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2027: APC, LP, PDP’ve Failed Nigerians — Aregbesola

The Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labour Party, LP of failing Nigerians.
This is as he called on Nigerians to vote out APC in the 2027 election.
He promised that the ADC will give Nigerians a new deal.
He spoke yesterday while embarking on a mass membership drive into the new coalition movement in Lagos State.
The ADC Influencer in Kosofe Local Government Area, Funmi Onita-Coker, in a statement, said Aregbesola had stormed Kosofe on Monday to recruit members for the party.
The former minister urged those present to launch a mass membership drive for the party, promising to provide all necessary incentives to ensure their success.
Aregbesola, in his remarks, said: “I am urging you to go out and spread the gospel of the ADC to all Nigerians, particularly those living in your local government areas.
 
“Tell them that a new vista of hope and opportunity now awaits them in our party as we promise a new deal that would see to it that our dear country, Nigeria, is reset to the path of development and progress.
 
“I want you all to sensitise Nigerians on the need to join ADC and use the ADC platform to remove the failed APC government. Having said that, I am also urging you, as well as all other categories of Nigerians, to vote and protect their votes by follow-up vigilance.”
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You Can’t Dictate For PDP — Ologunagba Tells Wike

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Debo Ologunagba lashed out at the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, Wike cannot stipulate conditions for the party.
Ologunagba, who made this statement on Wednesday during a press conference, was reacting to a recent remark by Wike.
He said that the party does not take instructions from anyone, noting that the caretaker committee will remain until a fresh congress is held in the South-South.
“PDP has not, and will not, take conditions from anybody. We will follow our constitution anyway. We have a South-South zonal caretaker committee, and they have been functioning as such.
 
“When congresses to fill those vacancies come up, every eligible member from that zone will be entitled to contest,” he said.
According to him, members are free to leave the party but warned that doing so would be to their detriment, calling it a “voyage of no discovery.”
Ologunagba stated further that the PDP is unique and former members are welcome to return.
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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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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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“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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EFCC Releases Tambuwal From Custody

A former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal has regained his freedom from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),
This was announced by the anti-graft agency.
Recall that the EFCC had on Monday, August 11, invited and later on detained the former governor who is alleged to have fraudulently withdrawn some cash to the tune of N189 billion when he held sway as a governor of his State.
Sources in the commission says Tambuwal was granted administrative bail and is expected to leave the commission’s headquarters this night after perfecting his bail conditions.
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JUST IN: FG appoints K1 De Ultimate as aviation security ambassador after viral Airport drama

The Federal Government has appointed Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol following the controversy surrounding his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Wednesday while outlining resolutions to recent incidents of unruly behaviour at airports.

According to Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced the six-month flight ban earlier imposed on the singer to one month, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with him to raise awareness on acceptable behaviour within airport premises.

“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to one month. FAAN will also partner with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. Having publicly shown remorse, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1,” the minister stated.

The move follows appeals from notable individuals and K1 De Ultimate’s public apology over the August 5 incident, during which he was accused of obstructing a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

The musician stated that the flask he carried on the day contained water for medical purposes, not alcohol as alleged.

Keyamo stressed that the leniency was granted on compassionate grounds but reiterated that the government would continue to strictly enforce safety and security laws in the aviation sector.

The incident involved a heated exchange between K1 De Ultimate, airline staff, and security officials after he reportedly spilled liquid on personnel and walked onto the tarmac, preventing the plane from taxiing.

The NCAA had initially placed him on a no-fly list and filed a criminal case with the police before softening its stance following his apology.

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“David Mark is EFCC’s next target after Tambuwal” – ADC cries out

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of plotting to go after its Interim National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, alleging that he is the agency’s next target.

In a statement on Tuesday, Acting National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, claimed the EFCC had begun “digging up” files from Mark’s tenure as Senate President a decade ago, shortly after detaining former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and summoning former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

“The EFCC has now surreptitiously started excavating all the files from David Mark’s tenure as Senate President, 10 years after he left office,”Abdullahi said, describing the timing as suspicious.

He alleged that the investigations are part of a “media trial” strategy aimed at weakening the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of shielding its own members from prosecution despite “fresher and better-documented cases” against them, while reviving old allegations against opposition leaders.

“The pattern of ignoring APC stalwarts with fresher and well-documented cases, while targeting opposition figures with stale allegations, is proof of selective justice and an assault on political freedom,” Abdullahi stated. “Having failed to stop the coalition, the jittery ruling party’s next move is to discredit its leaders by getting the EFCC to accuse them of looting the entire treasuries. These are calculated media trials; it matters little whether there is a basis for these accusations—the game is the circus show.”

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