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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Kenyan Woman Dies in Stampede at Asake Concert in Nairobi

A Kenyan woman, identified as Karen Lojore, tragically died during Nigerian singer Asake’s concert at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Saturday. The incident occurred when a stampede broke out at the venue, which was attended by thousands of fans. Kenyan news outlet Ghetto Radio reported that poor ticket management caused congestion at the stadium entrances, contributing to the chaos. In response, Kenya’s Kodong Clan withdrew from the event, citing disrespect and mistreatment by the organisers. Friends and acquaintances of Lojore took to social media to mourn her death, highlighting that she had a valid ticket, which should have ensured her safety. One user wrote, “One of my friends just lost her friend at the Asake concert; she was in the stampede and unfortunately lost her life, yet she had a ticket. My heart breaks for her. Aki, may she rest in peace.” Poet and activist Willie Oeba also confirmed the incident, expressing sadness over the circumstances surrounding her death. “Karen passed on last night as a result of the stampede at the Nyayo Stadium Asake concert. Very sad to die in such a manner at such a time. Rest in peace, young soul,” he said. Eyewitnesses reported that slow movement by stewards at the entry points caused large crowds to form outside the stadium. Police efforts to restore order reportedly escalated the situation, leading to panic, running, and cries of “I can’t breathe” from the crowd. This tragedy recalls a similar incident at Asake’s London concert on December 15, 2022, at the O2 Brixton Academy, where a crowd crush claimed two lives and left several others critically injured.

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Presidency Calls on National Assembly to Probe Alleged Discrepancies in New Tax Reform Laws

The Presidency has addressed the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws, with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, urging the National Assembly to look into alleged discrepancies in the gazetted versions of the bills. Oyedele made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, following calls from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several civil society groups for the suspension of the laws’ implementation. The controversy began when House of Representatives member Abdulsamad Dasuki claimed that the tax bills passed by lawmakers differed from the versions later gazetted and made public. Dasuki argued that this violated his legislative rights, insisting that the final gazetted laws did not reflect what was actually debated and approved. Responding to the claims, Oyedele described circulating reports as misleading, noting that any alleged discrepancies could not be verified without access to the officially certified versions of the bills passed by the National Assembly. “Before you can say there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we don’t even have what was passed. Only the lawmakers can say authoritatively what they sent,” he said. He added that even members of the executive, including himself, only had access to the versions submitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Addressing concerns about a controversial Section 41(8) provision, which reportedly required a 20 per cent deposit, Oyedele said he had contacted the relevant House committee for clarification. “I know that particular provision is not in the final gazette, but it was in the draft. Some documents circulating publicly were prepared before the committee completed its work,” he explained. Oyedele urged patience, emphasizing that media reports did not come from the House committee and that an official investigation should be allowed to take place. President Tinubu recently signed four key tax reform bills—the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act—describing them as the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. According to the Federal Government, the reforms aim to simplify tax compliance, expand the tax base, eliminate multiple taxation, and modernize revenue collection across all levels of government.

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Trump Recalls US Ambassador to Nigeria Alongside Several Career Diplomats

US President Donald Trump has recalled US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, along with multiple other career diplomats, from their ambassadorial assignments. According to Politico, the move is aimed at aligning US diplomatic representation with Trump’s “America First” agenda. A State Department official confirmed that the recalled ambassadors, initially appointed during the Biden administration, will conclude their tenures in January. While the diplomats may return to Washington for other roles, their postings as chiefs of mission will end. Africa has been the most affected region, with ambassadors from 13 countries—including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda—among those recalled. Other affected regions include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. The State Department described the recalls as a routine process in any administration, emphasizing that ambassadors serve at the president’s discretion to advance policy priorities. “An ambassador is a personal representative of the president, and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda,” the statement said. Officials stressed that the diplomats are not losing their foreign service positions and can continue to serve in other capacities within the department. Nonetheless, the sudden departures are expected to require adjustments in embassy operations and diplomatic initiatives in the affected nations. The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria comes amid growing attention on US-Africa relations and has prompted concern from some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association. For Nigeria, the envoy’s departure marks a significant shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country is a key partner in regional security, economic collaboration, and development projects.

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