Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Nigerian Army says it has  apprehended  two of its personnel allegedly involved in the theft of armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  suspects, identified as CPL Innocent Joseph and L/CPL Jacob Gani, were caught red-handed attempting to abscond from the refinery premises with 897 armoured cables. The Dangote Refinery, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial landscape, stands as a testament to the country’s economic aspirations.  Inaugurated on May 22, 2023, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, the refinery boasts the capacity to process a staggering 650,000 barrels per day of crude oil,…

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dragged before a court an Enugu resident accused of sexually exploiting a minor over a four-year period.  The suspect, Nnaike Obiora Charles, was brought before the Federal High Court in Enugu, presided over by Honorable Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo, to face charges related to the exploitation of a 14-year-old girl. Charles, upon arraignment, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges outlined in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/3/2024.  Subsequently, his defense counsel, Gozie Iwuala Esq., moved for bail, which was not opposed by Sam Offiah Esq., representing NAPTIP. Notably, Charles…

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello has denounced the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s  attempted arrest as illegal and in direct violation of a standing court order.  The confrontation occured  on Wednesday as EFCC operatives converged on Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, purportedly in connection with an ongoing N84 billion fraud case. Bello’s media office released a statement, asserting that the EFCC’s actions flouted a court injunction issued in February.  The injunction, granted by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, restrained the EFCC from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello pending the resolution of a fundamental…

Solomon Abuede, James Monday, and Kelvin Edward have been  sentenced to death by hanging by Hon Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh at the High Court in Benin.  Their crimes of armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder, perpetrated against Ephraim Akhere in Ihumudumun Quarters, Ekpoma, shook the community on June 13, 2014. The court also handed a life imprisonment sentence to Oviasogie Sunday for his role in receiving stolen property, namely an Infinity Jeep belonging to the late Akhere.  These severe sentences underscored the gravity of their offenses under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of Edo State 2013 and the Armed…

Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, has made a resounding statement following his Naira abuse trial, declaring “Money na water” on his Instagram shortly after fulfilling his N10 million bail condition with two sureties in like sum. The prominent businessman and socialite, who pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the Nigerian currency, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from his followers.  In a post on his Instagram account, he acknowledged the outpouring of love and assured his fans that he was not to be underestimated. The Federal High Court in Lagos State had granted Okechukwu bail on…

Jelili Gbadamosi About 29 individuals of the Yoruba Nation movement, purportedly affiliated with the movement, were brought before the Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. They face charges related to their alleged involvement in the attempted incursion of the Governor’s Office and the state House of Assembly premises. The proceedings, documented under charge number Mi/520c/2024, pit the Commissioner of Police against the accused, highlighting the legal ramifications of the incident that occurred on Saturday, April 13, 2024.  Masked individuals, believed to be Yoruba Nation agitators, reportedly attempted to raise their flag at the state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, before…

Febe Falodun Residents of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State came out in large numbers on Tuesday evening, blocking the Makurdi-Naka road to express their anger and frustration over the rampant killings in the area. In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, 26 individuals from three different communities in the council area have lost their lives in a series of attacks believed to be carried out by bandits suspected to be herdsmen. The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Henry Agba, revealed to our correspondent that the attack, which started on Saturday and continued…

Daud Olatunji Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun commenced a three-day visit to Ogun State, where he sanctioned the establishment of additional area commands in Ifo, Imeko, and Idi-Iroko areas.  The move is aimed at bolstering security efforts and addressing the surge in kidnapping cases within the state. Arriving at the state’s command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, alongside Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Olatoye Durosimi and State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu, Egbetokun urged officers to intensify their fight against crime. During discussions with stakeholders and police personnel, the IG emphasized the need for increased support to effectively combat crime.…

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the suspension of mining activities at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital and surrounding areas following reports of illegal mining operations. During a meeting with OAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, and the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, the minister announced the halt on Tuesday. The decision came after numerous complaints from students and residents about the adverse effects of illegal mining on the local economy, prompting swift action from the ministry to investigate the matter thoroughly. Preliminary reports confirmed the presence of mining activities, leading to the…

… IMF Raises Nigeria’s 2024 Growth Forecast To 3.3% The World Bank released a report on Monday, highlighting the imperative need for Nigeria and other Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) to secure a staggering $600 billion in investments to realize the clean hydrogen energy project by 2030. The report underscores the significance of clean hydrogen as a pivotal component in the global energy transition, particularly for its potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry and heavy-duty transport. Notably, the largest hydrogen project under construction is in Saudi Arabia, slated to commence operations in 2026. To alleviate the financial…