Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Tuesday, revealed it arrested the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged multi-billion-naira fraud. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that Bello was apprehended at 12:54 p.m. in Abuja and subsequently detained at the commission’s headquarters. Speaking on the circumstances of the arrest, Oyewale clarified that the former governor, who had been declared wanted by the commission, did not voluntarily surrender but was instead apprehended by operatives. “We arrested him (Yahaya Bello) at 12:54 p.m.; he did not surrender himself to the commission. Three of his lawyers are here with…

Ibrahim Olalekan In a stride towards strengthening grassroots governance, the Abeokuta South Local Government in Ogun State has inaugurated its newly elected Legislative Council, signaling a fresh chapter for the area. The inauguration, held at the Abeokuta South Local Government Secretariat in Ake, witnessed the election of principal officers and the nomination of other key officials. Hon. Jamiu Ogundairo emerged as the Speaker, while Hon. Azeez Sanusi was elected as Deputy Speaker. Hon. Sodiya Oluwaseyi and Hon. Gafar Olasupo were appointed Majority Leader and Chief Whip, respectively, through unanimous nominations. During the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon.…

Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to establish a dedicated paramilitary outfit to tackle the rising threat posed by the Lakurawa sect in Nigeria’s northern region. Gumi made the suggestion during an appearance on Eagle 102.5 FM’s current affairs program, Frontline, on Tuesday, November 26. His comments follow reports that the sect, which primarily operates in Sokoto and Kebbi states in the North West, has expanded into Niger and Kaduna states, intensifying fears of a growing insurgency. Speaking on the sect’s ideology, Gumi noted that it remains unclear. However, he likened the group’s violent…

A renowned brand manager and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) ambassador, Michael Nwabufo, popularly known as Mike Premium, has called on the National Assembly to take a firm stance against Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods in Nigeria. Speaking before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Mr. Nwabufo raised concerns about the health and environmental risks associated with GMO foods, which he alleged are being heavily promoted by American businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates. He urged lawmakers to act decisively to safeguard Nigerians’ health, protect the nation’s biodiversity, and preserve sovereignty. “I stand here today as a patriot and a servant of…

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has sealed the premises of five banks and several businesses in Kaduna over unpaid Land Use Charge (LUC) debts amounting to N1.7 billion. The affected financial institutions include Keystone Bank Plc, Unity Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Zenith Bank, and the Bank of Agriculture. Other establishments affected by the enforcement include Hamdala Hotel, Chicken Republic, Forte Oil, New Nigeria Development Company, the GT Bank parking lot, and A.G. Leventis building. Addressing journalists on Monday, KADIRS’ board secretary and legal adviser, Aysha Ahmad, explained that the enforcement exercise followed legal provisions outlined in…

Operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Investigation Unit have apprehended four suspects for their alleged involvement in a criminal conspiracy, forgery of official documents, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretenses. The arrest, announced in a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, followed a complaint lodged by the office of the Special Assistant to the President. The suspects were accused of forging documents resembling those purportedly issued by the office of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the State House in Abuja. The suspects, identified as Khuzaifa…

Nigeria suffers an annual loss exceeding $1.1 billion to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to the economic burden of malaria, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, has disclosed. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN), Pate described malaria as not only a health crisis but also an economic and developmental emergency. According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the minister emphasized that malaria drains productivity, increases healthcare costs, and deepens poverty in the country. “Nigeria accounts for…

Former presidential aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has asserted that Nigeria’s presidency will not return to the northern region in 2027, emphasizing the need to uphold the political power rotation arrangement between the North and South. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, Okupe referenced historical precedents, particularly the events that led to the election of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, as an example of national consensus to address regional tensions. Okupe highlighted the aftermath of the annulled 1993 presidential election, which was widely regarded as won by Chief MKO Abiola, and the subsequent need to placate the South-West.…

In a bid to curb the alarming rate of road accidents during the Ember Months, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Celebrity Special Marshals, Ogun State Unit, has launched a road safety jingle to promote safe driving practices and raise public awareness. The jingle, officially unveiled in Abeokuta, Ogun State, is part of a broader campaign by the Celebrity Special Marshals to foster road safety and minimize road traffic crashes, which often surge between September and December due to heightened vehicular activities. Speaking virtually at the launch, the National Head of the FRSC Celebrity Special Marshals Unit, Julie Chi-Nwaoha, highlighted…

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Chapter, has appealed to the Ogun State Government to expedite the process of appointing a new Rector for the institution. With the tenure of the current Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, set to expire on December 5, 2024, the union emphasized the importance of ensuring a seamless leadership transition to maintain stability and foster progress. In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Tunde Abiodun, and Secretary, Comrade Olutosin Ogundeyi, SSANIP commended the Governing Council and other stakeholders for their diligence in the ongoing selection process. The union,…