Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, arresting two female suspects and rescuing four children in Port Harcourt. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, December 2, 2024. She revealed that one of the suspects, Esther Anthony, from Rumukwachi Community in Port Harcourt, was apprehended after allegedly stealing the children from their home in the Swali Community, Bayelsa State. Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also taken into custody for her involvement in the case. According to the statement, the children, aged between one and thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze…

The Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has launched a scathing critique against Northern governors opposing President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, labeling them “lazy” and accusing them of contributing to the region’s insecurity and economic woes. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Shinkafi condemned the governors for their lack of initiative to develop internal revenue generation strategies. He argued that their stance against the reform bills was a reflection of poor leadership and a failure to address the pressing issues plaguing the northern region. “These governors,…

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed allegations in an Amnesty International report claiming security operatives killed #EndBadGovernance protesters during the nationwide demonstrations in August. In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, described the report as “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports.” He asserted that the police adhered strictly to established rules of engagement throughout the protests, which lasted 10 days and were marked by widespread unrest in various states. Amnesty International’s report, titled ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’, alleged that 24 protesters were killed and over 1,200 others…

The serene community of Ikala in Ijebu-Imusin, Ogun State, is set to witness a spectacular celebration as preparations for the 2024 Woye Ikala Day gather momentum. Slated for December 31, the event promises to blend cultural revival with impactful community development projects, leaving an indelible mark on the town and its citizens. According to a statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Akin Okudero, the citizens, both at home and abroad, are committing themselves to ensuring the success of the landmark event, which has been described as a celebration with a difference. In addition to celebrating the community’s…

The alumni association of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, has donated a Sienna bus worth millions of naira to support the operations of the institution. The gesture, aimed at easing the movement of the university’s principal officers, was unveiled during the university’s 16th convocation ceremonies and Alumni Lecture held on Wednesday at the Folorunsho Alakija Law Faculty. Speaking at the event, the National President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Busoye Ogunlade, highlighted the association’s commitment to supporting the institution through various initiatives. Ogunlade, who also serves as the chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), reiterated the alumni’s…

Daud Olatunji The Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF) has petitioned the 9th Legislative Council of Ipokia Local Government, urging an immediate probe into alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office by the previous administration led by Hon. Wasiu Agbetokun. The youths in a petition jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Imoleayo Mawutin Deji and the General Secretary, Sulaimon Olusegun Adeyemi, addressed to the council, accused the former administration of engaging in unauthorized sales of government properties, nepotism in employment opportunities, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of power. They demanded a transparent investigation to restore public trust and ensure…

The former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Martha Udom-Emmanuel, has called on women to actively contribute to nation-building by playing pivotal roles in their families and communities. She made this charge at the grand finale of the Annual Women Convention organized by Victory Women International (VWI), held at the Life Cathedral of Victory Life Bible Church International, Abeokuta. Speaking on the theme “The Woman and the Well”, Dr. Udom-Emmanuel highlighted the indispensable role of women in fostering growth and stability in society. She urged women to distinguish themselves in their workplaces and other areas of life, irrespective of…

The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) has uncovered tax irregularities totaling N14.33 billion across over 30 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The revelation was contained in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control Weaknesses, which examined financial activities between 2020 and 2021. The report highlighted severe lapses in the deduction, remittance, and compliance with financial regulations, raising concerns about the financial accountability of the affected MDAs. It cited breaches of Paragraphs 234 and 235 of the Financial Regulations (2009), which mandate accounting officers to ensure the prompt…

Players and officials of El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club were left traumatised after a midnight ambush by armed robbers along the Jos-Bauchi road in Bauchi State. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the assailants injured over ten team members and carted away money, phones, and other valuables. The attack occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Saturday at Rijiyar Malam village as the team traveled from Jos to Maiduguri for a league match. Suleiman Abdullahi, Personal Assistant to the club’s Technical Adviser, recounted the harrowing experience. “We were ambushed by the robbers, who fired sporadically to stop our two buses and a saloon car,” Abdullahi…

A middle-aged man, Okediachi Emeka, has reportedly died after being allegedly tortured by police officers in Asaba, Delta State. The incident, which occurred on November 14, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over police brutality in the country. According to Emeka’s family, he succumbed to injuries inflicted by the police, who allegedly hit him on the head with a rifle. His brother, Okediachi Desmond, narrated the ordeal, claiming that Emeka, his friend, and his girlfriend were pursued by officers in plain clothes, leading to a violent confrontation. Desmond recounted that his brother and his companions initially fled, mistaking the plain-clothed…