Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji Kidnappers have reportedly released a motorcyclist and a passenger abducted four days ago in Imeko, Ogun State, after collecting a ransom of N2.5 million and a new motorcycle. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  victims, Nurat Oladele and her Okada rider, Dauda Isiaka, were abducted by gunmen while coming from Ijio, Iwere Ile, an Oyo community which shares a boundary with the State on Monday, April 1. The State Police Command had said that it has launched a manhunt for the abductors of the two victims. An eyewitness reported  the incident to the Divisional Police Officer at Imeko in…

In a stark revelation, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s staggering daily loss of $15 billion due to oil under-production.  This loss, equivalent to at least 500,000 barrels per day, paints a dire picture of the country’s economic hemorrhage, exceeding even the national budget. Speaking in Lagos, PETAN Chairman, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, highlighted the grave consequences of Nigeria’s failure to reach its oil production capacity.  He emphasized the urgent need for in-country retention of values and beneficiation throughout the oil and gas industry. Ogunsanya underscored the importance of government policy initiatives and collaboration…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is gearing up to arraign the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the Ikeja State High Court in Lagos on Monday. Emefiele faces charges of abuse of office over the alleged allocation of billions of United States dollars. Accompanied by his co-defendant, Henry Isioma Omole, Emefiele will face a 26-count charge before Justice Rahman Oshodi. The charges, marked ID/23787c/2024 and filed by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), allege that Emefiele abused his office between 2022 and 2023 by arbitrarily allocating foreign exchange totaling $2,136,391,737.33 without proper bidding procedures, to the detriment…

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, says the Federal Government will continue to subsidise electricity for Nigerians to guarantee stable and reliable supply. Adelabu said this at the Ministerial Press Briefing Series organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Friday in Abuja. He said that the recent increase in tariff affected only a small percentage of the country’s population ,adding that majority of Nigerians would continue to enjoy government’s subsidy. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had announced an increase in electricity tariff paid by Band A customers…

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has responded to allegations leveled against him by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, urging the governor to prioritize delivering good governance instead of engaging in what he termed as futile pursuits. The dispute arises from the state government’s decision to file criminal charges against Ganduje over alleged bribery amounting to $413,000 and N1.38 billion.  Governor Yusuf, upon assuming office in 2023, accused the former governor of misappropriating public funds and allocating land to family members. The state government disclosed its readiness to present 15 witnesses against Ganduje, along…

Kwara Government says its order banning the production of charcoal in the state still stands. The State Commissioner for Environment, Malam Shehu Ndanusa made this known while briefing newsmen in Ilorin on Friday. “The law banning the production of charcoal in Kwara is still intact. Whoever is caught violating the law will be sanctioned accordingly”, he said. The commissioner warned that the illegal felling of trees for charcoal was impacting negatively on the environment, adding that the government was committed to afforestation to preserve the environment. Ndanusa said that a task force on charcoal production has been ordered to move…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has levied a hefty fine of ₦200 million against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) for its failure to adhere to tariff directives.  The AEDC implemented the new power tariff of N225 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) across all customer bands within its franchise areas, contrary to the specified directive that only customers in Band A should be subjected to the revised rate. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the punitive measure stems from the violation of the commission’s Supplementary Order regarding the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order.  The directive aimed to mitigate the impact of tariff…

The Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has suspended  the State’s Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Aminu Kanta, following allegations of funds misappropriation allocated for the Ramadan Iftar Feeding Programme in Babura local government area. The suspension, effective immediately, was communicated through a press statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, in Dutse, the state capital, on Friday.  The government said the  suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigative committee established by the governor to probe the alleged mismanagement. The statement emphasised the governor’s commitment to ensuring financial accountability and prudent management…

Eagerly anticipated by Muslims across Abeokuta, the second edition of Eid Fiesta is slated to take place on April 13th, 2024, at the prestigious MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto.  Following the resounding success of its inaugural event in 2023, this year’s celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr vows to surpass all expectations. In an exclusive interview, Fahdlulahi Shittu, the visionary behind Eid Fiesta,  unveiled plans for an event that promises an unparalleled blend of organisation and aesthetics, ensuring attendees a premium experience.  Shittu articulated, “We’ve listened to feedback and are dedicated to making this year’s Eid Fiesta even more memorable.” This festive occasion…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday filed a six-count charge before a Federal High Court Lagos against Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky over alleged money laundering and mutilation of the naira. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was arrested by the anti-graft agency in connection with the offence. According to the charge, labelled FHC/l/244c/2024, the defendant was said to have committed the offence on March 24, at Circle Mall, Jakande in the Lekki area of Lagos. The agency alleged that he tampered with the cumulative sum…