Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has dismissed viral reports alleging that he was a target of recent United States airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto State, describing the claims as false, misleading and recycled propaganda. Gumi said he was neither listed for elimination nor under any form of threat, insisting that he is “comfortably staying” in his home without fear or intimidation. Speaking in an interview with Leadership, the controversial cleric clarified that the video being circulated online was an old clip taken out of context and had nothing to do with recent military operations or any alleged US…

The Super Eagles delivered a statement performance on Monday night, thrashing Mozambique 4–0 to storm into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as Nigeria’s World Cup qualification disappointment continued to fuel a ruthless title push. Victor Osimhen struck twice while Ademola Lookman produced a goal and two assists in a dominant last-16 encounter at the Sports Complex Stadium in Fes, where Nigeria overwhelmed a Mozambican side making its maiden appearance in the AFCON knockout stage. Lookman set the tone midway through the first half, finishing coolly in the 20th minute after Akor Adams latched onto Alex…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has launched a blistering attack on some judges and legal practitioners, accusing them of deliberately bending the law to please powerful political and financial interests. Fubara made the allegation on Monday in Port Harcourt while delivering an address at the 2025/2026 legal year opening and re-dedication service, attended by judges, lawyers and top government officials. The governor said it was disturbing that some judicial officers, whom he described as “legal luminaries”, knowingly distort clear provisions of the law, not out of ignorance, but to pacify those he called their paymasters. “Some of you claim to…

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party chieftain, Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis to poor leadership rather than a shortage of resources, highlighting the country’s alarming decline relative to global peers. Obi spoke on Monday following the International Monetary Fund’s 2025 estimates, which show India’s economy now at $4.187 trillion, surpassing Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest by nominal GDP. “Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of resources, but a failure of leadership and priorities,” Obi said in a statement. “Despite substantial revenue growth, massive subsidy savings, and borrowing that exceeds all previous administrations from 1999 to…

 A Lagos State court on Monday sentenced a former State Education Director, Olawale Faleti, 64, to two years and five months in prison for stealing N48.9 million from Access Bank. Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted Faleti on five counts of fraud, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented evidence of repeated unauthorized withdrawals. In delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi noted that Faleti’s actions were deliberate and premeditated, exploiting a system glitch to siphon funds during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The judge further said Faleti showed no genuine remorse and failed…

The Federal Government has announced far-reaching reforms aimed at stamping out examination malpractice in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), with full implementation to commence from the 2026 examination cycle. The new measures, unveiled on Monday in Abuja, are part of efforts to restore credibility, integrity and public confidence in Nigeria’s examination system, which has for years been plagued by cheating, impersonation and other irregularities. Speaking at the announcement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu-Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, said the reforms would strengthen transparency, tighten oversight…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has stressed that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent until a competent court delivers a verdict on the charges against him. The anti-graft agency said Bello’s trial is still ongoing, insisting that it is not within the EFCC’s powers to determine guilt or innocence, but solely the responsibility of the court. Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is often a lengthy process that requires the presentation of witnesses and documentary evidence before…

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 55-year-old man, Ademola Joshua, over the alleged sexual abuse and impregnation of a minor, triggering fresh outrage over sexual and gender-based violence in the state. The suspect was taken into custody following a report lodged on January 4 by a man identified as Adewale of Ilara-Mokin, who accused Joshua of engaging in unlawful sexual activities with his niece. Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged crime came to light after inquiries were made into the cause of the minor’s…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to desist from meddling in the political affairs of Rivers State, declaring the state a “no-go area” for external interference. Wike handed down the warning on Monday during a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, amid the deepening political tension surrounding the control and leadership structure of the ruling party in the state. The former Rivers governor accused some political actors of speaking “recklessly” about the state after allegedly benefiting…

Judicial activities were paralysed across Ondo State on Monday as magistrates and presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts commenced an indefinite strike to press for judicial financial autonomy and improved welfare. The action, embarked upon by members of the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade A Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers, led to the closure of all magistrate and customary courts across the state, forcing litigants and court workers to return home. The striking judicial officers accused the state government of paying “lip service” to the issue of judicial autonomy, despite repeated assurances and previous agreements. They lamented what…