Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Some road users in Ebonyi have decried alleged kidnapping incidents along the Idodo axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki expressway. They described the incident as “worrisome” and called on the Federal, Ebonyi and Enugu governments to intervene and make the highway safer. There have been tensions among travellers and transporters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi capital, who ply the route as the incident poses threats to mankind. Kidnapping has become more or less a lucrative business across states of the federation, as some individuals abduct people for rituals or in exchange for ransom. Jerry Okonkwo, a commercial driver, on Saturday, expressed concerns over the…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, a World Bank loan, and Abacha recovered loot at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the investigation into the ministry’s affairs has led to the recovery of a staggering N32.7 billion and $445,000 so far.  The probe implicates suspended Humanitarian Minister Betta Edu, her predecessor Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and the Coordinator of the National Social Insurance Programmes Agency, Halima Shehu. Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC’s investigation targets a systemic issue rather than individual culpability, with banks involved…

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a commercial bus transporting counterfeit cash amounting to N3.2 million.  Among the three suspects apprehended in connection with the illegal activity were eight-month pregnant Favour Peter, 24; Esther Adukwu, 27; and Ochigbo Michael, 39.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the T arrest took place at Jabi park in Abuja following a follow-up operation triggered by the seizure of fake naira notes in Lokoja, Kogi state. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard base in Lokoja, intercepted 37-year-old Aliyu Lawal with 620 blocks…

President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA),Sir Odeiga Jideonwo, has lauded the significant impact of the Dangote Group, spearheaded by its President, Aliko Dangote, on the Nigerian economy. Jideonwo spoke at  the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair themed ‘Promoting Made in Nigeria Products for Global Competitiveness’. He praised the Dangote Group’s diverse ventures, citing the recent commencement of production at the Dangote refinery as a crucial step towards addressing Nigeria’s refined petroleum product challenges.  He commended the group’s visionary leadership, innovative approaches, and steadfastness, which have propelled it to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s business and…

In response to claims made by the Borno State Police Command alleging plans for retaliatory attacks on police officers, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, has vehemently denied such intentions.  The organization clarified that reports of plotting reprisal attacks following the recent killings of its members in Kaduna and Zaria are unfounded. Speaking on behalf of IMN, Prof. I. H. Mshelgaru issued a statement in Abuja, refuting the purported police intelligence message.  He emphasized that there is no intention to seek vengeance for the deaths of seven members in Kaduna and Zaria.  The organization categorically stated…

In the tragic aftermath of the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction ten years ago, the toll on families continues to mount.  Over 250 girls were taken from Government Secondary School in Chibok, with over 80 still in captivity.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the enduring anguish has claimed the lives of 30 parents who passed away while awaiting the return of their daughters.  Yakubu Nkenki, chairman of the Chibok Parents Association, highlighted the ongoing struggle, emphasizing the need for intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining girls.  Despite initial hopes raised by the release of 103 girls, families like Amina Nkenki’s…

Six commercial banks in Nigeria ramped up their investments in information and technology (IT) by 44.66 percent, reaching a total of N205.34 billion, as electronic transactions gained momentum, according to a report by BusinessDay. The surge in IT spending corresponded with a 43.73 percent increase in income from electronic transactions, totaling N331.61 billion, as revealed in the banks’ financial statements. This highlights a significant shift in the country’s payment landscape towards digital transactions. Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank, led the pack with the highest IT expenditure of N78.05 billion in the past year. Other major players…

Joshua Rogers, a reporter for Channels Television stationed in Rivers State,has  shared snippets of his traumatic 24-hour ordeal after being abducted by unknown assailants near his residence in Port Harcourt. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident occurred  on Thursday when Rogers was forcibly taken from near his home, only to be released from captivity around 11 pm on Friday. During his captivity, Rogers’ abductors reportedly contacted his wife, demanding a staggering N30 million ransom for his safe return.  However, it remains unclear whether any money exchanged hands to secure his freedom. In a Facebook post shortly after his release, Rogers…

No fewer than 23 inmates of the Enugu Custodial Centre bagged Masters, first degree and Post Graduate Diploma of the National Open University of Nigeria on Saturday. While five of them bagged Master’s degrees, 17 bagged their first degrees, and one got a Post-Graduate Diploma. The 23 are products of NOUN’s Study Centre at the custodial facility that completed their various courses within four or five years. State Coordinator of NOUN, Nigerian Correctional Service, Mrs Jennifer Nwonyi, presented the degrees and diploma to the graduates at a virtual convocation held at the Enugu Custodial Centre. She noted that the graduates…

The Federal Government has assured  that approximately 85% of Nigerians still benefit from electricity subsidies, despite the recent announcement of a tariff hike by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) This revelation comes amidst widespread reactions from citizens following the increment in electricity tariffs, particularly for Band A customers. According to the statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, a significant portion of the Nigerian population continues to enjoy subsidized electricity rates under various categorizations of the new electricity supply regime.  The Minister, speaking as a guest on the radio programme “Hannu Da Yawa” in…