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Police Arrest Self-Styled Prophet Over Failed December 25 Doomsday Prophecy
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of Evans Eshun, popularly known as Ebo Noah, following a series of controversial public prophecies that drew widespread attention and sparked intense debate across the country.
The police announced the development in a statement published on their official website on Wednesday, disclosing that Eshun was arrested by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Cyber Vetting Team.
According to the statement, the arrest forms part of ongoing security measures aimed at monitoring cyber-related activities ahead of end-of-year religious programmes, particularly the traditional 31st night services. Authorities explained that the action followed reports circulating online linking the arrest to earlier security advisories warning against public prophecies or declarations capable of causing fear, panic, or disruption to public order.
“The Ghana Police Service confirms the arrest of Evans Eshun, also known as Ebo Noah, by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Cyber Vetting Team,” the statement said. “The arrest is part of sustained efforts to monitor and address cyber-related activities, especially during the period leading up to 31st night religious events.”
The police noted that while online speculation suggested the arrest was directly connected to security warnings against alarming prophecies, the Service has not yet disclosed specific allegations or the precise conduct under investigation.
Security agencies, the statement added, have in recent years consistently cautioned individuals and groups against making predictions or public pronouncements during end-of-year religious activities that could provoke public panic or threaten safety. Such actions, the police said, may fall under laws governing public order, communications, and cyber-related offences.
Police sources confirmed that Eshun remains in custody to assist with ongoing investigations. No formal charges, court dates, or bail conditions have been announced, and authorities have not indicated whether other individuals are being investigated in connection with the matter.
The Police Service urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, stressing that investigations are ongoing and that due process will be followed. It also emphasised that the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Ebo Noah gained national and international attention after constructing a large wooden structure he called the “Ebo Noah Ark,” which he claimed was built on divine instruction. He had publicly warned that a devastating flood would begin on December 25, marking the start of a catastrophic event.
His rise to prominence began in August, when he claimed to have received a revelation predicting three years of destructive rainfall that would wipe out the world. The ark project and his repeated calls for repentance attracted significant media coverage, visitors, and widespread public debate within and outside Ghana.
However, after the predicted disaster failed to occur, Eshun released a video stating that he had received a new revelation following prayers, fasting, and consultations with other religious leaders. He claimed the calamity was averted and explained that the number of people seeking refuge in the ark exceeded its capacity, prompting divine instruction granting him more time to construct additional arks.
Further updates are expected from the police as investigations continue.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.