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Nigerian Court Jails Gospel Singer, Eight Others for Cybercrime and Fraud

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Nigerian Court Jails Gospel Singer, Eight Others for Cybercrime and Fraud

ILORIN, Nigeria (BN24) — A Nigerian gospel singer and eight others have been convicted of cybercrime and related offenses by a Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, as authorities intensify their crackdown on internet fraud across the country.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro sentenced 31-year-old Moses Otitoju, a self-styled gospel artiste from Iyamoye in Kogi State, to six months in prison without the option of a fine. Prosecutors said he illegally retained more than 8.4 million naira in proceeds from fraudulent activities in his bank account.

The conviction followed charges brought by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused Otitoju and others of conspiracy, cybercrime, and misappropriation of funds.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the court found Otitoju guilty of holding funds linked to criminal conduct between October 2024 and December 2025. “The total sum of N8,404,339 was retained in his account,” the EFCC said, citing violations under Section 17 of the EFCC Act, 2004.

Three others were convicted in the same trial. Ayodele Joseph received an eight-month prison sentence without the option of a fine after authorities found N243,750 in his bank account linked to cyber fraud. His Tecno 19 smartphone was ordered forfeited.

Adeoye Joseph, from Okene in Kogi State, was also sentenced to eight months without the option of a fine. The court ordered the forfeiture of $220 in cash, an iPhone 13, and a Tecno Pop 9 device.

Another defendant, Abubakar Abdulmalik, was handed a six-month sentence, and his iPhone 16 and Samsung S10 were forfeited to the government.

EFCC prosecutors — including Aliyu Adebayo, Sesan Ola, Rashidat Alao, and Mustapha Kaigama — presented defendants’ statements, exhibits, and funds recovered during the investigation, which were accepted by the court.

In related rulings at the Kwara State High Court, Justices Sulaiman Akanbi and Haleema Saleeman convicted five additional suspects: Emeka Achi, Isaac Oluwafemi, Afolabi Olatoye, Zubeiru Zubeiru Junior, and Abdulkadir Taofeek.

Justice Akanbi sentenced Abdulkadir to three years imprisonment with an option of a ₦500,000 fine, and ordered the forfeiture of ₦800,000, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a Samsung phone.

Justice Saleeman sentenced Emeka, Isaac, and Afolabi to six months each, with an option of ₦100,000 fines. Emeka was further ordered to refund ₦3.35 million within three months and report to the EFCC every two weeks, accompanied by his parents, until the repayment is complete.

The rulings are the latest in a string of anti-fraud convictions by Nigerian courts as authorities ramp up enforcement of cybercrime laws across the country.

At Least 14 Dead in South Korea as Floods and Landslides Devastate Southern Regions

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At Least 14 Dead in South Korea as Floods and Landslides Devastate Southern Regions

SEOUL, South Korea (BN24) — Torrential rains have triggered deadly floods and landslides across South Korea, killing at least 14 people and leaving 12 others missing, according to the country’s disaster management agency.

Emergency crews continued search and rescue operations Sunday in hard-hit areas, particularly in the country’s southern and central regions. Officials warn the death toll could climb as more people remain unaccounted for and widespread destruction hampers access to affected communities.

Footage from the popular resort town of Gapyeong showed residents wading through thick mud and debris on Sunday, some crossing damaged bridges as they made their way to evacuation shelters. In the northern part of Gapyeong County, two people were killed after a landslide buried several homes, according to officials cited by AFP.

Farther south, an entire village in Chungcheong was swallowed by a massive landslide on Saturday, leaving a trail of wreckage and displaced families. The rural county of Sancheong was among the worst-affected, with six confirmed dead and seven still missing after intense rainfall flooded roads and homes.

More than 9,900 people have been evacuated from their homes since the rains began Wednesday. The flooding has knocked out power to over 41,000 households and inundated thousands of roads, buildings, and farmland. Reports also indicate widespread livestock deaths and extensive damage to agricultural infrastructure.

While rainfall has eased in the southern and central regions, the downpours have moved northward, with forecasts calling for continued heavy rain in Seoul and surrounding areas through Sunday. The Korea Meteorological Administration said the severe weather is expected to taper off by late Sunday, followed by a potentially dangerous heatwave.

President Lee Jae-myung ordered the declaration of special disaster zones in the most heavily affected areas during an emergency briefing Sunday. He also called for swift interagency coordination to aid recovery efforts.

Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung urged local governments to mobilize “all available resources” to assist affected communities, emphasizing the urgency of restoring basic services and preventing further casualties.

The nation remains on high alert as cleanup and recovery begin amid fears of more landslides in unstable terrain.

LA Nightclub Crash That Injured 30 May Have Been Intentional, Police Say

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LA Nightclub Crash That Injured 30 May Have Been Intentional, Police Say

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A car crash that injured 30 people outside a crowded nightclub in East Hollywood early Saturday is now being investigated as a possible intentional act, according to Los Angeles police.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Santa Monica Boulevard when a grey Nissan Versa veered off the street, struck a taco cart, and then plowed into a crowd of people gathered outside the venue. Officials say at least seven victims remain in critical condition, while more than two dozen others suffered varying degrees of injury.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Adam Van Gerpen told NBC News that the vehicle appeared to have deliberately mounted the curb, adding to growing suspicion that the crash was not accidental.

The Los Angeles Police Department later identified the driver as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, who has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation, LAPD officials confirmed.

Moments after the crash, bystanders reportedly began assaulting Ramirez. Police said the driver was found with a gunshot wound that he sustained after the collision. LAPD is actively searching for the shooter, described as a 5-foot-9 Hispanic male, bald, and possibly armed with a silver revolver, who fled the scene on foot.

Sergeant Travis Ward told reporters that Ramirez was taken to a nearby hospital for surgery. Authorities have not yet determined whether he was under the influence at the time of the crash. As of Sunday, he remained hospitalized and had not been booked into jail.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene. One man inside the nightclub told NBC News he heard a “loud bang” followed by what he believed were gunshots. When he looked outside, he saw the mangled car lodged in the crowd and victims scattered across the pavement.

“People were laying down, unconscious, bleeding out,” he said.

Photos from the scene show the heavily damaged Nissan on the sidewalk, surrounded by emergency personnel. The crash occurred in the 14.3-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard, a major artery that runs from the Santa Monica Pier through West Hollywood and into East Hollywood.

Police have not disclosed a motive but emphasized the seriousness of the charges as the investigation continues.

Putin Agrees to Ukraine Peace Talks but Firm on Russia’s War Goals, Kremlin Says

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Putin Agrees to Ukraine Peace Talks but Firm on Russia’s War Goals, Kremlin Says

MOSCOW (BN24) — Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to engage in peace talks over the war in Ukraine, but only under terms that align with Russia’s strategic objectives, the Kremlin said Sunday, signaling that Moscow is not ready to compromise on its central demands despite international pressure.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking in a televised interview with state journalist Pavel Zarubin, said Putin “repeatedly” expressed his willingness to end the conflict through negotiations, but emphasized that any resolution must ensure Russia’s goals are fulfilled.

“President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible,” Peskov said in remarks released Sunday. “This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy. The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear.”

Peskov did not elaborate on what those goals are, but Russia has long demanded recognition of its territorial claims in eastern and southern Ukraine, including regions it annexed illegally in 2022, as well as guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO.

The Kremlin’s message comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump took a sharply more assertive position against Moscow. On Monday, Trump announced a new wave of military support for Ukraine, including the deployment of advanced Patriot missile defense systems, and issued an ultimatum to Russia: agree to a ceasefire within 50 days or face sweeping new sanctions.

Peskov downplayed Trump’s confrontational tone, saying global leaders were accustomed to his “harsh” rhetoric. However, he acknowledged that Trump has also maintained a consistent interest in brokering a peace deal.

“Everyone has already become accustomed to President Trump’s sometimes rather harsh style of communication,” Peskov said. “But even in his recent comments about Russia, he emphasized the importance of continuing the search for a peaceful solution.”

The statements come as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled, even as casualties mount and Russian forces continue pressing their offensive in eastern Ukraine. Western officials have grown increasingly skeptical of Putin’s interest in a negotiated settlement, citing battlefield gains as a sign that the Kremlin may be aiming to secure leverage before any future talks.

U.S. officials have not responded publicly to Peskov’s latest remarks, but Washington has insisted that any credible peace process must begin with a full Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.

Despite international calls for de-escalation, Putin’s government appears unwilling to budge from its stated war aims. Analysts say the Kremlin is looking to cement its hold on occupied regions while projecting an image of openness to diplomacy — a strategy that has defined its rhetoric since the early stages of the war.

With Trump now setting a 50-day window for a ceasefire and Europe watching closely, Putin’s balancing act between military escalation and peace overtures may be entering a critical phase.

Congo and M23 Rebels Sign Declaration of Principles in Qatar to End Eastern Conflict

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Congo and M23 Rebels Sign Declaration of Principles in Qatar to End Eastern Conflict

DOHA, Qatar (BN24) — Congo’s government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on Saturday aimed at ending years of violent conflict in eastern Congo, pledging to restore government control to rebel-held areas and move toward a final peace agreement.

Burundi’s minister of public security Alain Guillaume Bunyoni (C) visits with other officials Ruhagarika village where 26 people were killed by the armed group in northwestern Burundi bordering with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on May 12, 2018, just days before the constitutional referendum that may allow the President Pierre Nkurunziza to remain in power until 2034. (Photo by STR / AFP)

The declaration, signed in Doha, is the first direct agreement between the two sides since the M23’s dramatic military gains earlier this year in eastern Congo. It calls for building trust through steps such as exchanging prisoners and detainees and reinstating state authority in areas seized by the rebels.

However, the interpretation of the document’s core commitments remains contested. Congolese officials insist it requires a “non-negotiable withdrawal” of M23 from captured cities, while M23 leaders describe the deal as a framework for enabling the government to operate alongside rebel presence.

“This is not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations,” M23 political leader Bertrand Bisimwa wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, told The Associated Press from Goma: “We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.”

Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya, however, stated that the agreement explicitly supports the withdrawal of rebels, to be followed by the redeployment of national forces and civilian governance in the affected regions.

Backed by neighboring Rwanda, M23 is one of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals but plagued by decades of instability. The group’s resurgence has contributed to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with the United Nations reporting over 7 million people displaced in the country.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, said the declaration lays a foundation for a comprehensive peace, with a final deal expected no later than Aug. 18. The agreement aligns with the U.S.-brokered peace framework signed by Rwanda and Congo in Washington in June.

“The Declaration of Principles signed today paves the way for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict,” Al-Khulaifi said.

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the move as a “significant step forward” in efforts to resolve the conflict, while the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its support for a peace process that restores Congolese state control and ensures inclusive governance.

Among the critical issues addressed in the declaration is the safe return of millions displaced by the conflict and the potential release of M23 fighters detained by Congo’s military. Many of the detained fighters face death sentences.

In Goma, the provincial capital at the heart of the conflict, residents expressed skepticism about the agreement’s prospects. “We cannot build peace without justice and reparation,” said Amani Muisa, a local resident. Others voiced concern that any durable peace must include recognition and support for war victims.

Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump and participant in the Doha talks, emphasized the agreement’s importance in reaffirming Congolese state control. “It is time to find a final solution,” Boulos said. “The issue requires dialogue, and following up on this dialogue and requires persistence.”

One unresolved issue is Rwanda’s military role in eastern Congo. The United Nations and other observers have documented the presence of Rwandan forces aiding M23 operations. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said in June that Kigali would lift “defensive measures” only after Congo neutralizes a militia it accuses of harboring perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Analysts say M23’s full withdrawal from eastern cities like Goma and Bukavu may hinge on political concessions from Kinshasa. Without justice and accountability for victims of past atrocities, many warn that any peace may be short-lived.

Gunmen Kill 2 Indian Nationals, Abduct Another in Attack on Southwest Niger Worksite

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Gunmen Kill 2 Indian Nationals, Abduct Another in Attack on Southwest Niger Worksite

NIAMEY, Niger (BN24) — Armed attackers killed two Indian nationals and abducted another in Niger’s conflict-ridden southwest this week, Indian officials confirmed Friday, in a deadly incident that underscores mounting risks for foreign workers in the region.

The assault took place Tuesday in the Dosso region, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of the capital, Niamey. According to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Niger, authorities are working to repatriate the bodies of the deceased and are coordinating with local officials to ensure the safe release of the third Indian national taken by the gunmen.

Local media in Niger reported that all three men were employed at a construction site when the attack occurred. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the violence.

Foreigners have become increasingly frequent targets of armed groups operating in Niger, particularly in the country’s restive western and southwestern zones. In recent months, several international workers have been kidnapped, including an Austrian aid worker who had spent more than two decades in Niger, a Swiss woman abducted from her home in April, and five Indian workers taken in a separate incident that same month.

Niger has long grappled with jihadist insurgencies tied to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, and the security crisis has deepened since the military overthrew the civilian government in July 2023. Analysts say the coup has weakened coordination with international counterterrorism partners, exacerbating instability in areas like Dosso and Tillaberi.

The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that June was among the most lethal months in recent history for Niger, with IS-affiliated militants launching coordinated assaults across multiple regions. More than 100 civilians were reportedly killed in those attacks, marking a grim resurgence of mass violence in rural communities.

As the country continues to confront escalating insecurity, attacks such as the one in Dosso highlight the acute danger facing both local populations and foreign workers.

AP

Fire Kills One at Iran’s Largest Oil Refinery in Abadan, Officials Say

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Fire Kills One at Iran’s Largest Oil Refinery in Abadan, Officials Say

TEHRAN, Iran (BN24) — A fire at Iran’s oldest and largest oil refinery in the southwest city of Abadan killed one worker and left others injured, Iranian state media reported Sunday, marking the latest in a series of recent blazes across the country.

According to the state-owned IRAN newspaper, the fire erupted Saturday in an under-repair unit of the Abadan oil refinery after a pump began leaking. Firefighters brought the flames under control within two hours, and refinery operations reportedly continued without disruption.

Iran’s deputy parliament speaker, Ali Nikzad, confirmed on Sunday that some workers sustained injuries during the incident. Officials did not immediately release further details about the injured.

The Abadan refinery, located approximately 670 kilometers (416 miles) southwest of Tehran, has played a central role in Iran’s energy infrastructure since it began operations in 1912. It remains the country’s largest refinery, processing more than 5.2 million barrels of oil daily and producing about a quarter of Iran’s fuel supply.

The cause of the fire was linked to a technical failure during maintenance, authorities said. The blaze comes amid a string of recent fires in Iran, including several reported in residential and commercial buildings. Officials have blamed those incidents on gas leaks and electrical faults.

Iran, a major oil-producing nation, has seen its petroleum industry constrained by years of Western sanctions, which have limited its ability to export oil and modernize aging infrastructure. Despite these challenges, refineries like Abadan continue to operate at high capacity.

Saturday’s incident underscores the risks associated with ongoing operations at aging industrial facilities and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the country’s energy sector.

Messi Overtakes Ronaldo in Non-Penalty Goals After Dominant Brace for Inter Miami

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Messi Overtakes Ronaldo in Non-Penalty Goals After Dominant Brace for Inter Miami

NEW YORK (BN24) — Lionel Messi has once again edged ahead of his longtime football rival, Cristiano Ronaldo — this time by surpassing the Portuguese forward in non-penalty career goals. The milestone came during Inter Miami’s emphatic 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls, where Messi netted a second-half brace and added another chapter to the sport’s most storied rivalry.

Messi’s two goals on Saturday night elevated his career total to 764 non-penalty goals, eclipsing Ronaldo’s 763. Though Ronaldo still holds the lead in overall goals scored, Messi now sits alone atop the all-time chart for goals scored from open play — a statistic often cited as a truer reflection of natural scoring prowess.

The Argentine star also assisted Jordi Alba’s first-half goal and currently leads Major League Soccer in scoring with 18 goals this season. The performance marked his sixth brace in the past seven MLS matches.

The 37-year-old Argentine showed no signs of slowing down. In the 60th minute, he rounded the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net. Fifteen minutes later, Messi showcased his technical brilliance again, receiving a pinpoint cross from Luis Suárez, cushioning it with his first touch, and burying it in the top corner.

While the individual accolade added more fuel to the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, Messi’s impact on Inter Miami continues to grow. With 27 goal contributions so far this season — the most of any MLS player — he’s quickly becoming one of the most dominant forces the league has seen. He also became just the fifth player in MLS history to reach at least 35 goals and 25 assists across two seasons.

Inter Miami’s win came after a shaky start, trailing 1-0 in the 15th minute. But Messi’s assist and brace helped spark a turnaround, with Telasco Segovia adding two goals of his own. The Herons now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points from 21 games and remain in contention for the Supporters’ Shield.

Though the Ballon d’Or battles may be behind them, Messi and Ronaldo remain locked in a silent duel over legacy. With Ronaldo expected to continue playing with Al Nassr for another two seasons, and Messi committed to at least one more year in MLS, their rivalry still has room to evolve — and records still left to break.

Messi Leads Inter Miami to 5-1 Rout Over Red Bulls, Extends MLS Scoring Lead

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Messi Leads Inter Miami to 5-1 Rout Over Red Bulls, Extends MLS Scoring Lead

HARRISON, N.J. (BN24) — Lionel Messi once again left his mark on Major League Soccer, scoring twice and assisting two more goals as Inter Miami thrashed the New York Red Bulls 5-1 on Saturday night, cementing his place atop the league’s scoring charts and continuing his stunning run of form.

Playing at a packed Sports Illustrated Stadium, Messi orchestrated a devastating performance that marked his sixth brace in the last seven MLS games. The Argentine maestro’s brilliance came just days after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati — a defeat that was quickly erased by a dominant attacking display against the Red Bulls.

Messi played provider in the first half, assisting Jordi Alba’s equalizer in the 24th minute before helping create the second goal just three minutes later with a brilliant pass in the buildup to Telasco Segovia’s finish. The Red Bulls had initially taken a surprise lead in the 15th minute through Alexander Hack’s first career MLS goal, but Messi and company responded with relentless pressure.

Segovia doubled his tally in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a chaotic defensive clearance to fire in Miami’s third goal, sending the Herons into halftime with a 3-1 lead.

Messi took center stage in the second half. In the 60th minute, he latched onto a long ball from Sergio Busquets, rounded goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, and calmly slotted in his 17th goal of the season. He added his 18th just 15 minutes later, trapping a Luis Suárez cross and rifling a left-footed shot past the Red Bulls’ keeper to seal the 5-1 victory and claim the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race.

Inter Miami improved to 12-4-5 with 41 points and remains fifth in the Eastern Conference with three games in hand over many of their rivals. For New York, the night was another painful reminder of the gulf in class between them and Messi’s Miami. The Red Bulls, now 9-9-6 with 33 points, have lost three straight matches to Inter Miami, including a 4-1 defeat earlier this season in Fort Lauderdale.

Saturday’s rout marked the second time this season Miami has scored five goals in a match, having also hammered the Columbus Crew 5-1 back in May. More importantly, it underscored the threat Miami poses in the playoff race — especially for teams like the Red Bulls, who may have to face Messi again under much higher stakes come October.

With 27 goal contributions this season, Messi continues to elevate Inter Miami to title contention — and, once again, leaves no doubt who commands the spotlight in MLS.

Delta Boeing 767 Catches Fire Mid-Air After Takeoff From LAX, Forces Emergency Landing

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Delta Boeing 767 Catches Fire Mid-Air After Takeoff From LAX, Forces Emergency Landing

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 was forced to make an emergency landing back at Los Angeles International Airport after one of its engines caught fire shortly after takeoff, sending flames erupting beneath the aircraft and sparking panic among onlookers.

Flight 446, bound for Atlanta, experienced a dramatic engine malfunction soon after departing from LAX, according to video footage and a statement from the airline. In the video, the plane can be seen veering slightly mid-ascent as flames shoot from its left engine. A witness recording the scene is heard reacting with alarm: “Was that a compressor stall? What’s going on?”

The harrowing footage, captured by aviation YouTube channel LA Flights, shows the wide-body jet continuing to climb despite the fiery malfunction. The blaze, which ignited as the aircraft ascended over the Los Angeles area, appeared to subside as the pilots swiftly redirected the flight back to the airport.

Moments later, the aircraft is seen descending with its landing gear deployed before touching down safely on the runway. Emergency response vehicles quickly surrounded the plane, escorting it back to its gate for inspection.

“Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine,” a spokesperson for the airline confirmed to the BBC. No injuries were reported, and all passengers disembarked without incident.

The affected aircraft was a Boeing 767-400, a wide-body jet typically used for transcontinental and international routes.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny over aircraft safety and follows a separate Delta Airlines emergency earlier in the week. On Monday, Delta flight 1334, a Boeing 757 traveling from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, was forced to divert after a passenger’s lithium battery caught fire mid-flight, filling the cabin with smoke.

According to the airline, flight attendants “worked quickly” to extinguish the battery fire using onboard equipment. No serious injuries were reported in that incident, but passengers described scenes of panic as smoke clouded the cabin and crews scrambled to control the situation.

Both emergencies underscore ongoing concerns surrounding aircraft equipment reliability and onboard battery safety as the industry faces increasing pressure over operational safety.

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