Sen. Godiya Akwashiki (SDP/Nasarawa North) Dies At 52 After Long Illness

Senator Godiya Akwashiki, representing Nasarawa North under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has died at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness. A family source, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Nassarawa Eggon on condition of anonymity, said Akwashiki passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India. The source described his death as a major loss, noting that Akwashiki’s dedication to the development of Nasarawa North and his empowerment initiatives left a lasting legacy. “Sen. Akwashiki was the most impactful Senator Nasarawa North has ever had. His projects are visible throughout the constituency, and he remains the only Senator from the zone to have won a second term,” the source said. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2019, Akwashiki served as Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. He was born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State.

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Unidentified Gunmen Attack, Burn Police Station In Ipele, Ondo State

A group of unidentified gunmen on Wednesday attacked and set fire to the Divisional Police headquarters in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Eyewitnesses said the assailants struck around 9:40 p.m., destroying several exhibits inside the station. DSP Abayomi Jimoh, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the attack, assuring that no lives were lost and clarifying that reports of a church being targeted were false. “Preliminary reports indicate that 20 to 30 armed men stormed the police station around 9:41 p.m., firing assault rifles and using dynamite. They set the building on fire, destroying multiple exhibits, but no lives were lost,” Jimoh said. He added that the attackers had fled the scene before security forces arrived. “A joint patrol of Police, Military, Civil Defence, and other security agencies quickly responded, but the assailants had already carried out their attack,” he said. Jimoh noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has deployed additional special forces to prevent further unrest and apprehend the perpetrators. “The CP has ordered the immediate dispatch of Tactical Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–CBRN units, and Police Mobile Force personnel to the area. A coordinated manhunt for the attackers is underway, and the situation is currently under control,” he added.

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Several Killed And Injured In Fire At Swiss Alpine Ski Resort New Year’s Party

A fire at a New Year’s party in a southern Swiss Alpine resort has left several people dead and others injured. Valais police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion confirmed that the blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, at Le Constellation lounge bar in Crans-Montana, a canton known for its upscale ski resorts. “There are several injuries and several fatalities,” Lathion said, without providing exact numbers or details on the fire’s cause. Authorities have announced that a joint press conference with police and the canton’s public prosecutor will take place at around 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) to provide further updates.

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Nigerian Banks To Apply 10% Withholding Tax On Foreign Currency Deposit Interest From January 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Nigerian banks will begin applying a 10 percent withholding tax on interest earned from foreign currency deposits. Access Bank informed its customers on Wednesday via email, explaining that the change takes effect at the start of the new year and aligns with the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. The bank also highlighted adjustments to the Electronic Money Transfer Levy: “Previously charged to the recipient on transfers of N10,000 or more, this charge will now be deducted from the sender’s account.” “Interest earned on foreign currency deposits will now attract a 10% withholding tax,” the bank added, assuring that all collected taxes will be properly remitted to the Federal Government. This move follows directives from the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service, which in October instructed banks to deduct withholding tax on interest from all short-term investment securities, including payments to non-corporate entities, at the point of payment. President Bola Tinubu confirmed on December 30 that the tax reforms will take effect as scheduled, describing them as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair and robust fiscal system without raising the overall tax burden.

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Ghana Police Arrest Ebo Noah Over Alleged Cyber-Related Activities

The Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of Evans Eshun, widely known as Ebo Noah, over activities linked to cyber monitoring operations. The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday and published on the police’s official website. According to the police, Eshun was picked up by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Cyber Vetting Team as part of ongoing surveillance aimed at tackling cyber-related conduct, especially ahead of 31st night religious services. The confirmation came amid widespread online speculation suggesting the arrest was connected to recent warnings from security agencies against individuals issuing public prophecies or declarations capable of triggering fear, panic or public unrest. While acknowledging the reports, the police did not reveal the exact allegations against Eshun or specify the actions being investigated. “The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Evans Eshun, also known as Ebo Noah, by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Cyber Vetting Team,” the statement said. “The arrest was carried out as part of ongoing police efforts to monitor and address cyber related activities, particularly in the period leading up to 31st night religious services. “Police confirmation follows reports circulating online suggesting the arrest was linked to warnings issued by security agencies regarding the conduct of individuals making public declarations and prophecies that could cause fear or public disorder. At this stage, police have not publicly detailed the specific allegations against the suspect or the nature of the conduct under investigation.” Last week Thursday, Ebo Noah had released a video in which he claimed that a previously prophesied disaster did not happen because he later received a new revelation. He said this followed intense prayers, fasting and consultations with other religious leaders. According to him, the fresh vision showed that the number of people seeking refuge in the ark from around the world exceeded its capacity. He added that he pleaded with God for intervention and was granted additional time to construct more arks to accommodate everyone.

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