Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Nigerian Armed Forces have launched a fresh non-kinetic strategy to curb rising insecurity, commencing the training of retired military personnel in mediation and conflict resolution. The initiative, unveiled in Abuja on Monday, is being implemented in collaboration with the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Mediation Training Institute, with support from the Defence Headquarters. Speaking at the flag-off, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the programme underscores the military’s renewed commitment to combining force with dialogue in tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges. Oluyede noted that while kinetic operations remain critical, sustainable peace can…

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for the 2027 governorship election, signalling a major political alignment ahead of the contest. The endorsement was announced at Lagos House, Marina, where Sanwo-Olu publicly threw his weight behind Hamzat’s ambition, describing him as a capable and experienced leader fit to succeed him. Hamzat’s aspiration has, in recent weeks, gathered momentum, with a wave of endorsements from political figures and community leaders across the state following a series of consultative visits. Among prominent supporters is the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who…

A 20-year-old undergraduate of the University of Lagos on Monday told a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja how a lecturer, Dr Obinna Ojogbo, allegedly raped her in what she described as an “underground office” on campus. The student, whose identity was withheld, gave her account while testifying during the ongoing trial of the lecturer, who is facing a two-count charge of rape and sexual assault filed by the Lagos State Government. The offences, according to prosecutors, contravene Sections 260 and 263(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and carry a potential penalty of life imprisonment upon conviction.…

A Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Chief Toyin Amuzu, has urged Nigerians to take the 2027 general elections more seriously, warning that the country may continue to struggle to reap the full benefits of democracy if citizens fail to elect credible leaders. Amuzu, who is seeking a seat in the House of Representatives, gave the charge during a recent engagement in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he stressed the need for informed and responsible voting. The politician, popularly known as TA, expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow pace of development, lamenting that the country lags behind its global…

The Ogun State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern has called for swift justice following the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl in Mowe area of the state, warning against any attempt to suppress the case. The incident,said to have occurred on April21, 2026, reportedly involved a suspectidentified simply as Michael, who allegedlyattacked the minor while she was returningfrom an Arabic school along Peace Lane,of In a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman, Ustaadh Tajudeer Also and Secretary, Ambassador Rasheed Damilare, the group described the act as “a deliberate and calculated crime,”stressing that rape must never be trivialisedor excused…

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ogun State chapter, has honoured the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, with a prestigious award in recognition of his immense contributions to the growth of the fellowship and the development of its secretariat. The honour was conferred during a well-attended ceremony held at the Pastor E.A. Adeboye Legacy Hall, named after the revered cleric in acknowledgment of his pivotal role in the building of the PFN secretariat. Adeboye, who was unavoidably absent due to an overseas engagement, was represented at the event by the RCCG National Overseer, Pastor…

Residents of Gurbi community in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State have repelled a bandit attack, though no fewer than 10 people were reportedly killed during the incident, eyewitnesses and local sources have said. The attackers were said to have stormed the community in the evening, but were prevented from entering the village after residents quickly mobilised and mounted resistance to block their advance. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the community’s swift response forced the assailants to retreat from the main settlement. “They could not enter the village because people gathered to defend themselves. But…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have instituted a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), challenging what they described as “an unconstitutional attempt to gag broadcasters” through threats of sanctions over the expression of personal opinions on air. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, is contesting the legality of sections of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which the NBC recently relied upon to issue a “Formal Notice” warning broadcast stations and presenters against expressing opinions as facts, allegedly bullying guests, or failing to…

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised fresh alarm over rising job losses and what it described as worsening suppression of workers’ rights in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, warning that the development could trigger widespread industrial unrest. The warning came on Sunday during the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos, where outgoing President, Prince Williams Akporeha, delivered a strongly worded valedictory address detailing growing hardship among oil workers amid ongoing economic reforms. Akporeha said the removal of fuel subsidy had triggered far-reaching consequences across the sector, particularly for informal and downstream workers whose…

…Cites financial, legal concerns abroad …Seeks US-Nigeria verification process A civil society coalition, the United Actions for Democracy (UAD), has petitioned the Federal Government, urging the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to launch investigations into alleged criminal matters involving the Governor of Ogun State, Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun. The body also asked the federal government  to consider initiating legal and diplomatic steps that could lead to his deportation to the United States if the allegations are confirmed. In a petition dated April 20, 2026, and addressed to the Attorney-General in Abuja, the group said its request was…