Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed Sunday, May 3, 2026, for the inaugural flight of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the year’s Hajj exercise, with the first departure scheduled to take off from the Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The inaugural flight, which will be operated by Saudi-based airline FlyNas, marks a historic milestone for Ogun State as it will, for the first time, host the departure of its pilgrims following the completion and operationalisation of its international airport. NAHCON disclosed that the commencement of the airlift signals the formal start of the 2026 Hajj…

…Victim Identified As 28-Year-Old …IGP Orders Investigation, Officer Arrested, Moved To Force Headquarters The Delta State Police Command has arrested an officer captured in a viral video allegedly shooting dead a handcuffed suspect in a shocking incident that has triggered nationwide outrage and fresh concerns over police brutality in Nigeria. The spokesperson for the command, Bright Edafe, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, describing the incident as “unfortunate” and contrary to established operational procedures of the force. The officer, identified as ASP Nuhu Usman, was attached to the Area Command in Effurun, Delta State, where the…

Nigeria’s former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, has revealed how a moment of personal reflection during an official trip abroad led him to completely give up alcohol, despite earlier beliefs that moderate consumption did not conflict with his Christian faith. Osinbajo, a professor of law and ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, shared the experience while speaking at a leadership summit in Maryland, United States, where he addressed issues of discipline, ethics and the demands of public office. The former vice-president said he once justified drinking by referencing the biblical account of Jesus Christ turning water into wine, maintaining…

Panic has gripped parts of Zamfara State following the sudden withdrawal of security operatives from Lilo village in Mada district of Gusau Local Government Area, forcing residents of over 30 communities to flee their homes amid fears of renewed bandit attacks. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the mass displacement began late at night after troops, who had been stationed in the area for more than seven years, were evacuated without prior notice, leaving the communities exposed. A resident of Lilo, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the departure of the troops sparked widespread fear among villagers…

A United States District Court has sentenced a Nigeria-born man, Patrick Nwaokwu, to 21 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar scheme involving forged nursing certificates and fraudulent licensure. Nwaokwu, 55, was handed the sentence on April 24 by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman after he was found guilty of wire fraud, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice. The convict was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Authorities said Nwaokwu collaborated with multiple accomplices to sell fake nursing diplomas and academic transcripts to individuals seeking employment in…

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has ordered an immediate three-week mid-semester break following widespread student protests that disrupted activities on the campus. The decision, approved by the institution’s Senate, came amid escalating demonstrations by students over transportation difficulties, welfare concerns and persistent delays linked to the university’s e-portal upgrade. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the closure became necessary after protests degenerated into the blocking of major access roads within and around the campus. He noted that the situation posed serious safety risks to members of the university community and other…

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, has raised concerns over what he described as an alarming rise in cybercrime involving students in Nigerian universities, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s future. Olukoyede disclosed that recent findings by the commission suggest that a significant proportion of undergraduates are engaged in online fraud, with estimates indicating that about six in every 10 students may be involved in cyber-related offences. The EFCC boss spoke at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities held in Kano, where he described…

The African Democratic Congress has raised the alarm over a looming political crisis, urging the Supreme Court of Nigeria to urgently deliver judgment in a pending appeal, warning that continued delay could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 general elections. In a strongly worded letter dated April 28, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the party, through its counsel, S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., described its appeal as a “matter of urgent national importance” requiring immediate judicial intervention. The appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, involves a protracted leadership tussle featuring David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe and four others.…

…Senior Lawmakers Reportedly Pencilled For Automatic Re-Election Tickets …Silence From Presidency, Senate Fuels Speculation Of Power Realignment Daud Olatunji The Senate and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have remained tight-lipped over fresh allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed a list of serving lawmakers for automatic return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, triggering renewed political unease within the ruling party. Findings indicate that several influential senators are allegedly being considered for automatic nomination in what party insiders described as a reward for their “stabilising role” in the National Assembly since 2023. Among those reportedly…

The Osun State Government has formally deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, and declared the stool vacant following his conviction in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud. The decision, announced on Monday, was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action followed due consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council. According to the government, the removal of the monarch was carried out in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law (as amended) and other applicable legal frameworks guiding traditional institutions in the state. Oba…