International News January 01, 2026 Ghana police arrest prophet over failed 2025 doomsday prophecy

 

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a self-styled prophet, Evans Eshun, widely known as Ebo Noah, over allegations that he misled the public with a prophecy predicting the end of the world on Christmas Day, 2025.

The arrest follows months of heightened public anxiety triggered by his widely circulated doomsday prediction.

Police sources said Eshun was taken into custody on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after a chain of events that began with the collapse of the prophecy and culminated in an unusual public appearance at a major music concert, My Joy Online reported.

Security agencies became concerned after reports emerged that hundreds of followers — including individuals from neighbouring countries — had abandoned their homes and travelled with luggage to his ark site, believing it would offer salvation from an anticipated global flood.

Ebo Noah first came into the public spotlight in August 2025 after claiming he had received divine instructions to construct 10 modern-day arks to preserve humanity from a three-year worldwide flood. He maintained that rainfall would begin on December 25, 2025, mirroring the biblical account of Noah, and repeatedly urged followers to prepare.

For several months, his TikTok and YouTube pages featured videos of the 30-year-old clad in tattered sackcloth while overseeing the construction of wooden vessels.

He also claimed to have purchased more than 250,000 pieces of timber for the project, describing the arks as the “only refuge” for believers.

As Christmas drew closer, fear reportedly intensified among his followers, with some quitting jobs, withdrawing from schools and relocating to the ark site with their possessions.

After December 25 passed without the predicted catastrophe, Ebo Noah released a video stating that his intercession and three-week fast had convinced God to “postpone” the destruction, rather than acknowledging that the prophecy had failed.

He resurfaced days later at rapper Sarkodie’s ‘Rapperholic 2025’ concert, where he urged thousands in attendance to celebrate because the impending doom had been delayed.

That appearance provoked widespread outrage on social media, with many users demanding his immediate arrest for “deceiving the public.”

Authorities had earlier cautioned against pronouncements capable of causing public fear, particularly ahead of New Year’s Eve religious gatherings.

Police sources indicated that the scale of Eshun’s claims and their broader social consequences played a key role in the decision to act.

News January 01, 2026 Real reason I married George Akume – Zaynab

 

Zaynab Ngohemba, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, has spoken publicly about her recent marriage to George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation.

The couple got married a few weeks ago in a private ceremony that later attracted public interest.

In a statement issued by David Adeoye, her media aide, and published by ThisDay, Zaynab described the union as one founded on maturity, shared purpose, and mutual understanding.

According to the statement, the marriage brings together two individuals who are already committed to public service, stressing that the relationship does not mark a reinvention or deviation from their respective personal journeys.

“It is a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty,” the statement reads in part.

“Their partnership represents the meeting of two lives already devoted to public purpose. It is not a reinvention of either individual, but a reinforcement of shared values: humility, discipline, empathy, and responsibility.”

Adeoye also pointed to the symbolic significance of the marriage, noting that it comes at a time when Nigerians are increasingly demanding integrity, compassion, and accountability from those in positions of authority.

He said the couple reflects a leadership approach that blends authority with empathy and governance with genuine service.

“At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand integrity and humanity from those in leadership, this union sends a subtle but powerful signal that service is strongest when anchored in personal stability, shared values, and a long view of legacy,” it added.

“Together, they embody a leadership model that values empathy alongside authority, and service alongside structure. Their partnership underscores a simple truth: leaders who understand humanity govern better, and societies thrive when service is treated as a calling rather than a platform.”

Zaynab was previously married to Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, in a traditional wedding ceremony held in March 2016.

However, the marriage ended in separation in 2017. During the 17 months she spent in the union, she was known as Olori Wuraola.

National News January 01, 2026 JUST IN : Nigeria Police suspend enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy

 

The Nigeria Police Force says it has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide.

A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Thursday in Abuja, hinged the decision on court’s order.

He said: ” On 15th December 2025, the Nigeria Police Force announced the resumption of enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy, to take effect from 2nd January 2026, in furtherance of its responsibility for public safety and internal security.

“However, subsequent to this announcement, the Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17th December 2025, restraining the Force from proceeding with the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order.

“In line with constitutional obligations and respect for judicial authority, the Nigeria Police Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The court has adjourned the case to 20th January 2026 for further proceedings.

“Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court.”

The statement said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the rule of law while discharging its primary mandate of protecting lives and property.

“The Force will continue to deploy lawful, intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges and safeguard public safety across the country.

“Members of the public are assured that the Nigeria Police Force will communicate further developments and issue clear guidance as appropriate following the court’s determination of the matter, in the overriding interest of public order and national security,” the statement added.

News January 01, 2026 Deadly New Year day accident claims many lives along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

 

Several passengers were feared dead on Thursday following a serious road accident near the NASFAT junction on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

A video obtained at the scene showed that an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Lagos crashed into a truck heading from Ibadan, which was reportedly attempting a U-turn around the NASFAT area.

The collision caused the bus to slide underneath the truck, trapping multiple occupants while others were left unconscious.

Eyewitnesses said residents and emergency responders were engaged in frantic rescue efforts to free victims as of the time this report was filed.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, confirmed that the agency had been informed about the incident but said a comprehensive report was yet to be received.

(PUNCH)

News Sport January 01, 2026 AFCON disaster: Gabon dissolves national team, bans Aubameyang

 

The Gabonese government has announced the indefinite suspension of the country’s men’s national football team following its elimination at the group stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The decision was made public by Gabon’s acting sports minister, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, who confirmed that senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga have been permanently excluded from the squad. In addition, the entire technical crew, led by former international defender Thierry Mouyouma, has been dissolved.

“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” the acting minister said.

Gabon endured a difficult campaign in Group F of the 2025 AFCON, losing all three matches. They opened their tournament with a narrow defeat to Cameroon, going down by a single goal. Their second fixture ended in a 3-2 loss to Mozambique. In their final group match, Gabon squandered a two-goal advantage against Cote d’Ivoire and were beaten 3-2.

Aubameyang and Manga did not feature in the final group encounter on Wednesday. Aubameyang had returned to Olympique Marseille earlier in the week after sustaining a thigh injury.

The disappointing AFCON outing followed another setback for Gabon a month earlier, when they were eliminated by Nigeria in the semi-final of the African play-off for the 2026 World Cup. After holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Gabon suffered a 4-1 defeat in extra time.

News January 01, 2026 2026: YFDA president felicitates youths, NGO–CEO coalition, reaffirms push for grant disbursement

 

The National President of Youth For Development in Africa (YFDA),  Dr. Paschal Anyanwu, has extended New Year greetings to Nigerians, particularly youths and members of the Coalition of NGOs and CEOs, as the country enters 2026.

In his New Year message, Dr. Anyanwu described the previous year as one of the most difficult periods Nigeria and its citizens have faced, citing widespread economic and security challenges.

He expressed optimism that the nation would experience improved conditions in 2026, noting that with divine support, Nigeria would overcome its present difficulties.

The YFDA national president stressed the importance of collective commitment, especially among political leaders, to the vision and aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers, which he said is necessary to reposition the country for greatness in the new year.

Dr. Anyanwu also renewed his appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to ensure that officials responsible for the disbursement of grants subscribed to by Nigerians and non-governmental organisations act before the year 2026. He said the delay in releasing the grants has worsened economic hardship for millions of beneficiaries.

According to him, more than 50 million Nigerians who subscribed to the grants over the years are still awaiting payment. He lamented that some beneficiaries have died, while others are currently battling illness, frustration, depression and homelessness. He added that some families have had their children withdrawn from school due to prolonged delays.

He said, “I want to bring to the notice of all Nigerians who subscribed under All Grants In Nigeria to note that, I , the National President of Association of NGOs, CEOs , Amb. Dr. Paschal Anyanwu, the Mayor will be coming out from 2026 after those holding the release of grants to subscribers because the grace granted to them is enough because the disbursement of this grants has taken long due to them not opening up and telling us exactly what is happening”

Further warning, he stated, “This time around, I want all the security agencies, the Police, DSS and those we needed to approach to get ready because, I and my people are coming to approach them regarding to all these grant handlers so that they will come out and explain to Nigerians what actually is the problem and why the Nigerian masses have not gotten the promised grant which they said they have because the release is long overdue and this time around, we the masses are coming to know exactly what the problem is”.

Dr. Anyanwu said he believes in President Tinubu’s capacity to listen to the concerns of Nigerians, adding that the prompt release of the grants would help restore public confidence, particularly in the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

He called on stakeholders to support the current administration, expressing confidence that the president would not disappoint Nigerians at such a critical period.

The YFDA president also urged the government to implement additional measures to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), emphasising the need for stronger public–private sector collaboration to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

While wishing Nigerians, especially youths and members of the Coalition of NGOs and CEOs ,va happy and prosperous New Year, Dr. Anyanwu prayed for God’s blessings, good health and the fulfilment of aspirations in the years ahead.

News Politics January 01, 2026 Ohanaeze PG Azuta-Mbata to Wike : Rivers not your estate, we’ll resist you

 

John Azuta-Mbata, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has intensified his criticism of Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amid the lingering political tension in Rivers state.

The former Rivers governor has recently made several remarks widely interpreted as veiled attacks on Siminalayi Fubara, following the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike is reported to have opposed Fubara’s defection, especially after the political structure of the PDP in Rivers aligned with that of the APC-led federal government.

The FCT minister recently said he would soon disclose details of the peace agreement reached between him and Fubara.

In June, President Bola Tinubu brokered a truce between both men in an effort to resolve the prolonged political crisis in the state.

However, Wike later accused the governor of violating the agreement and cautioned residents of Tai local government area against individuals who fail to honour agreements.

On Tuesday, Wike said the leadership error in Rivers would be corrected in 2027.

In what appeared to be a reference to Fubara, the minister stressed that leaders must place public interest above personal ambition.

Responding, Azuta-Mbata, a former senator who represented Rivers east, dismissed Wike’s comments and insisted that Rivers state has only one governor.

“There is only one governor in Rivers state, whether you like it oo, you don’t like it oo. If you like, shout from now till tomorrow,” he said to cheers from his audience.

Wike fired back on Wednesday, describing Mbata as a local politician who spent eight years in the senate without tangible achievements.

“Yesterday, I was watching television. I heard somebody who was a senator, who is supposed to be talking about state politics, national politics, but he is playing community politics, endorsing someone in his community which is not even a ward, senator for 8 years but there is nothing you can say you did for your people,” Wike said.

“When my predecessor was in office, people so much believe in contracts, government in power, and the person was there, we defeated them.

“Immediately my predecessor left, I came, he was also there, now I have left and he is also there, any government in power… people don’t have integrity, nobody can think he will use us and after agree something you will renege on.

“You think you are a smart politician, that you are clever by half.

“Very soon, we will let the people of Rivers know what we agreed on before Mr. President. If you can renege on what we agreed with the president, then who are we?”

But in a viral video, Mbata responded sharply, questioning Wike’s conduct, intellect and public demeanor.

“One of the signs of very poor education and upbringing is that you can’t even pronounce simple words. What’s the meaning of ‘inteegreety? Inteegreety… inteegreety’?” he asked.

“Can somebody tell this semi-illiterate, swashbuckling, crisis-loving gentleman that Rivers state belongs to all of us, not him alone?

“And we will resist you. You won’t get away with all this nonsense you’re doing.

“You think because nobody is talking, you can do anything?”

Rivers state was gripped by political turmoil for much of 2025 following the rift between Fubara and Wike.

The crisis eventually led to the declaration of emergency rule in the oil-producing state, which was lifted in September.

(THE CABLE)