Publication
Adeleke orders probe as Accord chieftain shot dead
OSUN State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an investigation into the killing of an Accord Party chieftain, Olalekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir, during a clash over control of a motor park in Ile-ife. Adeleke also directed the state...
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US arms Nigeria Air Force for terror war
•A U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft delivers military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement aimed at strengthening the U.s.-nigeria security partnership and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in...
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Sanwo-olu visits Lagos dumpsite amid escalating waste crisis
•Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, during an inspection visit to the Olusosun dumpsite at Ojota, Lagos... on Wednesday. Photo: Lagos State Government
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Dangote Ipo targets record 10m investors
•L-R: Group Vice President, Oil & Gas and Fertiliser, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Cement and Foods Businesses, Dangote Industries Limited, Mariya Aliko-dangote; Chairman, Heirs Holdings,...
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Gunmen shoot NOUN bursar dead in
The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria, Nasiru Marafa, has reportedly been shot dead in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. The university disclosed this in an official notice signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo...
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2027 campaigns: Police, Abdulsalami panel move to curb rising tension
The Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee led by former military head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), have stepped up efforts to contain rising political tension and alleged inciting comments as campaigns for the 2027...
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EFCC summons ex-gov Sylva over alleged $14.86m fraud
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has urged former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who has been declared wanted over an alleged $14.86m fraud, to make himself available for questioning. The commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale,...
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INEC list rekindles Apc’s post-primary crisis
Abdulrahman Zakariyu, John Charles, Collins Agwam, Chima Azubuike, Animasahun Salman, John Charles, Toheeb Omotayo, Kasim Muhammad, Emmanuel Ande, Uche Okere, Adeyinka Adedipe, Edward Nnachi and Linus Effiong Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the...
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Tinubu, APC govs move to fix campaign list crisis
•APC plans more social interventions, ahead of 2027 poll after $1bn scheme
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Terrorists using dead persons’ accounts, crowdfunding – NFIU
The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit has uncovered an emerging crowdfunding network being exploited to raise and channel funds for terrorist operations. This is as the agency said terrorist financiers were opening bank accounts in women’s names as...
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States get special N435bn for security, infrastructure
•Special intervention fund meant for security projects, roads
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Presidential election: Tinubu, Obi, others sign peace pact as 2027 campaign begins today
Political parties and presidential and National Assembly candidates on Tuesday signed the first National Peace Accord on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to shun violence, hate speech, misinformation, personal attacks...
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Police lock down Osun, DIG, 30 CPS deployed
•One killed, two injured as Tinubu vows peaceful election, INEC urges parties to honour peace accord
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State police: Presidency closes public submissions today
•State police law will guard against governors’ abuse, says presidency
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EFCC boss faces public fury as Tinubu reverses order
•Apologise to Tinubu, Oyetola over frozen account allegations, APC tells Adeleke
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Fake agency probe: Reps to grill controversial DG at undisclosed location
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2027: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi weigh ex-govs for campaign DG roles
•Apc, ADC, NDC to unveil presidential campaign teams next week
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Abandoned projects: fed Govt bars ministries from awarding unfunded contracts
THE Federal Government has barred Ministries, Departments and Agencies from awarding contracts or entering into any financial commitments without first securing the required budgetary approval and cash backing, in a move aimed at tightening fiscal...
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Why we tracked, arrested kidnappers’ families –Tinubu
•Militants from Mali, B’faso, Niger fuelling Nigeria’s insecurity –Tinubu
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Beyond pipeline security: Battle over Tantita’s operations in N’delta
Afresh controversy has erupted over the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the private pipeline surveillance firm linked to former Niger Delta militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo,...
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FG overshoots borrowing limit as new debt reaches N12.62tn
TWEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026 he Federal Government exceeded its 2024 borrowing target by N4.79tn after a wider-than-projected budget deficit forced it to raise significantly more financing than originally planned, the Budget Office of the Federation has...
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Fake agency probe: House faces pressure to summon Gbajabiamila
The house of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council has come under growing pressure to widen its investigation by inviting Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, even as...
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FG earmarks nearly n1tn for Suvs, empowerment amid borrowing pressure
tHE Federal Government has earmarked N962.83bn for the procurement of sport Utility Vehicles and empowerment projects in the 2026 Appropriation Act, an amount that exceeds the combined allocations to seven key federal ministries, according to a review...
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Firstholdco Delivers N1.93 Trillion Gross earnings and N653.5 Billion PBT in h1 2026
Firstholdco plc has reported another outstanding financial performance for the half year ended June 30, 2026. most notably, profit before tax rose by 83.5% to N653.5 billion, it recorded gross earnings of N1.93 trillion, representing a 16.7%...
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How I will reorganise Lagos, tackle insecurity, flooding, slums – Hamzat
For Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the challenge before the next administration in Lagos is not merely building more roads or rail lines, but creating a city where residents can live, work and move around with greater ease, safety and dignity. In this interview...
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States defy Supreme Court, control N10tn LG allocations
•Lgs’ faac allocation jumps 33% two years after Supreme court verdict
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Fake agency scandal: Atiku, Presidency clash as Senate rejects fresh probe
THe controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council deepened on Wednesday as the Senate rejected, for the second time in one week, a request to investigate the controversial budgetary allocation to the alleged...
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Presidency slams Makinde over demand for UN probe
The Presidency on Monday criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the demand as unnecessary and politically motivated. Makinde,...
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•president in closed-door engagement with security chiefs as attacks persist
•President Bola Tinubu (7th left) after security meeting with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...on Thursday. Photo: State House
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2027 elections: Six legal hurdles before INEC
BARELY four months after the Independent National electoral Commission unveiled its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, the electoral body has become embroiled in a wave of litigation that could reshape the...
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Shettima, Obasanjo, Gowon, others celebrate Army Day
•Representative of the President/vice President Kashim Shettima; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu...
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2027 candidates: Saturday deadline puts parties under pressure
WITH the July 11, 2026 deadline for the submission of presidential nomination forms to the Independent National electoral Commission fast approaching, political parties are running against time to beat the closing date. the commission fixed 6pm on...
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Atiku vows 2027 fight as court clears Mark-led ADC
•Govt’s plot to weaken opposition will fail –Atiku
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Post-primary row: INEC, APC may clash over official Senate list
THe All Progressives Congress may trigger fresh controversy over its 2027 National Assembly primaries after restoring six serving senators to the party’s ticket, despite the earlier declaration of other aspirants as winners, The PUNCH has learnt. The...
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Xenophobia: Nigerian embassy packed, 269 return as S’africa protests rise
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians still residing in South Africa of their safety, even as fresh concerns over xenophobic tensions and renewed antiimmigrant protests continue to trigger calls for stronger diplomatic action. This comes after...
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2027 candidates: Fresh crisis hits parties as INEC portal opens
Abdulrahman Zakariyau, Deborah musa, Godwin isenyo, Salisu Kabuga, Isah Ojo and John Charles The Independent National Electoral Commission’s portal access for the 2027 elections has sparked fresh power struggles within major political parties, as...
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Obi,kwankwasoleadndc’sbattleagainstderegistration
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has wrapped up marathon strategy meetings involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi; national leader, Seriake Dickson; National Working Committee members and other key stakeholders ahead of...
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State police: Senate votes today as Tinubu transmits bill to N’assembly
RETIRED military and police chiefs have expressed differing views on the extent of powers governors should wield under the proposed policing structure, warning that while decentralised policing could strengthen security, adequate safeguards must be put...
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State police: Governors demand greater powers
STATE governors are seeking greater constitutional authority over security operations within their domains and guaranteed funding arrangements for the proposed State Police Services, according to a report of a high-level strategic meeting involving...
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Fed Govt raises N500bn emergency security fund
•govs engage attorneys-general on state police structure
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Police report: Bandits launch over 50 attacks in one week
The Federal Government spent N57.78bn on security-related projects and operations in the first four months of 2026, despite worsening insecurity across the country, with no fewer than 98 criminal incidents including 51 attacks and abductions recorded...
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State police closer as NASS defines federal, state powers
tHE National Assembly on thursday took a significant step in the quest for the establishment of State Police as both the Senate and House of Representatives demonstrated sufficient eagerness to amend the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the...
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School closures spread after fresh bandit attack
Schools in some parts of the country closed early on Wednesday as fears of bandit attacks spread. The schools were hurriedly shut down following an attack by bandits on the UBE Secondary/primary School, Iluke, Kogi State and a threat of possible...
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Dangote refinery ramps Up to 700,000 Barrels per Day, strengthening africa’s energy Landscape
DANGOTE petroleum Refinery & petrochemicals has increased its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) in a performance test conducted by the Process Licensors, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s operational...
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RECEIVER/MANAGER’S press release
THE attention of the Receiver/manager has been drawn to the erroneous and misleading conclusions being peddled in the social and print media on the interpretation of the recent Judgment of the Supreme court in Sc/cv/1130/25 delivered on monday 01, June...
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Schoolchildren abduction: Oyo protests go nationwide, NASS moves on state police
The abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state has sparked widespread outrage across the country, prompting condemnation from the senate, coordinated nationwide protests by teachers, and renewed...
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Nestoil wins Big as supreme Court Vacates all Court of appeal restorative Exparte Orders; Describes It as Judicial Tragedy
the Supreme Court sitting in Abuja yesterday delivered a unanimous 5 member panel judgement that contained some of the strongest rebukes against the weaponization of judicial processes in recent history. the Apex Court strongly criticised the Court of...
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Firstholdco secures shareholder approval for N1 Trillion Capital – signalling Bold strategic reset
Firstholdco plc (“Firstholdco” or “the group”), the parent company of Nigeria’s oldest and one of its most systemically important financial institutions, Firstbank, has secured shareholders’ approval at its 14th Annual general Meeting (AGM) held on 29...
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How tyre burst claimed three lives on
THREE persons were burnt to death while 15 others sustained varying degrees of injuries after a commercial bus reportedly suffered a tyre burst and burst into flames along the Lagos-abeokuta Expressway. The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic...
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Children’s Day: Captive Oyo, Borno pupils cast shadow over celebration
Gift Habib, Stephen Angbulu, Adebayo Folorunsho-francis, Deborah Musa, Ademola Adegbite, Dayo Oyewo, Wale Akinselure, Ayoola Babalola and Gabriel Oshokha CHildren’s Day celebrations across the country were on Wednesday overshadowed by growing concerns...
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30,000 Fulani militants fuelling Nigeria’s insecurity
@mobilepunch @punchnewspapers
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Dangote faces price war as NNPC backs fuel imports
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has told the Federal high Court sitting in Lagos that petroleum products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE are sold at “significantly high and fluctuating market prices”, warning...
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2027 race: ADC picks Tinubu’s challenger today
The African Democratic Congress will today commence the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in the...
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APC primaries: Governorship aspirants shun consensus deal in 10 states
Abdulrahman Zakariyau, Olugbenga Ige, Tunde Oyekola, Animasahun Salman, Salisu Kabuga, Bankole Taiwo and James Abraham AHEAD of Thursday’s governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, resistance to consensus arrangements has intensified in...
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Daniel, Amosun, rochas crash, Abiodun, Uzodimma, Bello win
•APC disqualifies 44 aspirants, ex-ogun govs, deputy gov, others shun poll; Akpabio, Barau, Bamidele, Ndume, Oshiomhole win
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AMBASSADOR Of ITALY TO NIGERIA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO POLO
L-R: Jennifer Obayuwana; His Excellency, Roberto Mengoni; and John Obayuwana, during the visit of the Italian Ambassador to the Polo Head Office aimed at bolstering trade relations between Polo and Italy’s luxury and fashion industry in...
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Fierce lobbying, tension as APC primaries begin
•Kaduna moves to calm post-screening tensions; Apc chieftains sue for peace
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Pre-primary screening: Tension mounts as APC panels disqualify over 150 aspirants
PEtitions, protests, legal threats and accusations of imposition have trailed the ongoing screening of aspirants by the ruling All Progressives Congress across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections, exposing widening cracks within the...
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Pre-primary screening: Tension mounts as APC panels disqualify over 150 aspirants
PEtitions, protests, legal threats and accusations of imposition have trailed the ongoing screening of aspirants by the ruling All Progressives Congress across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections, exposing widening cracks within the...
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FG, World Bank in talks over second-largest $1.25bn loan
The Federal Government has stepped up engagement with the World Bank for a fresh $1.25bn loan to support economic reforms, job creation, and competitiveness, as findings by The PUNCH showed that the facility has reached a critical stage in the lender’s...
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Deepening Security, Counterterrorism and Bilateral Relations with the United States
•Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu (left) with American Vice President J. D. Vance, during a working visit to the United States, where the NSA engaged with senior American government officials on strengthening security cooperation and...
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Firstholdco Profit Rockets 72.2% in Q1
Firstholdco plc delivered a masterclass performance in its first-quarter 2026 financials, recording a 100% year-on-year profit before tax (PBT) growth. Profit before tax (PBT) jumped to N321.12 billion from N186.48 billion in the corresponding period...
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Amupitan’s security concern: Opposition kicks against troop deployment for 2027 elections
New worries about the credibility of the 2027 general elections came up on wednesday, with the Independent National electoral Commission warning that growing insecurity across Nigeria could make it hard to hold free, fair, and credible polls. But the...
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Consensus coup: Govs tighten grip on senate tickets, displace incumbents
No fewer than 10 state governors and ex-governors are actively working to replace incumbent senators ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a sweeping political realignment reshaping Nigeria’s legislative landscape. The sitting governors, whose...
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Obi, Kwankwaso join NDC, demand litigation-free politics
FOrmer Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-kano State governor rabiu Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, calling on members to avoid litigation and focus on advancing the nation’s development. The two...
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2027 election: ADC, PDP await crucial S’court verdict today
THe Supreme Court is set to deliver judgment today on the leadership disputes in the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, a decision that could redefine both opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ahead of the...
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Power shifts as defections redefine Edo political landscape
The political setting in Edo State constantly experiences alignments and realignments. This has intensified ahead of this year’s local government election in the state and the general election in 2027. The scenario is typified by a plethora of...
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Ekiti gov: APC leaders back oyebanji’s re-election bid
•L-R: Kaduna State Governor/chairman, APC National Campaign Council, Senator Uba Sani; Chairman, Progressives Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma; APC National Chairman, Prof. Nantaweyilwatda; Senate Leader/chair, Ekiti Governorship Campaign...
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Suspense as S’court delays PDP, ADC verdict
THe Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the leadership tussles within the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, heightening uncertainty over the internal stability of both parties ahead of the 2027 general...
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Yewa South deserves better representation – APC aspirant
A marketing communications professional and the Group Managing Director of First Katalyst Group, Soji Odedina, speaks with on why he is seeking to be a candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Yewa South/ipokia Federal Constituency for the 2027...
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2027 battle lines: APC may scrap consensus plan in flashpoint states
UNCERTAINTY may be mounting within the ruling All Progressives congress over its preferred consensus strategy for the 2027 elections, with party sources indicating that direct primaries may be adopted in states where “agreements prove difficult.” It...
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FG moves to tighten airport, prison security
•Security experts demand drastic action against terrorism
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Troops repel fresh attack as fallen General, soldiers buried
THe Nigerian Army has laid to rest the remains of the late Commander, 29 Joint Taskforce Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other soldiers killed in recent insurgents attacks in Borno State. The attacks, which occurred on...
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