Anambra Government Declares Chieftaincy Title Conferred on Minister Bianca Ojukwu Fake

The Anambra State government has disowned the chieftaincy title of ‘Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora’ reportedly given to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, stating it was conferred by an impostor, Chief Austin C. Ndigwe, who is not a recognized traditional ruler in Awka or Anambra State.

In a letter dated December 31, 2025, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, emphasized that official chieftaincy titles are conferred only by recognized traditional rulers following proper procedures. The government described Ojukwu’s social media announcement of the title as misleading and disrespectful to Anambra’s culture and the legitimate Eze Uzu II of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu.

Residents were reassured that the government will uphold law, tradition, and culture, and Ojukwu was advised to desist from using the unrecognized title.

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#AnambraState #BiancaOjukwu #ChieftaincyTitle #FakeTitle #TraditionalRulers #Awka #NigeriaNews #CultureAndTradition

Nigerian Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement as Court Adjourns Case to January 20

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has paused enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy nationwide after a Federal High Court issued an interim order restraining the force. The policy, initially set to resume on January 2, 2026, had been announced on December 15, 2025, citing public safety and security concerns.

The Police have formally applied to vacate the interim order and have raised preliminary objections in court, which has adjourned the matter to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings. In the meantime, enforcement remains suspended. IGP Kayode Egbetokun emphasized the Police’s commitment to the rule of law and assured the public that updates and guidance will be provided following the court’s decision.

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#TintedGlassPolicy #NigeriaPolice #CourtAdjournment #NPF #PublicSafety #RuleOfLaw #NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdate

#OpEd: My Prediction – Why Nigeria Will Be the Greatest Country in 2026, By Bayo Oluwasanmi

In this satirical New Year opinion piece, Bayo Oluwasanmi predicts that 2026 will be a transformative year for Nigeria, blending humor with sharp critique of the nation’s political and social landscape. He foresees a “deranged, narcissistic dictator” leading the country, a National Assembly enacting bizarre laws, and foreign-managed healthcare systems. Oluwasanmi humorously suggests radical reforms, including new countries within Nigeria, palm oil-powered lanterns replacing electricity, and K-9 police replacing human officers.

Through satire, he highlights corruption, inefficiency, insecurity, and the failures of government while urging Nigerians to confront the truth and work toward solutions. The piece blends wit, irony, and political commentary to provoke reflection on the state of the nation.

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#Nigeria2026 #BayoOluwasanmi #Satire #OpEdNigeria #NigerianPolitics #Corruption #PoliticalHumor #NewYearPredictions

Nigerian AGF Fagbemi Overturns Police Probe on Ghanaian Businessmen, Confirms No Case of Fraud or Forgery

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has formally nullified the Nigeria Police Force investigation led by CP Akin Fakorede into Ghanaian businessmen, including Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, citing lack of evidence. Following a review of case files, the AGF confirmed that no prima facie case of forgery or fraud existed against the businessmen, effectively discontinuing the 26-count charge.

Fagbemi affirmed the findings of the 13-man Special Investigation Panel (SIP) led by DCP Imam as comprehensive and unbiased. The AGF described the Monitoring Unit’s probe as legally defective, misleading, and an inappropriate attempt to criminalize a commercial dispute, contrary to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The AGF also directed the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to restore the original ownership and shareholding structure of Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, reversing unauthorized changes made in December 2025. The decision followed international attention, including a petition by Ghana’s Foreign Minister over harassment of Ghanaian investments in Nigeria.

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#LateefFagbemi #NigerianAGF #GhanaianInvestments #PoliceProbeOverturned #JonahCapital #HousesForAfrica #NigeriaLaw

Ohanaeze Youth Council Urges South-East Nigerians to Prepare for “Eventual Exit” Amid Marginalisation, Calls for Referendum in 2026

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has urged Igbos in Nigeria’s South-East region to prepare for an “eventual exit” from the country due to decades of marginalisation, post-civil war injustices, insecurity, and perceived failures of the Nigerian state. In a New Year message, OYC President Igboayaka Igboayaka emphasized the need for Igbo people to plan politically, economically, and diplomatically for self-determination.

Igboayaka cited unresolved injustices following the 1967–1970 civil war and condemned the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as violations of international law. He criticized Nigeria as a state overwhelmed by corruption and economic decay, urging Igbo youths to mobilize politically ahead of the 2027 elections and advocating for a referendum or plebiscite on self-determination throughout 2026.

The OYC leader stressed that unity without justice is oppression and called on community leaders to collaborate in protecting lives and property while resisting any form of brutality against campaigners.

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#OhanaezeYouthCouncil #IgboSelfDetermination #NigeriaPolitics #Referendum2026 #SouthEastNigeria

Amnesty International Condemns Nigerian Police Over Failure to Arrest Attackers of Filmmaker Pedro Obaseki in Benin City

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the Nigerian Police for failing to arrest the assailants who abducted and publicly humiliated Nigerian filmmaker Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki in Benin City, Edo State. The human rights organization described the incident as “barbaric and unlawful,” emphasizing that it violated basic principles of due process and human dignity.

Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was seized by a group of men allegedly acting on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council. He was dragged to the Oba of Benin’s palace, stripped publicly, and forced to kneel and walk on his knees. The attackers did not present identification or legal authority for their actions.

Amnesty International called on law enforcement to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and urged the Oba’s palace to dissociate itself from the unlawful acts. The organization highlighted that such repression undermines civic freedoms and human rights in Edo State.

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#PedroObaseki #HumanRightsViolation #AmnestyInternational #EdoState #ObaOfBenin

Ibadan Explosion Relief Funds: Oyo Government Reveals N30 Billion Federal Intervention Fund Still Untouched Over a Year After Bodija Blast

The Oyo State government has confirmed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government for post-explosion relief following the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan remains unused, more than a year after it was deposited in a dedicated account.

According to a statement on Thursday, while President Bola Tinubu approved N50 billion for intervention, only N30 billion has been released, with the remaining N20 billion yet to be disbursed. The released funds are kept intact in a dedicated Oyo State Infrastructure Support Account at First Bank of Nigeria (No. 2045199879) to ensure transparency and proper management.

The government explained that it deliberately refrained from spending the funds because the remaining N20 billion has not been released and due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding the approval process.

The disclosure follows criticism from the African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo State Chapter, which accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of lacking transparency in handling the relief funds. Reports suggested that only ₦4.5 billion had been approved for compensation to victims, sparking public concern over the remaining N45.5 billion.

The Bodija explosion, caused by illegally stored explosive devices, devastated the Old Bodija residential area, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and damage to over 230 properties. Governor Makinde’s administration has emphasized that the N30 billion remains untouched as it awaits the release of the balance to ensure proper relief and resettlement for affected families.

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#IbadanExplosion #OyoStateRelief #FederalFundsUntouched

Nigerian Police Detain Anthony Joshua’s Driver as Ogun State Investigates Fatal Road Crash That Killed Two of Boxing Champion’s Close Associates

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the driver who was conveying Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua during the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two of his associates. The confirmation was made in a brief statement issued on Thursday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the crash is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

According to police authorities, the arrest forms part of broader efforts to establish the full circumstances, cause, and possible culpability surrounding the deadly incident. While investigations are ongoing, the identity of the driver has not yet been officially disclosed.

The development comes days after SaharaReporters reported that the accident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Anthony Joshua himself sustained injuries in the crash but was later discharged from hospital after being declared clinically fit to continue recovery at home.

In a joint statement issued by the Lagos and Ogun State governments, officials said Joshua remained emotionally devastated by the loss of his friends. The statement revealed that Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home to pay their last respects as arrangements were made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased.

The Lagos and Ogun state governments expressed condolences to the families of the victims, thanking the public and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support during the period. They also commended the medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for the professionalism and quality of care provided to Joshua and other injured persons.

As investigations continue, authorities say further updates will be made available as police work to determine accountability in the tragic accident.

Lagos Government Confirms Casualties as Rescue Operations Continue After Christmas Eve Inferno at 25-Storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island

The Lagos State Government has confirmed casualties following the Christmas Eve fire outbreak at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House (GNI) on Martins Street, Lagos Island, while rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing. In an official statement titled “RE: GNI House Fire” and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government said emergency response teams were deployed immediately after the fire alarm was received.

According to the statement, first responders—including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), security agencies, and other safety units—have remained on site, conducting systematic search, rescue, and forensic operations in line with international emergency response standards. The government said operations will continue until full recovery is completed.

Providing an update on casualties as of Thursday morning, the state government disclosed that eight males, including a firefighter, were rescued with varying degrees of injuries and taken to hospital. Three males and two females with minor injuries were treated at the scene and discharged. The government also confirmed that one adult female was recovered dead from the rubble, two adult males were extricated alive, while three other persons were burnt in the inferno.

The Lagos State Government expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and appealed to the public to remain calm, patient, and sensitive, urging residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could heighten public anxiety or disrupt ongoing rescue efforts.

The clarification followed reports by SaharaReporters that several bodies were recovered from the collapsed section of the building as the fire continued to smoulder days after the incident, sparking fears that more victims could still be trapped beneath the debris. Eyewitness accounts described panic in the busy commercial area, with residents expressing concern over the prolonged fire and structural collapse that shook nearby buildings.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Accuses FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of Plot to Destabilise Bauchi, Says Tinubu Is Surrounded by “Hooligans and Charlatans” Amid Alleged Political Victimisation

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Federal Government and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating a coordinated campaign of political victimisation, intimidation, and abuse of state institutions aimed at destroying his political career.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the governor alleged that Wike was actively influencing security agencies and anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to target him and officials in his administration. Mohammed claimed that petitions, court processes, and security actions against his government were politically motivated and designed to tarnish his reputation, force political alignment, or neutralise him as a perceived threat.

The governor further alleged that Wike had threatened to “put fire” in Bauchi State, accusing him of bribing people, manipulating institutions, and selling influence. He said intelligence from within the EFCC suggested that documents and petitions were deliberately orchestrated to implicate his Commissioner for Finance and cast suspicion on his government.

Mohammed described the actions as a violation of his fundamental human rights and said he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and other agencies, warning that he would escalate the matter to the international community. He stated that he was seeking protection against what he termed “reckless” political persecution.

In a sharp rebuke of the presidency, the Bauchi governor said President Bola Tinubu was surrounded by “hooligans and charlatans” determined to destroy opposition figures. He also accused Wike of being a destabilising force within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging divided loyalties and describing him as an “undertaker” of the opposition party.

Mohammed warned that the alleged impunity within the ruling circle poses a serious threat to democracy, accountability, and political stability in Nigeria, insisting that unchecked abuse of power would have grave consequences for the country.

THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of the Sudan on the occasion of the anniversary of their Independence Day.

The African Union reaffirms its full readiness to continue working closely with all Sudanese stakeholders, as well as regional and international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, and the League of Arab States, to support ongoing efforts toward an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the achievement of a comprehensive and inclusive political solution.

In a statement, the Chairperson reiterated the African Union’s unwavering commitment to an African-led and Sudanese-owned process that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people for peace, dignity, unity, and long-term stability.

As Sudan marks seventy years of independence, the African Union expressed hope that this milestone will serve not only as a moment of reflection on the nation’s history, but also as a renewed collective resolve to end the war and reclaim the promise of a peaceful, stable, and united Sudan.

Many Passengers Feared Dead as Commercial Bus Crashes Into Truck on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on New Year Day, Rescue Operations Ongoing

A fatal road accident occurred on New Year’s Day along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, opposite the NASFAT junction, leaving many passengers trapped and feared dead. The crash involved an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Lagos, which rammed into a truck that was reportedly making a U-turn at the busy section of the highway.

According to eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene, the impact forced the bus to slide underneath the truck, trapping several passengers inside the wreckage while many others were left unconscious. Residents and emergency responders were seen making frantic efforts to rescue victims as operations continued at the scene.

The Ogun State spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, confirmed that the command had been alerted to the incident but said a full report was still being awaited as rescue efforts were ongoing.

The crash has once again raised concerns about road safety on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, particularly during festive periods when traffic volume and reckless driving often increase. The tragedy comes amid growing public anxiety over recurring fatal accidents on Nigerian highways, including a recent night-time crash that killed eight University of Jos students.

As authorities continue rescue and investigation efforts, Nigerians have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, safer road infrastructure, and improved emergency response systems to prevent further loss of lives on major highways.

PRP Urges Nationwide Protests as Party Calls on Nigerians to Resist Tinubu’s New Tax Policies, Fuel Subsidy Removal, and Economic Hardship

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called on Nigerians to embark on nationwide, lawful, and peaceful protests against what it described as oppressive tax policies and economic decisions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a New Year statement signed by its National Chairman, Falalu Bello, the party said Nigerians are already grappling with severe hardship caused by insecurity, hunger, poverty, and poor governance under the APC-led government.

The PRP strongly criticised the introduction and enforcement of new tax laws, accusing the government of ignoring public opposition and pushing policies that allegedly lack transparency and were altered at the point of gazetting. According to the party, the taxes are designed to benefit a few while further impoverishing ordinary Nigerians who are struggling to survive.

The opposition party also condemned the removal of fuel subsidy on Tinubu’s first day in office, noting that promised investments in social services have failed to materialise. Instead, it alleged that increased borrowing without visible improvements in social infrastructure has worsened the economic situation across the country.

Calling for collective action, the PRP urged Nigerians to organise protests and strike actions to resist unjust taxation and governance failures, stressing that mass unity remains the strongest tool against oppression. The party warned citizens not to be discouraged by political defections, describing such moves as self-serving and insignificant compared to the power of the people.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PRP said sustained resistance should translate into political change, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in their quest to end what it termed an incompetent and non-transparent administration. The statement concluded with a call for peaceful but determined resistance to reclaim Nigeria and build a system rooted in accountability, transparency, and citizen-focused governance.

Hoodlums Allegedly Linked to Edo Governor Okpebholo’s Loyalist Tony Kabaka Burn Home of UK-Based Critic Albert Obazee on New Year’s Eve Amid Threats and Political Tension

Suspected hoodlums allegedly working for Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s loyalist, Tony Kabaka, have been accused of attacking and setting ablaze the home of UK-based Edo-born media critic, Albert Obazee, on New Year’s Eve in Benin City. Eyewitnesses said a large group of young men armed with petrol- and kerosene-filled bottles forced their way into the residence, smashed windows, destroyed household items, poured accelerants, and set the building on fire, leaving it severely damaged and uninhabitable.

Videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed the house engulfed in flames, with petrol bottles visible among the debris, suggesting a premeditated attack. An occupant of the compound said up to 30 armed youths stormed the premises, while others confirmed the incident anonymously, citing fear of intimidation.

The attack reportedly came days after Governor Okpebholo publicly threatened Obazee in a video interview, vowing that he would be imprisoned and barred from freely entering Nigeria. The governor admitted to closely monitoring Obazee’s social media posts, many of which criticised his administration.

Sources alleged that the arson followed Obazee’s social media claim that Tony Kabaka had been arrested by the EFCC over alleged misconduct, a claim Kabaka later confirmed by admitting he was invited and questioned by the commission. About 24 hours after the post, Obazee raised alarm that his multimillion-naira property had been vandalised and burned.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Edo State government nor the Nigeria Police Force had issued an official statement or announced arrests. Obazee said the attack has left him, his family, and associates living in fear, calling on authorities to urgently investigate the incident and ensure accountability.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Confirms Nephew Duguri as Co-Defendant in ₦4.6 Billion EFCC Money Laundering Case, Alleges Political Persecution by Tinubu Government

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has confirmed that Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, a key suspect in an ongoing ₦4.6 billion money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is his nephew. Duguri is listed as a co-defendant alongside Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and the Managing Director of I.S. Makayye Investment Resources Ltd, Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu.

The EFCC alleges that between June and December 2023, Adamu, while serving as a branch manager at Polaris Bank in Bauchi, conspired with Duguri and Aliyu to facilitate the conversion, concealment, and transfer of about ₦4.65 billion under the guise of financing motorcycle supplies to the Bauchi State Government. Parts of the funds were allegedly routed through third-party and nominee accounts, including transactions involving I.S. Makayye Investment Resources Ltd and a ₦165.9 million transfer to Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd.

Duguri and Aliyu are reportedly at large, a situation that has stalled the arraignment of Adamu before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Governor Mohammed denied the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated persecution by the Bola Tinubu administration. He claimed there was no evidence linking his nephew to the crime and said he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation, with plans to escalate the matter to the international community over alleged violations of his fundamental human rights.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the investigation allege witness suppression and flight, claiming Aliyu initially cooperated with the EFCC before being forced into hiding, while Duguri allegedly fled the country. The EFCC maintains that the alleged offences contravene Section 20(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as investigations and legal proceedings continue.

Dozens Feared Dead, Over 100 Injured As New Year’s Eve Fire Engulfs Crowded Bar At Swiss Ski Resort In Crans-Montana

A New Year’s Eve celebration ended in devastating tragedy after a massive fire swept through a packed basement bar at the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing dozens of people and leaving more than 100 injured. The blaze broke out around 1:30am at “Le Constellation,” a popular nightlife spot frequented by young tourists celebrating the arrival of 2026.

Swiss police said the exact death toll is still being verified, but early estimates suggest that up to 40 people may have lost their lives, with many of the injured in critical condition. Authorities warned that identifying victims could take weeks due to the severity of burns sustained during the incident.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations point to sparklers being used inside the bar as a possible cause of the fire. Survivors reported that flames spread rapidly after a lit sparkler allegedly ignited the wooden ceiling, triggering panic as patrons scrambled to escape through the venue’s narrow staircase — the only public exit.

Residents and witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people smashing windows to flee while parents rushed to the scene amid fears their children were inside. Foreign nationals, including French tourists, are among the victims, prompting condolences from French President Emmanuel Macron and diplomatic visits from Italian officials.

The tragedy has raised serious questions about safety standards, crowd control, and the use of pyrotechnics in enclosed entertainment venues, particularly in popular tourist destinations. As investigations continue, Swiss authorities are under mounting pressure to tighten regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Senate President Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Lawsuits Against Natasha Akpoti, Others After Priest’s Sermon Sparks Change of Heart

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered his lawyers to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits he filed against individuals who accused him of misconduct, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio made the announcement during a church programme, revealing that a sermon delivered by a priest prompted him to reassess his actions and abandon the legal battles.

He disclosed that he had instituted nearly nine court cases against people he accused of lying, slandering his name and defaming his character, but decided to discontinue all of them after reflecting on the message preached in church. Although he did not provide full details of each case, the decision directly affects the high-profile ₦200 billion defamation suit he filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in December 2025.

In that lawsuit, Akpabio accused the Kogi Central lawmaker of making false allegations of sexual harassment, which he claimed damaged his reputation, subjected him to public ridicule and portrayed him as a predator abusing his office. Court documents showed that he sought sweeping remedies, including massive damages, retractions, and nationwide broadcast apologies, as well as the removal of online content linked to the allegations.

The case had already progressed with court approval for substituted service through the Clerk of the National Assembly after attempts to serve Akpoti-Uduaghan directly failed. Akpabio also argued that the allegations, widely circulated across television, radio and social media, caused him severe humiliation and distress.

His sudden decision to discontinue all defamation suits marks a dramatic turnaround in a legal confrontation that had attracted intense public attention, raising fresh political and legal questions about accountability, reconciliation and the use of defamation laws by powerful public officials in Nigeria.

Ghana Police Arrest Self-Styled Prophet Ebo Noah Over Failed Christmas 2025 Doomsday Prophecy That Sparked Nationwide Panic

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a self-styled prophet, Evans Eshun, popularly known as Ebo Noah, over a controversial doomsday prediction that claimed the world would end on Christmas Day 2025. His arrest followed months of widespread anxiety triggered by the prophecy, which led hundreds of followers to abandon their homes, jobs and schools in anticipation of a global flood.

Ebo Noah first gained national attention in August 2025 after declaring that God instructed him to build 10 modern-day arks to save humanity from a three-year worldwide flood set to begin on December 25, 2025. Through social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, he shared videos of himself supervising the construction of wooden vessels, claiming to have acquired over 250,000 pieces of timber and presenting the arks as the only refuge for believers.

As Christmas approached, panic intensified, with followers travelling from across Ghana and neighbouring countries to his ark site with their belongings. When the predicted flood failed to occur, Ebo Noah released a video claiming that his prayers and a three-week fast had persuaded God to postpone the destruction.

Public outrage grew after he made a controversial appearance at rapper Sarkodie’s Rapperholic 2025 concert, where he encouraged fans to celebrate, saying the doom had been delayed. The appearance sparked backlash and renewed calls for his arrest over alleged deception and public disturbance.

Police authorities confirmed he was detained on December 31, 2025, citing concerns over the social impact of his claims and earlier warnings against prophecies capable of causing public fear and unrest, especially during the festive and New Year period.

New Year’s Day Fire Razes Ikotun Electronics Market in Lagos, Destroys Shops, Washing Machines, TVs and Generators Amid Rising Fire Incidents

A fire outbreak on New Year’s Day gutted four electronics shops in Ikotun, Lagos State, destroying valuable goods including washing machines, television sets and power generators. The affected shops are located in a building beside the GUO Transport Company in the Ikotun area of the state.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the fire broke out early in the day, prompting residents and neighbours to intervene in an attempt to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building. A nearby resident said community members poured large quantities of water on the fire before the Lagos State Fire Service arrived at the scene.

The timely intervention of firefighters was credited with stopping the blaze from consuming the entire building and nearby properties. Although the exact cause of the fire could not be confirmed, it was suspected to have been triggered by a faulty electrical circuit.

No casualties were recorded, and the area was later cordoned off for safety. The incident adds to a growing list of recent fire outbreaks in Lagos State, including a similar blaze at the Army Arena Market in Oshodi within the past eight days, where several shops and goods were also destroyed before firefighters brought the situation under control.