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Misguided Arrest: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Responds to French Authorities

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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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NYSC Corps Member Allegedly Killed In Benue, Tension Rises In Community.

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A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Comrade Une Benjamin Agir, was reportedly intercepted and killed in Buruku town, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State while travelling to his home state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

It was gathered that Agir, who had only about one month left to complete his national service, was full of hope and plans for the future when he travelled to Benue State—his place of origin—unaware it would be his last journey.

He was serving in Taraba State, which borders Benue State, and hailed from Une, Tongov in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue North-East Senatorial District.

While passing through Buruku LGA, he reportedly took shelter with members of a local vigilante group due to unfavourable weather conditions.

In a gesture of goodwill, he bought drinks for the group. However, the situation reportedly took a tragic turn when the vigilante members accused him of motorcycle theft without proper investigation—an allegation he strongly denied, presenting his NYSC identity card and other valid documents as proof of ownership.

Despite this, the group allegedly took the law into their own hands and subjected him to severe assault and torture.

As his condition worsened, he was taken to a police station and later rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

Reports further indicate that attempts were made to mislead his family by claiming he died in an accident, but it was later confirmed that his death resulted from injuries sustained during the attack.

Additionally, his belongings, including his motorcycle and ₦170,000, were allegedly stolen.

Reacting to the incident, his parents described him as a disciplined and innocent young man who had no criminal record and deserved protection rather than extrajudicial punishment.

They also expressed outrage in court, where suspects were reportedly remanded, calling the incident a grave injustice and a reflection of mob violence and systemic failure.

The family has demanded a full and transparent investigation into the actions of the vigilante group in Buruku LGA.

They also called on the government, human rights organisations, civil society groups, and Nigerians at large to ensure justice is served and the case is not swept under the carpet.

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Abia Residents Count Heavy Losses After Suspected Cattle Raid On Farms.

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The Traditional Prime Minister of Ike Mgboko Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Daniel Iheadindueme, has condemned the alleged destruction of newly cultivated crops within the community.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

He alleged that the damage was caused by cattle reportedly owned by Fulani herdsmen.

Iheadindueme, who also serves as the Commander of the Abia State Community Policing/Vigilante, identified the affected areas as Mgboko Okpulor village, Mgboko Amairi village, and the Nne Nkute area.

According to him, the herdsmen allegedly led their cattle into farmlands, intimidated farmers, and allowed the animals to freely graze on newly sprouted crops.

He expressed concern that the incident poses a serious threat to food security and the economic wellbeing of residents, warning that continued destruction of farmlands could worsen hunger in rural communities.

The community leader cautioned herdsmen against encroaching on farmlands or engaging in acts of violence, stressing that anyone found violating community regulations would be arrested and handed over to security agencies for prosecution.

He also urged the leader of the Hausa community in Abia State to sensitise their members on adherence to existing laws and community guidelines.

Iheadindueme further commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to improving security in the state, while advising farmers to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

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Makinde Accused Of Desperation Over Alleged Vice President Ambition – Wike’s Aide Claims.

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The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has alleged that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is aggressively pursuing a vice presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Olayinka further claimed that Makinde has resorted to issuing threats of violence following what he described as his political setback within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also accused the governor of being “politically displaced,” insisting that Makinde is pushing for a repeat of the 1960s “Operation Wetie” era of political unrest in the South-West, allegedly because he is no longer influential within the party structure.

In a post shared on X, Olayinka wrote:

“I just hope he knows the gravity of inciting violence, even as a sitting governor.

“He failed to secure total control of the PDP so as to use the party for his juvenile vice presidential ambition.

“He failed in his bid to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja.

“He failed to use a ‘Tipatikuuku (by fire by force)’ coronation to stop Sharafadeen Alli from contesting for the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State.

“He has refused to account for the N30 billion he collected from the Federal Government to settle victims of the Bodija, Ibadan explosion of January 2024. He even said he would return the money, but up till now, he hasn’t.

“Now, he is threatening violence just because he has lost out in the PDP and is desperately seeking the ADC vice presidential ticket.

“Issorite, let him continue. But will he put his own children forward to lead the violence?”

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