Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress on Tuesday escaped what their aides described as an assassination attempt by armed hoodlums in Benin, the Edo State capital. The attack reportedly occurred shortly after the formal defection of Olumide Akpata to the ADC in Benin City. Spokesperson for Obi, Yunusa Tanko, alleged in a statement that the former Anambra State governor and other party chieftains were trailed by armed men from the ADC secretariat to the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun. “PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege…

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, on Tuesday disclosed that 20 deposit money banks have met the new minimum capital requirements under the ongoing recapitalisation programme introduced in 2024. Cardoso made this known while presenting the communiqué from the 304th meeting of the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee in Abuja. The CBN had in March 2024 unveiled a sweeping recapitalisation framework, directing banks to shore up their capital bases within 24 months as part of efforts to strengthen the financial system and enhance its capacity to support economic growth. The exercise, which commenced on April 1,…

The Nigeria Police Force has said the N100 million allegedly traced to the personal bank account of Victor Egbetokun, son of the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was paid in error and subsequently returned. The clarification followed an online report alleging that the funds were transferred from the Anambra State Government’s security vote account into the younger Egbetokun’s account. Reacting during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, dismissed insinuations of wrongdoing, insisting that the transaction was a banking error promptly rectified. According to Hundeyin, Victor Egbetokun alerted his…

The Federal Government has filed a fresh 12-count criminal charge against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, and one Ponfa Useni, also known as Tali Shani, over an alleged conspiracy involving forgery, personation and unlawful control of a property in the United Kingdom. The charge, instituted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was filed by the Federal Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Federal Government. In the fresh counts, the prosecution alleged that the defendants forged a Nigerian passport and other supporting documents to back a claim to a property located at No. 79…

…Allegations Include Forgery, Age Falsification, False Asset Declarations …Council Maintains Silence Amid Rising Public Concern The National Judicial Council has commenced a far-reaching but discreet probe into allegations of corruption and gross misconduct involving some senior judicial officers, including heads of courts, PLATFORM TIMES has learnt. Multiple sources within the judiciary disclosed that the investigation was triggered by what insiders described as “damning and disturbing petitions” submitted against unnamed top judges in recent months. The council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is empowered by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to appoint, discipline and recommend the removal…

No fewer than six persons were injured on Monday after a fire outbreak rocked Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, prompting an emergency shutdown of the Lagos airspace. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed the incident in a statement, saying coordinated emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the blaze and rescue trapped personnel. According to FAAN, the fire, which reportedly originated from the server room on the first floor of the terminal, affected operations at the airport’s international wing, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend flight movements in line with safety protocols. The agency disclosed that…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has dismissed concerns surrounding the N54.7 million borehole projects executed in Ondo State, declaring that the facilities were duly completed and are fully operational. The commission said the three motorised boreholes, installed in selected primary healthcare centres across the state, were verified under its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative. In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Mr John Odey, the ICPC disclosed that the projects were awarded by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency following approval at its Tenders Board meeting on November 20, 2024. According to…

Three persons have been killed in a renewed cult clash in Igbogene community, a suburb of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, heightening security concerns in the state capital. The victims were reportedly gunned down around 11.30pm on Sunday by suspected members of rival cult groups during a violent confrontation that lasted over an hour. Residents said the assailants shot the victims at close range, allegedly targeting their heads to ensure they did not survive the attack. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the clash was linked to tensions arising from a recent youth election in the community. However, sources said the violence…

Tragedy struck on Monday evening as four women lost their lives and 26 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a ghastly motor accident along the Yola–Mubi Road in Adamawa State. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the victims were travelling to the annual convention of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria in Demsa Local Government Area when the accident occurred. The Deputy Chairman of Song Local Government Area, Donan Prambe, who witnessed the incident, said the vehicle conveying the women suddenly lost control and veered off the highway. “I was driving behind the vehicle when I saw it start somersaulting…

President Bola Tinubu on Monday night pledged to establish state police across Nigeria to curb escalating insecurity, describing security as the foundation for national prosperity. Speaking at an interfaith Ramadan and Lent breaking of fast with state governors at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu said his administration would fulfill promises made to Nigerians before assuming office in 2023. He urged governors to intensify grassroots development, saying: “To reach the young man who feels forgotten. To lift the woman who carries her family on tired shoulders. To touch communities where hope sometimes flickers. Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise…