Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The United States has commended Nigeria’s security forces for the successful arrest of two notorious leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, describing the operation as a significant milestone in the country’s fight against terrorism. National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed the arrests on Monday, saying the terrorists were captured in a series of “high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations” carried out between May and July 2025. Those arrested are Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-proclaimed Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri. Ribadu disclosed that Usman coordinated sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies that funded the…

…Falcons  Insist on Payment In  Dollars  The row over President Bola Tinubu’s $100,000 reward for the Super Falcons has deepened as the players rejected attempts by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to settle the payment in naira. The development, which has sparked heated debate among football enthusiasts, centers on the WAFCON champions’ insistence that the money must be disbursed in dollars as originally announced. A sports analyst, Aron Akerejola, disclosed on Arise TV that the NFF had proposed paying the players their allowances—estimated at $30,000 per player—in naira at the official exchange rate of ₦1,530 to the dollar. “But the…

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted three additional suspects arrested in connection with the recent cybercrime raid at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The convicts – Adenekan Ayinde, Oyatokun Qudus, and Adisa Okikiade – were among the 93 individuals apprehended last week by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a coordinated sting operation in the state capital. Their conviction, delivered on Monday by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, came barely three days after four other suspects from the same raid were jailed for related offences. According…

Elder statesman and philanthropist, Otunba Lana Akintan, on Monday commissioned the permanent office of the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHUF) as part of activities marking his 96th birthday. The event, which took place in Oja-Odan, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, symbolised both a celebration of his longevity and a reaffirmation of his lifelong commitment to justice, equity and human dignity. The Foundation, inaugurated in 2024 during his 95th birthday celebration, now has a permanent office to scale up its mission of protecting the oppressed and giving a voice to the voiceless. Speaking at the commissioning,…

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a notorious “one chance” kingpin, Bode Oludayisin, and two of his gang members during an operation that foiled a robbery attempt in Ikeja. Oludayisin, 53, who police confirmed had been on their wanted list for several violent robberies, was arrested alongside Michael Sowunmi, 22, and David Olawaye, 20. They were intercepted by operatives of the Ikeja Police Division while attempting to rob a commuter along Agege Motor Road on Sunday. The suspects were operating with an unregistered commercial minibus, popularly called korope, when one of their victims raised the alarm. Officers on patrol…

A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the National Assembly following allegations that lawmakers are forced to pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor bills, motions, and petitions. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to refer the bribery scandal to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation. The allegations were triggered by a viral video of Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives representing Jigawa…

A fierce supremacy battle is unfolding in Yorubaland as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the withdrawal of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title recently conferred on Ibadan businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi. In a statement on Monday signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as “an affront” and “a violation of Yoruba tradition,” insisting that only the Alaafin reserves the authority to confer titles with Yoruba-wide recognition. “The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by…

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved a major shake-up in the Nigerian Army, with the redeployment and appointment of senior officers into key command, instructional, and staff positions across formations nationwide. The move, according to Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, is aimed at strengthening leadership and repositioning the Army for greater operational effectiveness amid growing security challenges. Those affected include Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Army Headquarters, two General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, and Brigade Commanders. At the Army Headquarters, Major General A.A. Adeyinka,…

Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Sunday after a boat carrying more than 50 passengers capsized on its way to Goronyo Market, leaving over 40 persons feared missing. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement, disclosing that only about 10 passengers had been rescued as of press time. The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency immediately deployed its rescue team after receiving reports of the mishap. She added that search and rescue operations were ongoing in collaboration with local divers, emergency responders, and community volunteers. “We are doing everything possible to…

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has revived the push for a new revenue allocation formula, two years after presenting its recommendations to former President Muhammadu Buhari without implementation. The commission, now under new leadership, is set to brief the press on Monday on fresh policy directions regarding the proposed formula, which seeks to reduce the Federal Government’s share of national revenue while increasing allocations to states and local councils. Under the reviewed formula, the Federal Government would receive 45.17 per cent, states 29.79 per cent, and local governments 21.04 per cent. This represents a cut from the…