Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has reportedly spent his period in detention engaging in religious devotion and intellectual activities, according to a close associate. The associate, Bashir Garba Sufyan, disclosed on his X handle that the former governor completed the Holy Qur’an, observed fasting throughout his stay in custody, and also read about 10 books, while writing some works during the period. “Alhamdulillah, Mallam is home with his family, friends and associates. The first thing he told us was that, since his detention, he had been fasting until yesterday,” Sufyan wrote. “He also completed the Holy Qur’an while…

Tension has gripped Ekeowe community in Southern ljaw Local Government Area ofBayelsa State following the death of a 47-year-old man, Emi Sigah, who was allegedly flogged to death over accusations of raping a 10-year-old girl. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident,which occurred on March 25, has sparkedprotests and heightened security presence inthe riverine community. Residents alleged that Sigah attacked the minor in a bush while she was returning froma farm with her aunt. In response, the community leadership, in accordance with local custom,  ordered a penalty of 120 lashes consisting of 10 strokes from each of the villagers. It was…

Armed gunmen have invaded a government-owned health facility in Akure, abducting three health workers, stripping them naked and draining their bank accounts in a brazen early morning attack. One of the victims, Omolabake Kayode, who survived the ordeal, told journalists on Saturday that the attackers stormed the Comprehensive Primary Health Centre in Oke Ijebu around 2am, throwing the facility into panic. Kayode said the assailants arrived in a bus, forcefully entered the premises and dragged her alongside two colleagues into the vehicle, while other workers on duty fled for safety. “They came in a bus and barged into the centre.…

The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a teenage boy at the swimming pool of the University of Ibadan, with early findings suggesting possible foul play. The yet-to-be-identified victim, believed to be between 14 and 15 years old, was reportedly found floating in the pool under unclear circumstances, triggering panic within the university community. Witnesses said the incident was discovered when bystanders noticed the boy’s lifeless body in the pool and promptly alerted authorities, leading to the swift arrival of police operatives at the scene. Preliminary observations by investigators indicated signs of violence, raising…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday defended the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, attributing the situation partly to global geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel. Speaking at the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress held at Eagle Square, Abuja, the President said the current difficulties faced by Nigerians were “necessary sacrifices” required to secure long-term economic stability and growth. Tinubu, whose administration has faced mounting criticism over rising inflation, high cost of living and insecurity, maintained that his economic reforms were already producing positive results. “The sacrifices of today are laying…

Nigeria is grappling with a fresh wave of Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed no fewer than 146 lives within three months, while at least 25 doctors and dozens of other health workers have been infected, raising fresh concerns over the country’s fragile healthcare system. Data obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention showed that as of the 11th epidemiological week of 2026, the country recorded 582 confirmed cases out of 3,222 suspected infections. A state-by-state breakdown of fatalities revealed that Taraba recorded the highest number of deaths with 40, followed by Ondo with 31, Bauchi with…

A former Kano State governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to defect to the African Democratic Congress as part of ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the planned move, expected to be formalised on Monday, follows weeks of consultations between Kwankwaso, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement and top figures within the ADC. Sources familiar with the development said the former minister had held a series of strategic meetings with opposition stakeholders to build a broad-based coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress…

The Nasarawa State Government has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the Head of Operations, State Operations Coordinating Unit, Yakubu Akuki Ogalebe, who reportedly slumped in his office in Lafia. Ogalebe, a former Sole Administrator of the Agwada Area Administrative Council, was said to have died on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026, after collapsing while on duty. Sources within the state civil service told PLATFORM TIMES that the incident caused panic among colleagues, who immediately rushed to his aid. Despite efforts to revive him, he was confirmed dead shortly afterwards. His sudden death has sparked shock across…

Malabu Oil and Gas Limited has dismissed comments by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on the controversial OPL 245 oil block, declaring that he has no authority to speak on behalf of the company or its shareholders. The firm also denied any ownership link to Mohammed Abacha or Pecos Energy, insisting that its legitimate ownership structure remains as captured in records of the Corporate Affairs Commission. In a statement issued on Friday, Malabu said claims suggesting that Atiku or any third party represents its interests were “false and misleading,” stressing that only duly recognised shareholders can speak for the company. “Abubakar…

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on a military base in Borno State, killing no fewer than 38 insurgents during the encounter. The Nigerian Army said the terrorists launched a multi-front assault on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau in the early hours of Saturday but were overpowered by troops in a fierce counter-offensive. In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that the troops responded with a coordinated offensive-defensive strategy, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray. He…