Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has voiced opposition to the proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, arguing that existing Nigerian laws already provide adequate safeguards for fundamental rights. Fagbemi’s position was delivered through the Chief of State Counsel, Reuben Imarha, at a public hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights in Abuja on Wednesday. The hearing examined two key legislations: the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, aimed at protecting civil society actors, journalists, lawyers, whistleblowers, faith leaders, and other citizens advocating for constitutional rights; and the bill seeking to repeal and…

Aishah  Waliyullah The newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has vowed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will uphold strict neutrality in all electoral matters, warning that erring officers would face prosecution. Disu, the 23rd IGP, was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, shortly before the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. He succeeds Kayode Egbetokun, who resigned last month, citing family reasons. At his inaugural meeting with top police strategists, Disu stressed that the credibility of the 2027 general elections and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy hinge…

The Senate of the Federal University Dutse has expelled 20 students and rusticated 15 others following their involvement in examination malpractices, the institution announced on Wednesday. A statement signed by the Director of Academic Affairs, Nora Dannatta, and issued by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdullahi Hahaha-Bello, said the action was based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Examination Misconduct for the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic session. The statement added that the disciplinary measures also included the exoneration of two students and written warnings to three others. “The decision was in accordance with the categories…

An assistant pastor with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Delta State, Pastor Ufuoma Johnson Akomeyoma,  has allegedly absconded with over ₦30 million belonging to clients of her investment outfit, Jehovah Nissi Global Services. The pastor, who operated a daily thrift (osusu) and investment scheme in the Okuokokor-Osubi axis, reportedly disappeared in November 2025 after informing associates that she was “going to the mountain for prayers.” Community sources now describe this as a pretext for her sudden exit. Residents said Akomeyoma, who resided near Freshville in Okuokokor and ran her operations around Osubi, had built a reputation as a…

A prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has raised the alarm over what it described as a dangerous influx of Fulani extremists into the South-West region and parts of Kwara and Kogi States, warning that the security of Yoruba communities is under severe threat. In a statement signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group alleged that armed Fulani herdsmen fleeing northern Nigeria are relocating southward, occupying ancestral lands, and seizing control of forests and natural resources. “We have received intelligence that terrorist Fulani herdsmen leaving the North are migrating to…

Saturday, February 28, 2026, will be etched in memory as a landmark day for Aiyede Kingdom and neighboring communities in Ondo and Ekiti States. On that day, business leader and political figure, Engr. Michael Abayomi Adeyanju, was formally installed as the Otunba Mulero of the kingdom, in a ceremony marked by tradition, grandeur, and communal pride. The installation, presided over by the Attah of Aiyede Kingdom, Oba AbdulMumini Adebayo Orishagbemi, drew dignitaries, political leaders, business associates, and community elders from across the region. The event was described by attendees as one of the most spectacular in the kingdom’s 145-community history,…

Controversy has erupted in Yobe State after prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, was suspended from delivering his Ramadan exegesis at Mokas Mosque in Damaturu. The suspension followed a sermon in which the cleric openly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, north-west governors, and state officials over rising insecurity. The decision was reportedly taken after a meeting convened by the National Chairman of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Jos faction, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, along with state and local representatives of the group. Sources within the organisation said Sheikh Alkali was accused of “using strongly-worded statements…

A lecturer at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Abel Udo Jacob, and his accomplice, Innocent Nicholas Ntokon, have been sentenced to a combined 11-year imprisonment for their roles in a N50 million extortion racket. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Augustine Odokwo of the Akwa Ibom State High Court found the duo guilty of subjecting businessman Edikan Jacob Jackson to years of intimidation, threats, and financial exploitation between 2016 and 2020. Court documents revealed that Ntokon, allegedly a leader of the notorious Klans Confraternity, orchestrated a sustained campaign of terror against the victim. Armed enforcers were reportedly sent to the victim’s shops,…

… Says  Imprisonment Under Abacha Proved Price of Principled Leadership Daud Olatunji Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed circulating reports claiming he issued a notice of his death, describing the claims as “fabrications by never-do-wells.” The 89-year-old statesman while speaking  during his 89th birthday celebrations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, reacted on Wednesday to an article trending on social media and messaging platforms suggesting he had penned a final memoir signaling the end of his life. The report read in part: “Listen and read former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s latest memoirs… it’s just like a final memoir about life.” Addressing the rumours…

Former senator representing Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo, on Tuesday said her decision to join the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State was in response to sustained calls from residents who, according to her, want the “continuity” of her past achievements in public office. Obasanjo, daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, spoke at the 2026 Ramadan Lecture organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria in Abeokuta. The event, themed “Fasting Beyond Hunger: Sustaining Hope and Integrity in an Era of Economic Inflation,” was held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto. She said many…