Author: Platform Times Newspaper

…Senior Lawmakers Reportedly Pencilled For Automatic Re-Election Tickets …Silence From Presidency, Senate Fuels Speculation Of Power Realignment Daud Olatunji The Senate and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have remained tight-lipped over fresh allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed a list of serving lawmakers for automatic return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, triggering renewed political unease within the ruling party. Findings indicate that several influential senators are allegedly being considered for automatic nomination in what party insiders described as a reward for their “stabilising role” in the National Assembly since 2023. Among those reportedly…

The Osun State Government has formally deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, and declared the stool vacant following his conviction in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud. The decision, announced on Monday, was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action followed due consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council. According to the government, the removal of the monarch was carried out in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law (as amended) and other applicable legal frameworks guiding traditional institutions in the state. Oba…

No fewer than 29 persons have been confirmed killed following a brutal attack by suspected gunmen on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, plunging the rural settlements into mourning and renewed fear over worsening insecurity in the region. The attack, which occurred on Sunday at about 5:00 p.m., reportedly took place while residents were watching a football match organised at a primary school field, turning a moment of leisure into a massacre as the assailants stormed the area and opened fire indiscriminately. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly and began shooting sporadically, forcing residents,…

The immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Monday asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to terminate the prosecution’s case against him if it fails to present its remaining witnesses at the next adjourned date. Emefiele made the application before Justice Hamza Muazu, who is presiding over his trial on an amended 20-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy and obtaining $6.23m by false pretence. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on behalf of the Federal Government, over funds…

The Kogi State Police Command on Monday said it had rescued 17 pupils abducted by gunmen who attacked an orphanage and Islamic school in the Zariagi area of Lokoja. The victims were among 26 persons reportedly kidnapped during the late-night raid on Daarul Kitab School, an institution that also houses an orphanage. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat, the attack occurred around 11:45pm on Sunday when armed men stormed the premises and whisked away 24 pupils alongside two wives of the school proprietor. Afusat said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’…

The All Progressives Congress in Osun State on Monday accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of mismanaging over N1tn in less than three years, alleging poor investment in critical sectors, particularly agriculture. The opposition party said despite what it described as “unprecedented revenue inflows” under the current administration, there has been little to show in terms of infrastructure, economic growth, and social development. The allegation was contained in a statement issued in Osogbo by the APC Governorship Campaign Council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Oluremi Omowaiye, who claimed that the Adeleke-led government had prioritised non-essential spending over developmental projects. Omowaiye specifically alleged…

Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s largest gambling market, with industry estimates putting its value at a staggering ₦5.6 trillion, driven largely by a surge in online betting and growing participation among young people. Findings released on Monday show that the rapid expansion of the sector is being fuelled by increased smartphone penetration, the rise of digital payment systems, and easy access to betting applications, which have transformed gambling into a mainstream activity across the country. The report noted that Nigeria now ranks ahead of South Africa and Kenya in terms of market size and participation, consolidating its position as the…

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rejected a N100m bribe while dismantling a major railway vandalism syndicate and recovering stolen materials valued at over N400m. The police said the operation, carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad, led to the arrest of two suspects—Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22—on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State. Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence. He said the operatives intercepted a trailer truck conveying about 60 tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers…

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…