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    Hushpuppi: Notorious Nigerian fraudster jailed for 11 years in US

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    A notorious Instagram influencer from Nigeria has been jailed for more than 11 years in the US for his role in an international fraud syndicate.

    Hushpuppi, whose real name is Ramon Abbas, was also ordered to pay $1,732,841 (£1,516,182) in restitution to two victims.

    The influencer rose to fame flaunting his wealthy lifestyle on his page, which boasted 2.8 million followers.

    But it all came crashing down when he was arrested in Dubai two years ago.

    According to Don Alway, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, Abbas had – behind the glitz of his account – become “one of the most prolific money launderers in the world”.

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    “Abbas leveraged his social media platforms… to gain notoriety and to brag about the immense wealth he acquired by conducting business email compromise scams, online bank heists and other cyber-enabled fraud that financially ruined scores of victims and provided assistance to the North Korean regime,” Mr Alway said in a court document on Monday.

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    Abbas pleaded guilty to money laundering last year, admitting attempting to steal more than $1.1m from someone who wanted to fund a new children’s school in Qatar. Court documents in California say he played a key role in the scheme, playing “the roles of bank officials and creating a bogus website”.

    He also admitted to “several other cyber and business email compromise schemes that cumulatively caused more than $24 million in losses”, the US justice department said.

    Among them was a 2019 scheme, which plunged the European island of Malta into chaos as payment systems shut down after he tried to launder €13m ($13m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta.

    At one point on Instagram, Abbas said he was a real estate developer and had a category of videos called “Flexing” – social media lingo for showing off.

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    In 2020, he renewed his lease for another year at the exclusive Palazzo Versace apartments in Dubai under his real name and phone number.

    “Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings in my life. Continue to shame those waiting for me to be shamed,” he captioned an Instagram picture of a Rolls-Royce just a fortnight before he was arrested.

    Those who knew Lagos-born Abbas before his transformation into Hushpuppi allege these are not the first scams he has carried out.

    He allegedly started his fraudulent lifestyle as a “Yahoo boy” – the Nigerian term for men who commit romance fraud by stealing other people’s identities online and swindling their none-the-wiser lovers out of money.

    A Lagos driver called Saye told the BBC back in 2021 that he developed a taste for the finer things in life – but was always “generous”.

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    See also  Nigeria's debt stock hits N42.84 trillion

    “He used to buy beer for everyone around,” he said.

    However, Abbas’ supporters say he is a changed man.

    According to Nigerian newspaper Permium Times, two imams wrote to the judge in Los Angeles appealing for leniency, saying he regularly helped out widows and orphans, as well as donating to things like feeding programmes.

    Meanwhile, his wife said his arrest had plunged her into hardship – noting that she had to overtime in order to pay for their child’s private education.

    Abbas himself apologised for his crimes to Judge Otis D Wright in a handwritten note, saying he would use his personal funds to pay back his victims. He also said he had only made $300,000 from the crime he was being tried for.

    However, he was still sentenced to 135 months in a federal prison.

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    Africa

    Three Best Electrical Wires and Cables in Nigeria 2024

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    Cables come in different materials, casing, and sizes to accommodate different electrical loads and different conditions in which they’ll be used. While they can be made of aluminium or other materials, most electrical wires are copper.

    Safety is the most important factor to consider when choosing an electrical cable. Because cables are the primary carrier of electricity in your home, you need to make sure every aspect of safety is taken into account. Electric wires are designed to withstand constant electrical current, which means they won’t cause a fire in the event of an accident/short circuit.

    Power cables and wires are one of the most common causes of electrical failure. People often overlook the importance of this material. A good power cable must perform better in the event of electrical failure, overload or sudden electrical spikes. It should also be fire-retardant in the event of any danger.  We have put together the best 4 electrical wires in Nigeria for 2024.

    See also  Nigeria's debt stock hits N42.84 trillion

    Nigeria is home to a wide variety of wire and cable brands, most of which are produced in the country. We have compiled a list of the best wire and cable brands to help you find the right one for your needs.

    1. Zobis Cables & Wires is a leading brand of electrical cables. It specializes in the development and deployment of advanced house-wiring and industrial cables to meet the needs of energy and industrial companies. Their range of technologies and solutions are revolutionizing the way the industry operates today and into the future. They guarantee safety through quality and technology, and their cables are designed to withstand extreme conditions.

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    ZOBIS ELECTRICAL WIRES AND CABLES. PROUDLY MADE IN NIGERIA! | Facebook

    2. Cutix wires and cables represent a pinnacle in electrical engineering, tailored for both advanced house-wiring and industrial applications. They cater to energy and industrial sectors seeking heightened efficiency, reliability, and safety in their operations. With a versatile range of technologies and solutions, Cutix is reshaping the industry landscape, guaranteeing safety through top-notch quality and innovative technology. Designed to thrive in harsh conditions, these cables epitomize durability and resilience.

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    3. Coleman wires and cables stand out as the premier choice for electricity distribution across Nigeria. At Coleman Wires and Cables, we prioritize excellence in manufacturing, dedicated to producing wires and cables that consistently surpass our customers’ needs. Our commitment extends to aligning with key stakeholders and adhering to ISO 9001:2015 standards, ensuring our products consistently deliver the highest quality possible.

     

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    Entertainment

    10 things you should know about Sisi Quadri

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    1. The late Quadri Oyebamiji was well-known as Sisi Quadri in Yoruba films.
    2. He was born December 26, 1979, in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.
    3. He attended primary and high school in Ore, Ondo State.




    4. Before becoming a celebrity in the entertainment industry, Quadri was a Muslim, a skilled makeup artist, and a fashion designer.
    5. He began acting in 2002 with the film ‘Koto Aye,’ directed by the late Alhaji Ajileye.
    6. Sisi Quadri, who was well-known for his humorous personality and consistently played roles recognized for their keen wit and mocking.
    7. In addition to performing, he worked as an entertainer and comedian.




    8. He appeared in several Yoruba films and even invested in a tailoring company. Quadri was also sought after as a Master of Ceremony (MC) at parties.
    9. Sisi Quadri’s personal life revolved around his family.
    10. He was married with four children: three sons and one daughter.



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    Business

    Boosting Business Productivity and Profitability with Advanced CRM Software Development

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    In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations strive to enhance their productivity and profitability through the efficient utilization of cutting-edge technology. One such transformative tool is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. By investing in advanced CRM software development, businesses can streamline their operations, improve collaboration, and ultimately boost productivity and profitability.

    Streamlined Communication and Collaboration

    One of the key benefits of advanced CRM systems is the facilitation of seamless communication and collaboration within an organization. By centralizing customer data, communication history, and transaction details, teams can access real-time information, reducing the need for multiple touchpoints. This fosters efficient collaboration, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. With improved communication and collaboration, productivity is enhanced, leading to increased profitability.

    Enhanced Customer Insights




    Understanding customer needs and preferences is essential for delivering personalized experiences and building long-lasting relationships. Advanced CRM software goes beyond basic data storage, offering sophisticated analytics tools. By harnessing data analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling targeted marketing strategies and personalized engagement. This deep understanding of customers not only enhances satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of repeat business, driving overall profitability.

    Automation for Efficiency

    Automation is a cornerstone of advanced CRM systems. By automating routine tasks such as data entry, lead nurturing, and follow-ups, businesses can significantly reduce manual effort and minimize human error. This not only frees up valuable time for employees but also ensures that critical processes are executed consistently. Improved efficiency translates directly to increased productivity and, consequently, higher profitability.

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    Seamless Integration with Other Tools

    An advanced CRM system seamlessly integrates with other business tools and applications, creating a unified ecosystem. Whether it’s integrating with marketing automation platforms, e-commerce systems, or project management tools, a well-developed CRM system ensures a smooth flow of information across all departments. This integration eliminates data silos, enhances overall business efficiency, and allows for better collaboration between teams.

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    Real-Time Analytics for Informed Decision-Making

    Timely and informed decision-making is crucial for business success. Advanced CRM software provides real-time analytics and reporting, allowing stakeholders to make data-driven decisions. Whether it’s identifying sales trends, assessing marketing campaign performance, or tracking customer satisfaction metrics, having access to up-to-date information empowers businesses to adapt quickly and stay ahead of the competition. Informed decision-making based on real-time analytics leads to increased productivity and profitability. Find more here

    Customization for Specific Business Needs

    Every business has unique requirements and processes. Advanced CRM software development allows for customization to meet specific business needs. Whether it’s creating custom workflows, adding industry-specific features, or integrating with existing systems, a tailored CRM solution ensures that the software aligns perfectly with the organization’s goals and processes. Customization maximizes productivity by providing a solution that is specifically designed to address the challenges and requirements of the business.

    Mobile Access for Remote Productivity

    In today’s mobile-centric world, remote work has become increasingly prevalent. Advanced CRM software development includes mobile access, allowing employees to access critical information and perform tasks on the go. Whether it’s updating customer details, reviewing sales pipelines, or responding to leads, mobile access to CRM systems ensures that productivity is not hindered by physical location. This flexibility enables businesses to maintain productivity and profitability, even in remote work environments.

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    Training and Support for Optimal Utilization

    To fully leverage the benefits of advanced CRM software, organizations should invest in training and support for their employees. Proper training ensures that employees understand the features and functionalities of the CRM system, enabling them to utilize it to its full potential. Ongoing support and guidance from CRM experts can help businesses overcome any challenges and optimize their usage of the software. By providing the necessary training and support, organizations can maximize productivity and profitability.

    Data Security and Privacy Measures




    With the increasing importance of data protection and privacy, advanced CRM software development prioritizes robust security measures. CRM systems employ encryption, access controls, and regular backups to safeguard customer data and sensitive business information. Compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA, demonstrates a commitment to data security and builds trust with customers. By ensuring the security and privacy of data, businesses can focus on productivity and profitability without compromising sensitive information.

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    Scalability for Future Growth

    As businesses grow, their needs and requirements evolve. Advanced CRM software is designed to scale alongside the organization, accommodating increased data volume and user demand. Scalability allows businesses to continue utilizing their CRM system efficiently, even as customer bases expand and operations become more complex. By investing in a scalable CRM solution, organizations can ensure long-term productivity and profitability, without the need for a complete system overhaul.

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    Integration with AI and Automation Technologies

    The integration of AI and automation technologies with advanced CRM software opens up new possibilities for productivity and profitability. AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries, freeing up human resources to focus on more complex tasks. Automated workflows and predictive analytics can identify patterns and opportunities, optimizing sales and marketing efforts. By harnessing the power of AI and automation, businesses can achieve higher levels of productivity and profitability.

    Conclusion




    In conclusion, investing in advanced CRM software development is a strategic move for optimizing business processes, improving collaboration, and ultimately boosting productivity and profitability. With streamlined communication, enhanced customer insights, automation, seamless integration with other tools, real-time analytics, customization, mobile access, training and support, data security measures, scalability, and integration with AI and automation technologies, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency and profitability. Embracing the power of advanced CRM solutions allows organizations to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive market, achieving sustained growth and success.

    Remember, the success of CRM software lies in its implementation and utilization, so choose a reputable CRM software provider that understands your business needs and offers comprehensive support throughout your CRM journey.

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