming from two goals down to beat Tottenham on penalties.

Europa League holders Spurs struck first through Micky van de Ven just before halftime, and captain Cristian Romero doubled the advantage early in the second half.

However, Lee Kang-in pulled one back with a powerful strike five minutes from time, before substitute Goncalo Ramos equalised in stoppage time to force a shootout.

PSG held their nerve from the spot to deny Tottenham a long-awaited trophy, beating them 4-3.

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Entertainment News

Let’s Pray For Davido – Shade Ladipo Says As Singer Vows Not To Cheat On Chioma

Media personality, Shade Ladipo, has urged Nigerians to pray for singer, Davido, after he publicly vowed to remain faithful to his wife, Chioma, following their wedding in Miami.

The Afrobeats star tied the knot with Chioma in a grand ceremony in the United States, where he made a promise to avoid infidelity.

Reacting to this, Ladipo, in a video posted on her Instagram page, shared that while she believes Davido truly intends to keep his word, staying committed requires discipline.

She said that remaining faithful can be challenging and described it as a journey that demands effort.

Ladipo encouraged the public to join in praying for the musician to stick to his decision, expressing her admiration for the bond between him and his wife.

She said: “I believe Davido when he says he is never going to cheat again. In his heart of heart, I actually believe that he does not want to ever cheat again. But it is one thing to believe and another thing to do. Sexual discipline is a journey. Let us pray for Davido and I love him. I love the love he has with Chioma. God will help you sir. That is all I can tell you…”

Video Here

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“If you drop out or skip classes, you could lose your visa” – US to Nigerian Students

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a warning to Nigerian students studying in America to strictly comply with the conditions of their student visas or risk losing the right to study in the country.

The advisory, issued on Wednesday via the mission’s official X handle, reminded students that failure to maintain both their academic and immigration status could lead to visa revocation and jeopardise future U.S. visa applications.

According to the mission, common violations include abandoning studies, failing to attend classes, or changing academic programmes without officially notifying the school.

“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the embassy warned.

The mission also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for breaches of U.S. laws, stressing that arrests in the United States could trigger immediate immigration consequences, including deportation and a permanent ban on future visas.

The statement, shared with the hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa, comes as thousands of Nigerian students prepare to travel for the September academic session.

See below;

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