Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji  A new wave of petrol importation valued at over N436bn within just nine days has intensified the standoff between independent oil marketers and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, deepening tensions in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. Findings from a Tanker Position Report obtained  on Monday revealed that 370,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), equivalent to about 496.17 million litres, were discharged at various Nigerian ports between May 11 and 20, 2025. At an average landing cost of N879.48 per litre, the import bill for this short window translates to over N436.37bn — a massive financial outlay amid the…

Daud Olatunji Defending champions, Team Delta, wasted no time in laying down the gauntlet at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, storming to the top of the medals table in what already looks like a bold statement of intent for a fifth consecutive title. With the festival just two days old, Delta turned up the heat, snatching pole position from early leaders Team Cross River after bagging three gold and one silver—a performance led by Confidence Onyema, who struck twice in Kung Fu, and weightlifters Favour Mike and Edirin Agha, who claimed gold and silver respectively. Cross…

The House of Representatives has approved a 10-year security cover for investigative journalist Umar Audu following his explosive undercover report that exposed a thriving certificate racketeering syndicate involving degree mills in the Benin Republic. Audu, a reporter with Daily Nigerian, had detailed how he obtained a university degree without attending a single class and subsequently had it verified by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education after allegedly paying a bribe of N40,000. Chairman of the ad hoc committee investigating the scandal, Hon. Abubakar Fulata, disclosed the House’s resolution at a session in Abuja. He said the Nigeria Police Force…

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed a N50 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, against former Governor Godwin Obaseki and four others. Justice Peter Lifu threw out the case following an application for withdrawal by Shaibu’s lawyer, Anita Oteh, who told the court that parties had reached a settlement. Oteh explained that the issues in the suit had been resolved amicably, prompting her client to discontinue the matter. However, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Aliyu Abdulkadir, who was listed as the fourth defendant, said…

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a police inspector identified as Obic Modestus after a disturbing video showing him assaulting an Uber driver surfaced online, sparking widespread outrage. The video, which has gone viral across social media platforms, captured Inspector Modestus slapping the Uber driver repeatedly while leaning into the vehicle from the front passenger seat. The officer was also heard yelling, “Are you mad?” as he struck the driver before forcefully dragging him out of the car. The assault did not end there, as the officer led the driver towards a nearby police van, where…

Panic gripped the residents of Zagami village in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Sunday as suspected members of the notorious Lakurawa gang stormed a church, abducting several worshippers during a service. The attackers, said to have arrived on motorcycles, invaded the church while the morning worship was ongoing, shooting sporadically to cause confusion before whisking away an undisclosed number of congregants into a nearby forest. An eyewitness, Mr. Ezekiel Danjuma, who narrowly escaped the attack, recounted the harrowing experience to The Punch. “It was terrifying. They came shooting and forced their way into the church. Some of…

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, to dismiss the N2.2 billion fraud charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisting he has no case to answer. Appearing before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on Monday, Fayose’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN), filed a no-case submission, arguing that the EFCC’s evidence and witness testimonies were speculative and insufficient to warrant further defence. “All the witnesses that testified for the prosecution, including the exhibits tendered, were based on mere speculations,” the…

Balqees Adeniji  The Retired Civil Service Administrative Officers’ Forum, Ogun State chapter, held its historic first Triennial Congress on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital with the formal appointment of a new executive council and the launch of its constitution to strengthen the forum’s structure and operations. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the forum  which was established in 2023 was created to serve as a unifying platform for retired administrative officers to reconnect, share professional experiences, and continue making policy and developmental contributions to public service in Nigeria. This inaugural congress brought together a host of eminent retired…

The Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has applauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for establishing a world-class Media Centre for the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, the state capital. Speaking with journalists, Chairman of SWAN in Ogun State, Mr Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, described the facility as a major boost to effective media coverage of the event, commending the government for putting in place modern equipment and amenities. Ogunsiji noted that the strategic location of the centre, coupled with uninterrupted power supply, multiple television screens, and high-speed internet connectivity, had made the working environment seamless and conducive…

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has accused the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari of systematically frustrating the activities of the 8th National Assembly, describing the legislative arm under his leadership as “harassed, bullied and blackmailed” by the executive. Saraki made the revelations at the 2025 Reunion Gala of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) in Houston, Texas, where he reflected on his turbulent tenure as Senate President from 2015 to 2019. According to the former Kwara State Governor, his decision to provide credible legislative oversight and question the Buhari administration’s requests led to a frosty relationship with the…