Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Two brothers identified as Henry and Emanuel Odep from Cross River State were apprehended and paraded by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their involvement in cyber fraud activities.  Henry confessed to making N460,000 by impersonating the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, on Facebook between September and December 2023.  The NSCDC had issued a public alert regarding the fake Facebook account earlier in September 2023. The investigation revealed their use of various platforms such as Opay, Moniepoint, and Palmpay to receive illicit funds.  Collaborative efforts between NSCDC intelligence units and counterparts from Delta and Anambra State Commands led…

The Federal Government has given the green light to a salary increase ranging from 25% to 35% for civil servants across various sectors.  The increase applies to six consolidated salary structures, including CONPSS, CONRAISS, CONPOSS, CONPASS, CONICCS, and CONAFSS. This move follows previous increases in sectors such as Tertiary Education and Health, where employees had already received salary bumps under structures like CONUASS, CONTISS, CONPCASS, CONTEDISS, CONMESS, and CONHESS. Effective from January 1st, 2024, the decision aims to enhance the financial well-being of civil servants, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to national development. Furthermore, the Federal Government has approved pension increments…

Daud Olatunji Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, have thrown their support behind the creation of the new Ibara GRA Regeneration Scheme. The support came  despite controversies surrounding the eviction of current residents to pave the way for the construction. Obasanjo voiced his endorsement during an advocacy session organized by the Ministry of Housing, led by Commissioner Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, at the Olowu palace in Oke-Ago Owu, Abeokuta.  Reflecting on the history of the old Ibara GRA, he lamented its outdated infrastructure and urged the state government to prioritize urban renewal.…

In a compelling rebuttal to the Defence Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) version of events surrounding his abduction, Mr. Segun Olatunji, the Editor of FirstNews, has  described  the agency’s narrative as “tales by moonlight.”  Speaking out against what he perceives as an attempt to discredit him, Olatunji highlighted discrepancies and raised concerns about his safety in a statement personally signed and released to the public. Contrary to the DIA’s claims of an “emergency press conference” where Olatunji allegedly confessed to fabricating stories and apologized to Mr. Gbajabiamila, Olatunji vehemently denied such occurrences, branding them as fictitious.  He challenged the DIA to provide…

In a series of tragic events that have left the community of Ogun State reeling, two separate incidents of suspected suicides have occurred.  The first incident involved a 24-year-old woman, Gift Bello, who allegedly plunged into a well at Arigbanwo along Mowe, in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun. Eyewitnesses reported that Bello drowned after jumping into the well and was later recovered lifeless.  She said that the  circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation, adding that  an autopsy has been scheduled to shed light on the tragedy. Simultaneously, in another part of the state, a man identified as…

The Benin Palace has expelled six traditional functionaries for their allegiance to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Accused of sacrilege and falsehood against Benin customs, the functionaries, including Johnbull Igbinosun and S.E. Aigbiremwen, were stripped of their titles and royal recognition. Chief Press Secretary Osaigbovo Iguobaro stated that the erring officials admitted their wrongdoing before a committee led by Chief Ekhoerovbiye Oviasogie. The Uwangue of Benin deemed their actions deliberate attempts to undermine the kingdom, leading to their suspension and expulsion. The banished officials, escorted out of the Palace by ancestral spirits invoked by traditional seers, are…

The State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Hon. Itunu Abioro, has taken a firm stance against the establishment of state police in Nigeria.  He emphasises the importance of exploring alternative solutions to the nation’s security challenges rather than introducing state-level law enforcement agencies. Abioro stressed  the significance of crime prevention, emphasizing that effective deterrence measures outweigh reactive responses to criminal activities.  He calls upon state governors and stakeholders within the security sector to prioritize equipping the police force with necessary resources, enabling them to assert authority while maintaining a friendly and helpful demeanor. Furthermore, Abioro…

A female police inspector, Christiana Erekere,has been  brutally beaten to death by a mob of travellers in front of Taabaa Police Station in Rivers State. PLATFORM TIMES however gathered that no fewer than 16 suspects linked to the act have been arrested by  Rivers State Police Command .  According to reports, the horrifying incident occured  on April 25 while Inspector Erekere was on duty at the Bori Police Division.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that a routine traffic stop escalated into a violent confrontation when the occupants of a private vehicle resisted police checks, leading to a road blockade and a confrontation…

The Nigerian Army has apprehended a notorious human trafficker, Mrs. Olushola Areke, in Lagos State, rescuing a 22-year-old victim from her clutches. Mrs. Areke’s arrest was confirmed in a press statement issued by the army authorities via the office of the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations on Monday. According to the statement, troops of 65 Bn Nigerian Army (NA) operating under the 81 Division NA acted on actionable intelligence, leading to the successful apprehension of Mrs. Areke.  She stands accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter entrusted to her care by Mrs. Ainor Kunle. Initially promised employment…

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja has granted an interim order to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 1,146 bank accounts connected to individuals and companies. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the affected accounts were under investigation for alleged unauthorised dealing in forex exchange, money laundering, and terrorism financing. PLATFORM TIMES  further gathered that the  order, issued on Wednesday,  made in response to a motion by EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho, stressing  the seriousness of the allegations and  the necessity to freeze the accounts “pending conclusion of investigation.”  This freeze, set for a duration of 90…