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Preacher who falsely predicted the Rapture awkwardly asks viewers to be patient

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A South African pastor who predicted that the Rapture would take place between September 23 and 24 has come under fire after the prophecy failed to materialize, leaving his followers disillusioned and critics vindicated.

Pastor Joshua Mhlakela went viral earlier this year after he claimed that Jesus appeared to him in a vision and told him the Rapture would occur during the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah. The Rapture, a belief held by some evangelical Christians, teaches that Jesus will return to take true believers to heaven while others remain on earth to endure tribulation before the world’s end.

The prediction fueled a wave of hysteria on TikTok dubbed “RaptureTok,” with believers and skeptics alike reacting to the pastor’s declaration. But when the dates passed without incident, disappointment quickly set in. Mhlakela hosted a livestream on the night of September 23 and, as the clock ticked down with no divine intervention, he urged viewers to be patient. He assured his audience that “the Lord is on his way” and would arrive “with a host of angels.” At 12:17 a.m. on September 24, he and his guests ended the broadcast by telling followers to “keep waiting” because “September 23rd, 24th. One of these two days, he is coming.” The livestream has since been deleted, and Mhlakela has not posted online since.

The fallout has been swift. Several faith leaders and influencers who had amplified his claims have since apologized. Among them was Australian preacher Tilahun Desalegn, who went as far as selling his car, believing he would no longer need it. “I won’t need her beyond September, because I’m going home to where my father in heaven is,” he said in a now-viral video. After the Rapture failed to occur, he admitted, “I will never publicly talk about the Rapture again.” Nigerian preacher Kingsalem Igwe also retracted his earlier support for Mhlakela, telling followers, “I’m here with all humility to apologize to everyone. I only believed a man who claimed Jesus told him.”

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Many Christians were critical from the outset, warning that Mhlakela’s prophecy contradicted scripture. “Do not be deceived! No man knows when Jesus will return,” one viewer wrote in response to the livestream. Another urged him to admit he was mistaken: “Just admit you didn’t hear from God. He’s coming, but not when YOU said.” Prominent pastor and author Vladimir Savchuk echoed this, stating that anyone who sets a date for the Rapture “is directly contradicting Jesus’s word.”

Mhlakela first revealed his prophecy three months ago in an interview with CettwinzTV, insisting he had seen Jesus on his throne, who told him clearly that he would return on September 23 or 24, 2025. The claim not only unsettled believers but also sparked humorous reactions online, with some TikTok users joking about whether pets would be included in the Rapture. One widely shared video showed a man hoisting his dog into the air as if preparing it for salvation.

While many are now dismissing Mhlakela’s failed prediction as another chapter in a long history of unfulfilled prophecies, the incident highlights how quickly religious claims can gain traction online, and the consequences when they collapse under the weight of unmet expectations.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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September 26, 2026

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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5 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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5 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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