Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Nigeria’s business environment is expected to remain one of the most difficult globally over the next five years, according to a new report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The report, released on Tuesday, places Nigeria 76th out of 82 economies assessed for the 2025-2029 period, citing persistent economic challenges despite ongoing reforms. The EIU warns that these difficulties could have political ramifications, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu may struggle to retain power after the 2027 elections due to widespread public dissatisfaction. The report highlights that while Nigeria’s growing population and economic reforms present long-term opportunities, the country faces immediate…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded 296 vehicles over tinted glass and number plate offences. The FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu, said this during a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja. He said the vehicles were impounded over the use of tinted glass, driving with only one plate number and use of concealed or defaced number plates. Mr Disu said the various operations of the command had successfully foiled five “One Chance” robbery attacks, resulting in the rescue of three victims abducted by the criminals. According to him, the achievements highlight the effectiveness of the…

… It’s Criminal To Reveal Owner’s Identity – EFCC Daud Olatunji Court filings have revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered 753 duplexes and apartments in Abuja from the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the properties, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, were allegedly acquired using kickbacks from contractors, according to affidavits presented in court. The documents, published by Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, detail how Emefiele reportedly used intermediaries, including Ifeanyi Omeke, a deputy general manager at…

Suspected internet fraudsters have allegedly shot a collaborator over a disagreement arising from the sharing of N94 million proceeds from an online scam. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at Okhoro road in the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The victim was said to have been driving in his Sport Utility Vehicle when the gunmen who drove in another vehicle accosted him. A source on Tuesday said the gunmen ordered him out of his car and shot him at a close range. The source described the victim as “Aza Man”, a code name by internet fraudsters for a…

Fuji music enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable Boxing Day celebration as renowned Fuji maestro, Alhaji (Dr.) Sefiu Alao Adekunle, popularly known as “Baba Oko” and “Agbara Orin,” prepares to dazzle fans at the Fabulous Lounge, nestled within New Touch Hotel & Suites, Meiran, Lagos. The event, scheduled for Thursday, December 26, 2024, marks the first anniversary of Fabulous Lounge, a top destination for leisure and entertainment in the area. Running from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., the show promises to be an electrifying affair, featuring a live performance from the Fuji legend, who has assured fans of a unique…

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested the founder of the Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu. Idowu was aid to have been interrogated by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja. A source said the cleric who founded the church in 2003, is being investigated for alleged real estate fraud and money laundering. “The Next Level Prayer Conference, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has been arrested by the police, and he is being grilled in Abuja over real estate fraud and money laundering,” the source said. Another source told the outlet that the “Next-Level Prayer Conference” pastor “is at the FCID Abuja as…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has dismantled an illegal production site for counterfeit alcoholic beverages on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island. In a statement on Monday, the agency disclosed that the discovery followed a tip-off, which led to a swift investigation and subsequent raid. The illegal factory, disguised as a regular shop, was found to be repurposed for the production and packaging of fake alcoholic drinks. The operation, NAFDAC revealed, posed significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers and violated Nigeria’s food safety regulations. “Following a complaint received, our enforcement team carried out surveillance and…

The House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the retirement of over 1,000 staff members and the associated N50 billion payoff scheme pending an investigation into the process. The directive, issued during Tuesday’s plenary, followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kama Nkemkama (Labour Party, Ebonyi). The lawmakers resolved to investigate the mass retirement to assess its criteria, process, and adherence to labour laws and public service guidelines. In his motion, Nkemkama cited media reports suggesting that the planned retirement forms part of a restructuring strategy under the Acting CBN Governor’s leadership.…

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos, has issued an arrest warrant for the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, over his alleged involvement in property theft and abuse of office. Kuru was expected to appear in court on Monday to face a six-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include stealing property worth N4.9 billion belonging to Arik Air and alleged fraudulent activities during his tenure. Other defendants in the case include the current Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy…

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has issued a stern warning to civil servants on strike in the state, threatening dismissal and immediate replacement for those who fail to resume work within 72 hours. Nwifuru’s ultimatum follows a seven-day warning strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State chapter, over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage. Addressing journalists on Monday at the Centenary City Government House in Abakaliki, the governor insisted that the state is not indebted to any worker and has already approved and commenced payment of a N75,000 minimum wage. “If you don’t go to…