Author: Platform Times Newspaper

…Say abduction occurred in Igbope, not Igboho …Ransom reportedly slashed from N300m to N150 Daud Olatunji Confusion has trailed reports of the alleged release of a kidnapped family in Igbope, as the Oyo State Police Command and local authorities on Sunday dismissed viral claims suggesting that the victims had regained freedom following a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo. The controversy followed widely circulated videos showing residents in jubilation, dancing and celebrating alongside Igboho, amid claims that a kidnapped woman, her children and a sibling had been released after suspected abductors allegedly bowed to pressure from the…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have introduced a stricter regulatory framework requiring telecommunications companies to obtain prior approval before executing significant changes in ownership structure, in a move aimed at strengthening oversight of Nigeria’s fast-growing telecoms sector. Under the new directive, any transfer of shares amounting to 10 per cent or more of the total share capital of a licensed telecom operator must now receive clearance from the NCC before such transactions can be registered by the CAC. The policy, which takes immediate effect, also covers multiple transactions that cumulatively amount to 10 per…

A retired broadcaster and former staff member of the Ogun State Television (Ogun State Television), Ms. Kitan Oyesiku, popularly known as “Aunty Kitan”, has been found murdered alongside her security guard in what police suspect to be a violent home invasion in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The tragic incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday at her residence in the Kobape area of the Ogun State capital. According to preliminary police findings, unknown assailants allegedly forced their way into the premises, leaving behind clear signs of violent entry and disturbance. The body of the security guard was discovered at…

… Accuses Ex-Officials Of Sabotage, Betrayal,Hijack Plot Directs Supporters To Recognise Chris Nwaogu-led Structure Daud Olatunji The imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has announced the indefinite expulsion of 10 senior members of the group’s dissolved Directorate of State, accusing them of betrayal, sabotage, and attempts to hijack the separatist movement. In a statement attributed to Kanu and shared on Sunday via X by his brother, Kanunta Kanu, the IPOB leader declared that the affected individuals had lost all authority to speak or act on behalf of the organisation. He said the decision was taken…

A mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, on Saturday set a woman ablaze after accusing her of child theft, in a disturbing case of jungle justice that has triggered widespread condemnation from the police. The Kaduna State Police Command described the incident as “barbaric and criminal,” confirming that several suspects have already been arrested while a manhunt is ongoing for others involved in the attack. According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the incident occurred at about 10 a.m. after a distress call alerted the Divisional Police Officer in Maraban Jos that a…

The Ogun State Head of Service, Alhaji Iskeel Olanrewaju Saka, mni, on Sunday said the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) remains a timeless model of “strategic transformation built on faith, vision, sacrifice, resilience and purposeful leadership.” Saka stated this in his goodwill message at the 41st Annual Hijrah Celebration (1448 A.H.) organised by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) at the Alake Pavilion, Ake Palace, Abeokuta, where he represented Governor Dapo Abiodun. Delivering the governor’s message, Saka said, “I bring warm greetings and best wishes from His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, who would have loved to be…

Daud Olatunji The Wakeelul Muslimeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Iskil Awwal, popularly known as Sugar, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider prominent Ogun State indigenes for federal appointments, while also urging the Ogun State Government to declare the Hijrah public holiday. Speaking exclusively with PLATFORM TIMES to mark the Islamic New Year, the cleric said the appeal was driven by what he described as the need for fairness, inclusion and equitable representation of Ogun State in the current administration. “I want to appeal to our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I was part of those who…

Fawaz Adebisi The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Ogun State, on Sunday distributed N51 million in cash and material support to 74 beneficiaries, including widows and students, at its 2026 Zakat Distribution Ceremony, ZDC. Themed “Zakat & Social Responsibility: Strengthening Economic Security, Community Cohesion, and National Peace,” the event held at the Crescent, Muslim Professionals, Hall, Leme, Abeokuta, on the 6th day of Muharram 1448 AH. The disbursed package comprised cash grants, industrial equipment, including sewing, washing and stone-cutting machines, clothing materials, ovens, payment of school fees, and debt settlement for beneficiaries across the state’s Egba/Yewa zone. Giving his welcome speech,…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two elderly men for allegedly supplying illicit drugs to teenage secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia State. The suspects, identified as 84-year-old Godfrey Orji and 75-year-old Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora, were apprehended in separate operations following intelligence reports linking them to drug distribution among minors. According to a statement on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Obiora was arrested on June 19 at his patent medicine store located on Club Road, Umuahia. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 4.64 kilogrammes of opioids, including tramadol…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has abolished admissions into affiliated degree programmes run by Colleges of Education, in a sweeping reform that will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. The decision, contained in the Board’s newly issued NCE/ND Agric Registration Guidelines released in June 2026, effectively ends decades-long partnerships that allowed Colleges of Education to award university degrees through affiliations. Under the new policy, JAMB declared that no candidate would be admitted into any affiliated degree programme in Colleges of Education from the 2026/2027 session. The Board also ruled out direct admission into 100 and 200 levels in…