Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a decisive move to curb illegal mining activities, the Oyo State government has successfully apprehended a group of illegal miners operating in Idi-Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area.  Governor Seyi Makinde announced on Saturday that the undisclosed number of culprits was taken into custody following a tip-off about their processing facility for illicitly mined minerals. Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of citizens’ cooperation in facilitating these arrests and highlighted the government’s commitment to preventing a repeat of the January explosion in Bodija, Ibadan.  The governor attributed the Bodija incident to the activities of illegal miners, underscoring the need for swift…

 The Court of Appeal, Gombe Division, has upheld the conviction and five-year jail term of Yobe State Local Government Auditor General, Alhaji Idris Yahaya.  Yahaya faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge of criminal misappropriation involving N19.9 million. Earlier, on March 13, 2023, Justice Muhammad Lawu Lawan of the Yobe State High Court had convicted and sentenced Yahaya for misappropriating funds received from the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Yobe State.  The charge stated that Yahaya, between May 20th to 21st, 2017, received N19.9 million for the…

In a significant crackdown on financial misconduct, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended a total of 11 individuals suspected of engaging in currency racketeering in Kano.  Operatives from the Kano Zonal Command executed the arrests on Monday, February 19, 2024, following intelligence that exposed a syndicate of fraudsters operating near the Central Bank of Nigeria on Lagos Street. The syndicate, allegedly specializing in the illicit sale of new naira notes, had five of its members arrested while in the act of selling these notes to the public.  Shockingly, among those apprehended were six bankers believed to be…

One of the eight reservoirs laden with 1m litres of crude oil seized by the Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt Troops of the Nigerian Army have seized about one million litres of crude oil believed to have been stolen from wellheads in Rivers. Brig.-Gen. Eddie Effiong, Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said this on Saturday when he led journalists on a tour of illegal bunkering sites in Odagwa community in Etche, Rivers. He said that troops discovered the crude oil stored in eight large reservoirs following a tip-off about the operation of illegal refineries in a dense…

The police command in Yobe, say suspected Boko Haram insurgents have destroyed two 330 KVA power transmission towers in the state, plunging residents of Borno and Yobe into darkness. DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the spokesperson for the command, said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Saturday. Abdulkarim said that the transmission towers supplied electricity from Gombe to Yobe and Borno He said that the attackers were suspected to have used improvised explosive devices to blow up the facilities in the early hours of Saturday. “The transmission towers are located in Kasaisa in Damaturu…

A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to disclose the revenue generated from toll gates and parking lots fees at all Federal Government-owned airports.  The court order extends from January 2015 to January 2024, and the presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Kala, has given FAAN a three-month timeline to comply. The order follows a suit filed by the Registered Trustees of The Centre for Law and Civil Culture, citing FAAN’s failure to respond to a Freedom of Information request made on August 24, 2022. B.O. Fowewe represented the applicant, while A.A. Lawal appeared…

Daud Olatunji The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) Ogun State Chapter has finalised plans to host the 10th edition of the Waheed Kadiri Lecture Series next week, Monday.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the lecture is organised in honour of the former president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and former Chairman African Planning Association, Alhaj Waheed Kadiri  for his contributions to the profession. PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the focus of this year’s edition is titled “Town Planners, Sustainable Development, and Nation Building.” The event is designed to bring together professionals and scholars in the field to deliberate…

Ayomide Shoboyejo The IAS Unique Homes and Properties has received the blessings of  the Olu of Itori, Ewekoro local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Abdulfatah Akamo over its sterling performances . The monarch spoke at a dinner held by IAS Unique Homes and Properties in honour of the monarch over his 20 coronation anniversary. During the celebration, Kabiesi announced honorary titles for a religious musician, Abdul Kabiru Alayande popularly called Ere Asalatu  and the Chairman of IAS, underscoring the importance of God’s guidance in achieving success. Assuring continued support for IAS Unique Homes and Properties, the monarch urged staff…

Daud Olatunji In a noteworthy development, the British High Commission has praised the Ogun State government for its robust pursuit of industrial growth, establishing the state as a prime business destination in Nigeria. Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, expressed commendation during a visit to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele. Baxter emphasized that the substantial industrial presence in Ogun State underscores Governor Dapo Abiodun’s dedication to positioning the state as Nigeria’s industrial hub.  The British envoy conveyed the Commission’s eagerness to collaborate, fostering stronger economic and trade ties. Recognizing Ogun’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s industrial…

Daud Olatunji The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos Zone, has demanded the immediate release of the allocated N170 billion in the 2023 budget for university revitalization and called for a more sustainable funding framework. The union also expressed concern over TETFUND’s reported intention to assist a foreign institution, urging clarity and emphasizing the agency’s responsibility to enhance Nigerian institutions. During a press conference held at the University of Lagos on Friday, the zonal Coordinator, Adelaja Odukoya addressed critical issues plaguing the Nigerian education system.  The union reiterated its longstanding call for increased government funding and attention to public…