Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Terrorists operating in Kwara South Senatorial District have demanded N400 million, food, and drinks to release 22 persons abducted from communities including Adanla, Isapa, Isanlu-Isin, and Owa-Onire. Investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Oke-Ode, Babanla, and Eruku—areas under federal military surveillance—have shifted operations to less-secured communities. Among those still held are nine victims abducted in December 2025, including Oba Simeon Olanipekun, monarch of Afin in Ile Ere, and his son, Olaolu, a youth corps member. Two more victims from Owa-Onire, abducted in December, remain in captivity. Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, Olowa of Owa-Onire, said efforts to secure the release of…

United States President Donald Trump has  revised his previous statements on religious violence in Nigeria, acknowledging that Muslims are also being killed in the country. Trump made the remarks during an interview with The New York Times, published on Thursday, following questions about Washington’s Christmas Day military strike in Nigeria. The operation targeted elements of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram splinter group responsible for years of attacks across northern Nigeria. The U.S. military said the strike was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government. When asked about prior statements from his Africa adviser, who…

The Rivers State House of Assembly has reaffirmed that the impeachment process against Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, is ongoing and strictly in line with constitutional provisions. The Assembly dismissed recent claims that the process had been suspended or abandoned as false and misleading. In a statement released on Friday, the House confirmed that the impeachment proceedings formally commenced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, under the authority of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The statement was signed by Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House…

The Federal Ministry of Health has ordered the strict enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) currently on strike across federal hospitals. In a circular dated January 8, 2026, signed by Abisola Adegoke, Director of Hospital Services, on behalf of Coordinating Minister Ali Pate, all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) were directed to ensure essential health services continue despite the industrial action. The directive specifically requires hospitals to maintain critical units such as accident and emergency, labour wards, and intensive care units. CMDs and MDs are also…

Adeshina Ajibade ‎ ‎As the political landscape of Ondo State evolves ahead of the 2027 general elections, a distinct voice is rising from the grassroots of the Ondo North Senatorial District. Engr. Mike Adeyanju, a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has emerged as a beacon of hope for constituents calling for a paradigm shift in representation. ‎ ‎Amidst growing dissatisfaction with the current senatorial leadership, Engr. Adeyanju’s aspiration represents more than just a political bid; it is being described by supporters as a “rescue mission” to restore effective, people-first governance to the district. ‎ ‎The prevailing sentiment…

The federal government has earmarked N115 billion in the 2026 proposed budget to reintegrate former militants under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), aimed at stabilizing the Niger Delta region and fostering sustainable development. The allocation, listed as an ongoing project under the service-wide vote of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is part of the ministry’s N9.1 trillion budget in the 2026 appropriation bill. The ministry, which manages the nation’s budgetary planning, houses agencies such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Centre for Management Development (CMD), and the Nigerian Institute for Economic and Social Research (NISER). The Presidential…

In a significant development in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, authorities in Jersey have agreed to repatriate over $9.5 million (£7 million) in looted funds linked to the era of the late military ruler, Sani Abacha. The funds, traced to a bank account in the Channel Island, were deemed proceeds of corruption and will be returned under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December between Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and Nigerian officials. The MoU builds on two earlier asset recovery agreements, which had already facilitated the return of more than $300 million (£230 million) stolen during Abacha’s regime.…

The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed. Dangote’s legal team, led by Dr O.J. Onoja (SAN), urged the anti-graft agency to thoroughly investigate the allegations and prosecute Ahmed if found culpable, according to a statement issued by the Dangote Group on Friday. The development came days after the billionaire industrialist withdrew a similar petition earlier submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.…

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has barred the National Association of Resident Doctors from embarking on its planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026. Justice Emmanuel Subilim, on Friday, granted an interim order restraining the association, its national leadership and members from proceeding with the industrial action pending the hearing of a substantive suit. The ex parte order followed an urgent application filed by the Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation, seeking to avert what it described as an imminent disruption of healthcare services across public hospitals. In his ruling, Justice Subilim specifically…

The Federal Ministry of Works has proposed a total of N12.39bn in the 2026 Appropriation Bill for the settlement of judgment debts, repayment of liabilities on completed projects and other administrative expenses. PLATFORM TIMES reports that details obtained from the budget estimates presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on December 19, 2025, show that the ministry earmarked N5bn specifically for the settlement of judgment debts arising from court rulings against it. A breakdown of the allocation indicates that N1.4bn is meant to cover general judgment debts, while N3.99bn is set aside for a specific legal matter referenced…