Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Saudi Arabia Supreme Court has declared Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as the Day of Arafat, while Eid-el-Adha will be celebrated the following day, Wednesday, May 27. The announcement followed the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1447AH in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, Monday, May 18, 2026, has been confirmed as the first day of Dhul Hijjah, after testimonies of moon sighting were verified by the court. The Day of Arafat, observed on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, marks the peak of the…

The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, neutralising a suspected kidnapping kingpin during a fierce gun battle in a forest hideout along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway. The operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, ₦2 million cash, and two mobile phones. The statement was issued by Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi  Babasayi. According to the PPRO,  the raid followed the rescue of a kidnapped victim who was abducted on May 14,…

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement has urged its members across Ogun State to fully mobilise for the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, following what it described as a strategic “stay-away” directive during the senatorial primary. The group said the directive, issued ahead of the exercise, was a preventive measure designed to avert possible violence and maintain order within the party’s electoral process. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the movement commended its members for complying with the instruction, insisting that the action helped prevent what it described as a potential breakdown of law and order during…

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that attempts were made to create distrust between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after the administration assumed office, including an allegation that he planned to assassinate the President. Shettima disclosed this on Tuesday at the public presentation of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” an autobiography authored by former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. According to the Vice-President, unnamed individuals from his home state of Borno allegedly approached Tinubu barely three months into their tenure, accusing him of plotting to eliminate the President and seize power. Recounting the incident, Shettima said Tinubu confronted…

The Nigeria Revenue Service has announced the rollout of a new Taxpayer Identification system for all taxable persons across the country, in a move aimed at strengthening tax administration and eliminating duplication. The agency, in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board, disclosed this in a public notice issued on Monday, stating that the new Tax ID would serve as a single, unified identity for taxpayers, replacing the existing Tax Identification Number system. According to the notice dated May 18, 2026, the initiative is backed by Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, which mandate every…

Former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday led a wave of high-profile donations with a N3bn pledge at the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, in Abuja. Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, also donated N500m in support of the book titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance.” The event, which drew top government officials, diplomats and military chiefs, had Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu. Danjuma, who was the chief presenter, was represented by a former Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai. Beyond his…

The All Progressives Congress has distanced itself from results of ongoing senatorial direct primaries being circulated across several states, declaring them unauthorized and in violation of party directives. There is also growing anxiety within political circles over an alleged plan to release what is being described as an “FG list,” with the Federal Government reportedly set to unveil a document said to contain preferred candidates, further fuelling concerns about transparency in the process. In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the National Chairman, the party said its attention had been drawn to what it described as “unauthorized…

Today, we celebrate an extraordinary man whose life journey reflects resilience, excellence, compassion, and uncommon vision — Ambassador (Dr.) Babatunde Adeyemo, veteran broadcast journalist, accomplished real estate practitioner, philanthropist, and the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, as he marks his 47th birthday. At 47, Ambassador Adeyemo stands tall as a shining example of what purpose, integrity, and determination can achieve. From the newsroom to the boardroom, his story has remained one of transformation, impact, and unwavering commitment to humanity. Born Babatunde Muritala Adeyemo, he first distinguished himself in the media industry as a seasoned…

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, has ignited widespread debate after declaring that a vast majority of Nigerian voters lack political awareness, warning that the country’s democracy is being undermined by weak institutions, poor leadership and fiscal indiscipline. Agbakoba made the remarks on Monday during an interview on a public affairs programme in Ogun State, where he delivered a sweeping critique of governance, electoral behaviour and Nigeria’s rising debt profile. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the nation’s core problem was no longer the absence of laws, but the persistent failure of leaders to obey them,…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Monday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a motion seeking the withdrawal of Justice Peter Lifu from hearing a suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. The motion for recusal was filed by the plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is also asking the court to bar Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential race. He alleged bias on the part of the presiding judge and urged him to step aside from the matter. However, both Jonathan and the AGF,…