Gaming Icon And Call Of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Dies In Auto Crash

Vince Zampella, a leading force in the video game industry and one of the minds behind the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise, has died after being involved in a car accident, U.S. media reports have confirmed. NBC4 reported that the developer and studio executive died on Sunday while driving his Ferrari along a scenic roadway north of Los Angeles. Zampella’s career spanned decades and produced some of the most commercially successful titles in gaming history. He was widely recognised for co-creating Call of Duty and for founding Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind popular franchises such as Titanfall, Apex Legends and the Star Wars Jedi series. Zampella entered the gaming industry in the 1990s as a designer on shooter games before co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002. The studio released the first Call of Duty title in 2003, a game that went on to redefine the first-person shooter genre. Infinity Ward was later acquired by Activision. After a public and contentious exit from Activision, Zampella launched Respawn Entertainment in 2010. The studio quickly established itself as a major player in the industry and was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2017. During his time at EA, Zampella also took on the responsibility of steering the revival of the Battlefield franchise, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern shooter game development.

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US Announces Partial Visa Ban On Nigerians Effective January 1, 2026

The United States has announced a partial halt to visa issuance for Nigerian citizens, with the new restriction set to take effect from January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998. The U.S. Department of State said the measure affects several nonimmigrant visa categories, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas as well as F, M and J visas issued to students and exchange programme participants. In addition, most immigrant visa categories are covered by the suspension, though a number of exemptions have been outlined. Nigeria is one of 19 countries named in the directive. Others on the list include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The proclamation, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” allows exceptions for certain groups. These include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the policy, Special Immigrant Visa applicants linked to U.S. government service, selected international sports participants, and lawful permanent residents. U.S. authorities clarified that the suspension applies only to individuals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not already have a valid visa as of January 1, 2026. Visas issued before that date will remain valid and will not be cancelled under the new rule. The State Department also noted that applicants from affected countries can still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but final approval may be denied under the new entry restrictions.

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Harrison Gwamnishu Breaks Silence After Release From Police Custody

Rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has spoken out following his release from police custody, clarifying that he voluntarily presented himself for investigation and has not been charged. In a heartfelt message, he expressed gratitude to supporters, commended the police for their professionalism, and thanked his legal team for their dedication. Sharing a video of himself getting a haircut, Gwamnishu wrote: “Dear Family, I am pleased to inform you all that I have been released from custody. Words cannot express how grateful I am for your support, especially considering that many of you had not yet heard my own side of what truly happened. For clarity, I was neither invited nor arrested by the Police. As a law-abiding citizen, I voluntarily presented myself for investigation regarding the incident. At the moment, I have not been charged, as the matter is still under review by the Directorate of Public Prosecution. I sincerely appreciate every one of you. I will take time to personally thank you all for standing by me. My special appreciation goes to my lawyers, Barr. Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, Barr. Dele Igbinedion, Barr. Favour Ajuebor and Barr. Awele Ideal for their professionalism and dedication in securing my release. Despite my many years of advocating against police brutality, one might have assumed the Police would be hostile towards me. Instead, I am grateful to the Edo State Commissioner of Police for his wisdom and professionalism. I must also commend the hardworking investigation team led by CSP Osagie for their care and fatherly guidance during my time in detention. Thank you all once again for being part of my journey. Harrison Gwamnishu Founder, Safe City Volunteer Foundation” The activist’s message highlights his relief at regaining freedom, his appreciation for the support he received, and the respectful treatment he experienced during the investigation, reinforcing his commitment to advocacy and community service.

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Twitch Suspends Carter Efe’s Account Following Viral Davido Livestream

Twitch has temporarily suspended Carter Efe’s account, days after his popularity soared following a viral livestream with Nigerian music star Davido. The content creator recently became Africa’s most-followed Twitch streamer, a feat driven largely by the massive audience his livestream attracted. Carter Efe shared a screenshot of the suspension notice on his X account, revealing Twitch’s message titled “Your Twitch account carterefe has been temporarily suspended.” The platform explained that the action was taken to maintain a safe community and ensure all users comply with its Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. The email stated: “Based on a review of your activity or content, we have issued a global suspension on your account. As a result, your access to Twitch services is temporarily restricted. Please be aware that repeated violations may lead to more serious actions on your account, including longer temporary suspensions or permanent suspension.” The suspension has sparked discussions online, with fans expressing surprise given Carter Efe’s recent rise to fame and record-breaking viewership on Twitch. Twitch has not specified the exact content or activity that led to the suspension, leaving followers awaiting updates on when the account will be restored. The incident highlights the strict enforcement of community guidelines on global streaming platforms, even for high-profile creators, and the growing prominence of African content creators in the digital space.

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FG Introduces Mandatory Pre-Employment Drug Testing For Public Service Applicants

The Federal Government has introduced mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all candidates seeking to join the Public Service. Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the move is aimed at tackling the growing menace of illicit drug use and its impact on national development and security. Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals have been directed to make drug testing a key part of their recruitment processes. The circular partly read, “The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective applicants into the Public Service as part of efforts to curb the rising problem of illicit drug use and its consequences on national development and security.” Imohiosen added that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests in line with approved standards and procedures. “The directive, issued in a service-wide circular, reflects the administration’s determination to fight drug and substance abuse and shield the national workforce from harmful practices,” he stated. The policy responds to concerns about the rising rate of drug abuse among youths and its effects on public health, workplace productivity, socio-economic growth, and national security. This initiative follows other anti-drug measures in 2025, including mandatory testing for Nigeria Customs Service recruits in November and a nationwide university drug screening introduced in July.

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Asake Returns To Obafemi Awolowo University, Inspires Students With Nostalgic Visit

Nigerian music star Asake made a heartfelt return to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) following his arrival in Nigeria from Los Angeles, reconnecting with the institution that played a key role in his artistic journey. He was warmly welcomed alongside his mother, receiving honours from his former Head of Department and several lecturers who celebrated his rise in the music industry. In a nostalgic nod to his student days, Asake showcased his drumming skills for students and attendees, recalling his time as a Theatre and Drama student where performing was central to his routine. The visit concluded with a traditional dobale prostration, a gesture of respect and humility performed by alumni to honour the university and its elders. Beyond celebrating his achievements, Asake’s homecoming served as an inspiration to current students, underscoring the enduring bond between the artist and the university that shaped his creative path. Asake sef prostrate before he perform ke OAU students no dey gree o😂pic.twitter.com/MBax6pUUcK — MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) December 22, 2025

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Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa As Agege LG Chairman

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally sworn in Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa as the Chairman of Agege Local Government, urging him to place priority on grassroots development and align his leadership with the state’s development objectives. The swearing-in ceremony was held on Monday at Lagos House, Ikeja, and also featured the inauguration of Toyin Adejimiwa as a Permanent Secretary. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, had previously served as acting chairman of the council before his confirmation and official inauguration. Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, Sanwo-Olu described local government as the closest tier of governance to the people, noting that it demands leadership that is visible, responsive and people-oriented. The governor advised the Agege council chairman to lead inclusively, avoid actions that could divide the community and focus on delivering tangible benefits to residents, stressing that discipline and performance remain central to leadership and advancement in Lagos State.

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Court Summons Mr Real Over Alleged Criminal Defamation of D’banj

An Abuja chief magistrate court has summoned rapper Okafor Victor, widely known as Mr Real, over allegations of criminal defamation filed by singer D’banj. In a summons dated December 18, 2025, Chief Magistrate Farida Ibrahim directed Mr Real to appear personally before the court on January 19, 2026, to respond to the complaint. The case arose from statements made by Mr Real in November, in which he alleged that D’banj, whose real name is Oladapo Oyebanjo, failed to fulfil a N20 million ambassadorial deal. D’banj’s legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, petitioned the court to issue a criminal summons against the rapper. He also requested an order restraining Mr Real and anyone acting on his behalf from making or circulating further statements considered defamatory while the case is ongoing. “An order of interim injunction restraining the defendant, either by himself, his servants, privies, cohorts, representatives or any person deriving authority from the Defendant from further making, publishing, disseminating, broadcasting, or in any way circulating any defamatory videos, comments, statements, words or publications with respect to the Complainant/Applicant pending the determination of the Direct Criminal Complaint.” Following the petition, the magistrate ordered Mr Real to appear in court on January 19 to answer the allegations and granted an interim injunction barring him from making further statements about D’banj until the matter is resolved.

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