Former Wolves Player, Ethan McLeod Dies in M1 Car Accident

Macclesfield footballer Ethan McLeod has died at the age of 21 following a road traffic accident on the M1 motorway. The forward, who came through the Wolves academy, was returning from Bedford Town after Macclesfield’s 2-1 win on Tuesday night when his white Mercedes collided with a nearside metal barrier around 10:40 pm near junction 15 for Northampton. Despite assistance from members of the public and police officers, McLeod was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash caused the M1 to remain closed overnight and it reopened at approximately 7:30 am. Police have appealed for anyone with dashcam footage or additional information to come forward. Macclesfield FC released a heartfelt statement on Wednesday afternoon, paying tribute to the young forward.

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Davido Explains How “With You” With Omah Lay Came From A Simple Misunderstanding

Afrobeat superstar Davido has revealed how his collaboration with Omah Lay came about, sharing that the partnership nearly didn’t happen due to a simple misunderstanding. Last year, Omah Lay admitted he initially thought Davido “hated” him—until the DMW boss played his music during a livestream with American streamer Kai Cenat in Lagos. Surprised, Omah Lay tweeted about the moment, expressing disbelief that Davido had given him a shoutout despite them never having met. Davido quickly reached out via direct message to clarify, asking why Omah Lay assumed that, and their collaboration began. Davido explained: “Kai Cenat came to Nigeria and I was driving him to the club. Then Omah Lay’s song came up, and he was like, ‘Who is this?’ I said, ‘Oh! This is Omah Lay, he’s hot.’” They exchanged numbers, shared music ideas, and recorded four songs together, with Omah Lay ultimately choosing “With You” for release. The track has since become a standout on Davido’s fifth album, 5ive, and is now nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Fans have praised Davido for supporting younger artists and staying humble, while Omah Lay was applauded for his honesty about his initial doubts. What began as a tweet and a misunderstanding turned into a Grammy-nominated hit, proving that open communication and genuine collaboration can create musical magic. "Why would you think I hate you?" How Kai Cenat's visit to Nigeria inspired Davido's collaboration with Omah Lay. pic.twitter.com/jY2CsEWYL4 — @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 16, 2025

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Doris Ogala Sues Pastor Chris Okafor For N1 Billion Over Broken Marriage Promise

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has slapped Pastor Chris Okafor with a ₦1 billion lawsuit, accusing him of breaking a long-standing promise to marry her and instead marrying another woman. Ogala’s lawyers said their client’s relationship with Okafor began in 2017, during a period of marital difficulty. They claim the pastor repeatedly promised marriage, introduced her to his family, and even involved her in family events, creating a clear expectation of wedlock. The legal team said Ogala relied on the promise, leaving her troubled marriage and entrusting Okafor with ₦45 million in a single transaction. The lawsuit alleges that his public engagement to another woman caused emotional trauma, reputational harm, cyberbullying, and unauthorized circulation of private photographs, resulting in severe psychological and health consequences. While the letter acknowledges that marriage cannot be enforced by law, Ogala’s team is demanding ₦1 billion in damages for the emotional, physical, and reputational harm she suffered. They have given Okafor 21 days to settle the claim before pursuing court action. The case has drawn widespread attention online, with many following the drama and awaiting a response from Pastor Okafor.

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CAN Condemns Ini Edo’s Nollywood Film A Very Dirty Christmas, Calls Title Offensive to Christian Faith

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the title of the newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to the Christian faith and calling for a review by relevant regulatory authorities. In a statement released on Tuesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said Christmas is a sacred period that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be presented in a way that undermines its spiritual significance. He argued that associating the word “dirty” with Christmas diminishes the essence of a celebration that represents purity, peace, love, and redemption. The statement read in part: “The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply troubled by the title of the movie: ‘A Very Dirty Christmas,’ which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. “Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love, and redemption. “Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.” While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking, CAN emphasised that such freedom must be exercised with restraint and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria. The statement continued: “CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season. “CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.” CAN also appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to be sensitive to public concerns and take steps to address them. The association warned that trivialising sacred values at a time when the country faces moral and social challenges could deepen divisions and erode mutual respect. Produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, A Very Dirty Christmas premiered in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025. The film tells the story of a Christmas family reunion thrown into chaos by unresolved secrets and past trauma, turning the festive season into a period of emotional turmoil.

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Malami Alleges EFCC Raids Offices and Homes Over Salami Report Reference

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has alleged that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his offices and residences in Abuja and Kebbi State. According to a statement issued Wednesday by Malami’s office, the raids were carried out shortly after he publicly referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. The statement, signed by Malami’s Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, claimed that EFCC operatives specifically targeted documents related to that chapter, without prior notice. Malami’s office described the action as “deeply alarming,” suggesting it amounts to intimidation and retaliation. The former AGF had previously called for the recusal of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede from the ongoing investigation into him, citing alleged bias linked to findings in the Salami Report. Chapter 9 reportedly implicates senior EFCC officials, including Olukoyede, who served as secretary to the commission. “We hereby place Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be solely attributable to this pattern of conduct,” the statement warned. The statement urged the media, civil society, professional bodies, and human rights organizations to question the timing and justification of the raids and called for the full release of the Salami Report to ensure transparency. The development comes amid ongoing EFCC investigations into allegations against Malami, including abuse of office, money laundering, and matters related to recovered Abacha loot. Malami has repeatedly claimed political motivation and conflicts of interest in the probe, asserting that Chapter 9 of the Salami Report exposes a clear conflict of interest that undermines the EFCC chairman’s role in matters concerning him.

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BREAKING: Farouk Ahmed, Gbenga Komolafe Resign As Tinubu Nominates New Petroleum Regulators To Senate

Engineer Farouk Ahmed has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) amid the controversy surrounding his public confrontation with billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote. Gbenga Komolafe has also resigned from his position as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The resignations were announced in a State House press release on December 17, 2025, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Farouk Ahmed’s departure follows weeks of intense public debate triggered by disagreements with Dangote over fuel regulation and domestic refining. Dangote had accused the NMDPRA leadership of obstructing local refinery operations and raised allegations that fueled widespread calls for accountability within the petroleum regulatory space. In response to the vacancies, President Tinubu has formally approached the Senate, seeking accelerated confirmation of new nominees to head both regulatory agencies established under the Petroleum Industry Act. According to the press statement, Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan has been nominated as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC. An Economics graduate of the University of Benin, Eyesan spent nearly 33 years with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and its subsidiaries, retiring as Executive Vice President, Upstream in 2024. She also previously served as Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy between 2019 and 2023. Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed was nominated to replace Ahmed as Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA. Born in 1957 in Gombe State, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981. He was also announced the same day as an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy. Mohammed has held several senior roles in Nigeria’s energy sector, including Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian Gas Company. He has chaired the boards of the West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries and NNPC Retail, and served as Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Gas and Power Directorate. The statement noted that Mohammed provided strategic leadership for major gas projects and policy initiatives such as the Gas Masterplan, Gas Network Code and key inputs into the Petroleum Industry Act. He also played prominent roles in projects including the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and Nigeria LNG Train developments. Both nominations have been forwarded to the Senate and are awaiting confirmation.

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FIFA Confirms $50 Million Prize For 2026 World Cup Winners

FIFA has confirmed that the champions of the 2026 World Cup will pocket $50 million, as part of a record-breaking $655 million prize fund for the tournament. The figure represents an almost 50 per cent rise from the $440 million shared among teams at the 2022 edition in Qatar. The next World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. It will also mark a historic expansion, with 48 teams competing instead of the traditional 32. At the last World Cup, Argentina earned $42 million after Lionel Messi inspired them to a dramatic penalty shootout win over France, who took home $30 million as runners-up. In 2026, however, the finalists who fall short will receive $33 million, while the third-placed team will earn $29 million and the losing semi-finalists $27 million. Countries knocked out at the group stage will each collect $9 million, and every participating nation will be given an extra $1.5 million to support their preparation ahead of the competition. According to FIFA, the expanded format is designed to deliver the biggest and most lucrative World Cup ever, reflecting both the increased number of teams and the sport’s growing global appeal.

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BBNaija Star Queen Mercy Narrowly Escapes Injury After Sitting Room Ceiling Collapses

BBNaija star Queen Mercy had a frightening start to her day when part of her sitting room POP ceiling collapsed early this morning. Mercy revealed she had been up late the previous night, picking up a friend for a Guinness World Record project and shooting content due to limited time. She returned home around 4 a.m. to find her younger sister and nanny still awake, sewing. The two narrowly escaped injury when the ceiling gave way. “They both literally had to run for their lives,” Mercy shared, expressing relief that everyone in her home was safe. Her immediate concern had been for her friend and nanny upstairs at the time. She recounted checking with her mother about their safety and feeling her blood pressure ease upon hearing they were unharmed. This incident marked the second near-miss at her home in recent weeks, following a similar occurrence in her garage. Amid the chaos, Mercy is balancing her family’s safety with preparations for her friend’s Guinness World Record project, set to kick off on Friday. “My brain is literally everywhere,” she wrote, reflecting on the morning’s stress. Despite the scare, Mercy expressed gratitude for divine protection and acknowledged the fragility of life. She plans to move her family to a safer space while continuing to oversee the record attempt. The star remains optimistic, focusing on her family and upcoming milestones, demonstrating resilience even in challenging circumstances. pic.twitter.com/Xnoskgsgjt — 🌚 (@justrandomvidss) December 17, 2025

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