Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has raided a popular hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State, arresting four suspected traffickers and rescuing 17 victims, including underage girls, in a major crackdown on human trafficking. The operation, carried out around the 33 Area of the commercial city with the support of the military, also led to the arrest of two other suspects allegedly involved in baby trafficking across states in the South-East. NAPTIP disclosed that four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical support from the agency and volunteers of…

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has elected Comrade Olayinka Folarin as its new National President, with delegates at its Annual General Conference (AGC) in Abeokuta resolving to intensify the defence of the rule of law and hold public office holders accountable. The conference, held on Saturday at the Nigeria Labour Congress Hall, Abiola Way, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was themed, “Advancing and Defending the Rule of Law in Nigeria,” and drew statutory delegates from 14 state branches, alongside observers from Jigawa and Kebbi states. In his opening remarks, Folarin, who represented the outgoing President, Comrade Debo…

Candidates from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House seeking the revered stool of the Awujale of Ijebu Land have called for strict adherence to due process in the ongoing selection process, while also urging greater federal presence and accelerated development across Ijebu Land. The call was made at a forum of blood descendants of Jadiara, convened in Ijebu Ode by a contender for the throne, Barrister Prince Adebowale Olufeko, who said the meeting was not designed to undermine any authority but to give collective voice to legitimate stakeholders in the succession process. Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Olufeko, a lawyer, arbitrator…

Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has condemned a recent statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, in which he called for the “shoot-at-sight” punishment for vandals damaging public infrastructure. In a post on her verified X handle on Sunday, Yesufu described Onanuga and his supporters as “the worst species of citizens” and accused them of perpetuating injustice through the current administration’s policies. Yesufu argued that the individuals Onanuga targeted are victims of government neglect and systemic corruption, saying, “Without rule of law, justice and the right to a fair hearing, you and those…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s enduring challenges to poor leadership, stressing that the nation’s problems stem more from politicians than a lack of resources. Obi made the remarks on Saturday while addressing stakeholders in Ibadan, Oyo State, a city he described as a historic “city of knowledge and hope” that continues to play a key role in Nigeria’s development. Commending Oyo State for its progress, Obi acknowledged the role of Governor Seyi Makinde in uplifting the state, highlighting the administration’s developmental initiatives and commitment to good governance. He also lauded religious leaders for promoting…

Nigeria is gradually winning the battle against insecurity, Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said, assuring citizens that peace is within reach. Gen. Musa made the remarks over the weekend at the 7th OurNigeria News Awards in Abuja, where he was honoured for his contributions to national security and leadership. Describing the recognition as inspiring, the minister said it reinforced the importance of collective efforts in securing the nation. “We are improving by the day. We all need to put our hands together. Peace is achievable, but it requires a whole-of-society approach,” Musa said. The minister commended Nigerians for their…

…Obi, Kwankwaso May Claim ADC Ticket …Political Strategists Predict Tense Negotiations Ahead Daud Olatunji Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday held a high-profile meeting with Yabagi Yusuf Sani, National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and other senior party officials at his Abuja residence, intensifying speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The meeting comes amid persistent rumours that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso could secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu. Political analysts warn that such a scenario could complicate…

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has pledged to ensure the submission of the long-delayed 2023, 2024 and 2025 Auditor-General’s reports, as lawmakers moved to tighten oversight and plug revenue leakages across federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). The committee’s chairman, Mr Bamidele Salam, made the commitment at a retreat for PAC members, staff and key stakeholders held in Ghana, where he decried the persistent delays that have hampered the legislature’s constitutional mandate of public financial accountability. Salam said when the current leadership of the committee assumed office in 2023, only the 2019 report had been submitted, describing…

2027: Ogun West must unite to clinch governorship — Senate Leader Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday charged political leaders, professionals and stakeholders in Ogun West Senatorial District to close ranks and forge a united front if the zone is to realise its long-standing ambition of producing the next governor of Ogun State in 2027. Bamidele gave the charge in Ilaro while delivering the keynote address at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by Ogun West Professionals (for Yayi), themed, “The Power of Internal Coherence in Securing External Support: A Roadmap to Achieving Ogun West Governorship Ambition in 2027.” He described…

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of the Onitsha Main Market, directing traders to resume full commercial activities from Monday, February 2, 2026, as Governor Chukwuma Soludo declared an end to all forms of sit-at-home in the state. The market, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, was shut last week after traders defied government directives to open for business on Mondays despite threats linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Soludo had ordered the temporary closure during an unscheduled inspection of the market, accompanied by senior government officials and security operatives, warning that persistent…