Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji An awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, 28, has escaped from custody during a court appearance in Edo State, raising fresh concerns about manpower shortages in the Nigerian Correctional Service. The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, on October 21, 2026. According to the statement, Thomas, who was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, escaped while appearing in court over allegations of conspiracy and stealing. The command appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security…

Toyyibat Qasim Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has issued a violent threat against anyone who attempts to rig the 2027 general elections, declaring that electoral offenders risk being killed. Omo-Agege, the National Democratic Congress candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, made the statement during a campaign, warning those planning to manipulate election results that they would face resistance. The former Delta State deputy governor reportedly declared that anyone caught rigging the election should be prepared to face the consequences, using the phrase, “Rig and die,” to underscore his position. “I want to make news again: Anybody who rig…

Ayomide Awe A transport company, Akmode Transport Limited, has petitioned the Ogun State Government and the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service over the alleged seizure and continued detention of 22 motorcycles belonging to or used by its staff and members during a joint security operation in the state. The company, through its solicitors, Bolarinwa Odeyale & Co., demanded the immediate release of the motorcycles, disclosure of the legal authority for the operation and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the impoundment. In separate letters dated October 22, 2026, the solicitors addressed the complaints to the Special Adviser on Security to…

Daud Olatunji An Adamawa State High Court has sentenced three men to death for their involvement in the kidnapping of two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Matthew Dutsemi and Abraham Sauman, in February 2025. The convicts, identified as Taledo Demiel, Namomai Medan and Mikaila Yusuf, were sentenced on Thursday by Justice Christopher Mapeo after being found guilty of multiple offences connected with the abduction. The offences included criminal conspiracy to commit kidnapping, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, harbouring kidnapped persons and negotiating to receive ransom. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the case formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies…

Toyyibat Qasim The Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance has called for the resignation of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, following his warning that the naira could depreciate to between N3,000 and N4,000 against the dollar if the Federal Government considers restoring fuel subsidy. The coalition described the minister’s reported remarks as insensitive to the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, arguing that the government should prioritise affordable energy, economic productivity and citizens’ welfare rather than portray subsidy restoration as a threat to economic stability. Oyedele reportedly made the remarks during a press briefing at…

Daud Olatunji Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has challenged his political opponents to demonstrate their physical stamina, declaring that Nigerians should vote for candidates capable of handling the rigours of the presidency. Makinde made the challenge on Thursday during the South-West town hall meeting of the Makinde/Daura campaign organisation in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he jumped off the stage to demonstrate his point. The governor, who is positioning himself for the 2027 presidential election, said age should not be the central issue in determining who becomes Nigeria’s next president, insisting that energy,…

Ayomide Awe The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to seek international climate adaptation funding and make adequate budgetary provisions to protect coastal communities facing relentless ocean surges, warning that about 80 per cent of homes and infrastructure in Ayetoro, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been lost to sea incursion. The lawmakers also directed the National Emergency Management Agency and relevant state authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to residents whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed by the advancing sea. The proposed intervention includes access to safe drinking water, healthcare services and temporary shelter for…

Daud Olatunji The Federal Government and the Ogun State Government have urged medical practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine and preventive healthcare, warning that the future of medicine depends on technological innovation, professional accountability and the personal wellbeing of doctors. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, made the call on Thursday in Abeokuta during the 2026 Physicians’ Week organised by the Nigerian Medical Association, Ogun State chapter. The event, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria,” brought together medical practitioners and other…

This statement is issued on behalf of the family of Aare Rasaq Okoya regarding some online publications concerning the Patriarch of the family. The Okoya family finds it regrettable that Fatai Okoya (who is in fact the third child of Aare Rasaq Okoya, CON) has dragged what are otherwise private family matters into the public domain in order to attract public sympathy, gain attention and unjustifiably discredit other family members. Fatai Okoya had fallen out with his father and stopped coming to see him long before his father’s marriage to Chief Mrs. Shade Okoya, MON. Aare Rasaq Okoya, CON has…

…Ex-Ogun Govs Hail Afenifere Leader’s Legacy Of Integrity, Democracy, Education Daud Olatunji Former Ogun State governors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, have mourned the death of the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describing his passing at the age of 100 as a monumental loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria. The two former governors, in separate condolence statements, paid glowing tributes to the late elder statesman, highlighting his contributions to democratic governance, education, social justice and the advancement of the Yoruba people. Fasoranti reportedly died on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a century marked by political activism, public…