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Misguided Arrest: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Responds to French Authorities
Misguided Arrest: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Responds to French Authorities....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has spoken out against his recent arrest in France, labeling the authorities’ approach as “misguided.” Durov was detained on August 25 at an airport near Paris and is now under formal investigation for alleged complicity in facilitating illicit activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child abuse images, on his platform.
In his first public statement following the arrest, Durov strongly denied the accusations that Telegram operates as “some sort of anarchic paradise.” He emphasized that such claims are “absolutely untrue,” asserting, “We take down millions of harmful posts and channels every day.”
Criticism of Legal Proceedings
Durov expressed his dissatisfaction with the legal proceedings, arguing, “Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach.” He cautioned that holding innovators personally liable for misuse by others could stifle the development of new tools and technologies.
Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by Telegram due to a sharp increase in users—now estimated at 950 million—Durov assured users that improvements in moderation are forthcoming. “The abrupt increase in users caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform,” he explained.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Durov does not imply guilt but suggests there is enough evidence to proceed. He maintained that French authorities could easily reach out to him or Telegram’s EU representative to address any concerns regarding illegal content.
Telegram has faced scrutiny in several countries for its moderation policies. In the UK, the app has been criticized for hosting far-right channels, while in France, detractors argue that the platform’s large group sizes enable the spread of extremist content.
Background on Pavel Durov
Durov, a Russian-born billionaire with multiple citizenships, including French, Emirati, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, founded Telegram in 2013. The messaging app has become particularly popular in Russia and other former Soviet states. Currently residing mostly in the UAE, Durov became a French citizen in 2021.
Earlier reports indicated that Durov was taken into custody upon his arrival at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. In an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson in April, Durov discussed his disagreements with the Russian government and the pressures he faced in the U.S. He revealed that the American government had sought to have him implement a surveillance “backdoor” in his messaging service, a request he firmly declined.
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“Total Blank Out! Obasanjo Drops Epic Shocker, Admits He Has No Idea Who Poco Lee And Carter Efe Are!”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that he is unfamiliar with some of Nigeria’s prominent entertainers, including Don Jazzy, Carter Efe, and Poco Lee, after appearing as a guest on comedian Isbae U’s podcast, Curiosity Made Me Ask.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
During the lighthearted exchange, Isbae U tested the former president’s pop culture knowledge:
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When asked if he knew Carter Efe and Poco Lee, Obasanjo straightforwardly answered, “I don’t know” and “No.”
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When asked about Don Jazzy, the former president simply exclaimed, “Ha.”
Jokingly contrasting his circle with the comedian’s, Obasanjo quipped that Isbae U knows people that he does not. When the comedian pointed out that these entertainers likely know who the former president is, Obasanjo jokingly retorted, “Ah, well, maybe because they no be important people, that’s why. That’s why the people you know, I don’t know.”
Global Figures vs. Pop Culture
Obasanjo contrasted his unfamiliarity with modern pop stars by highlighting his personal relationships with global high-profile figures. He noted that he personally received the late Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria and that King Charles III once welcomed him at his farm in Wales.
The playful banter stemmed from an earlier moment in the interview when Isbae U boasted about having an international audience, which prompted Obasanjo to playfully tease him for having viewers abroad despite never traveling to the UK or the US.
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“The Truth Finally Out: How Peter Obi Shocked Critics By Leaving ₦86.6 Billion Behind In Anambra!”
Oseloka Obaze, a former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, has stated that former governor Peter Obi left ₦86.6 billion in the state treasury when he handed over power in 2014. Obaze, who served under Obi from 2006 to 2014, made this revelation in a post on X amid ongoing controversies regarding the financial records inherited by successive administrations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Obaze noted that he was personally present on March 17, 2014, when Obi officially handed over financial documents and the Handover Report to his successor, Willie Obiano. According to him, Obiano received and signed an acknowledgment copy of the letter, which included certified bank statements detailing the state’s assets and liabilities.
Past Debates and Public Corroboration
Recalling the 2017 Anambra governorship debate organized by Channels Television, Obaze mentioned that he challenged Obiano—a certified accountant and auditor—on national television for later expressing reservations about the funds after formally signing off on the handover documents. Following this, Obiano publicly acknowledged that certain funds were left behind, though he questioned the rationale of saving money instead of executing projects.
Obaze also referenced remarks from former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku, noting that Obiano once told the Nigerian Press Corps that Obi left substantial funds used to finance the construction of the Anambra Airport at Umueri. Additionally, he cited comments from Abia State Governor Alex Otti, a former banker, as further public validation of the financial legacy.
Expressing confusion over why the records remain a subject of dispute under the current administration, Obaze concluded: “If Governor Obiano… would eventually acknowledge, implicitly and explicit, that Governor Peter Obi indeed left the stipulated funds; a fact that was also publicly corroborated by Governor Alex Otti… what then, one may ask, is the beef and grouse of the incumbent Anambra State Government?”
entertainment
“The Internet Never Forgets: How An 11-Year-Old Tweet Cost Blaqbonez A Major Young Jonn Feature”
Music producer-turned-singer Young Jonn turned down a collaboration offer from rapper Blaqbonez after unearthing a resurfaced 2015 post where the rapper stated a preference for DJ Coublon over him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The exchange began when Young Jonn posted on social media: “I need like 5 bad friends way we go dey move in bulk!”
Blaqbonez quickly expressed interest in linking up, replying, “Oya, make we dey together, sing as one.”
Instead of accepting, Young Jonn posted a screenshot of the old tweet showing Blaqbonez’s historical preference and clapped back: “Go sing as one with Coublon.”
In his defense, Blaqbonez denied writing the post himself, claiming it was the work of his social media handler back in 2015.
Why Peter Okoye Changed His Birthday Away From Twin Brother Paul
In other entertainment news, Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has explained his decision to shift his birthday celebration from November 18 to November 30.
Speaking on the Capital XTRA Podcast, Peter revealed that his shared birthday with his twin brother, Paul, had become one of the worst days of his life over the past 13 years due to toxic family dynamics and tension.
He alleged that visitors would frequently go to Paul’s house to gossip about him before visiting him, making the shared occasion deeply uncomfortable. “I wish I could change it on my documents and passport,” Peter stated.
This development highlights the ongoing strain between the twin brothers, who initially split in 2017, briefly reunited in 2021, and parted ways again in 2024.
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