Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji  In a dramatic turn of events, the Abia State Police Command has successfully rescued three abducted children from their captors in operations spanning Anambra and Delta States. This was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the command’s spokesperson. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  harrowing ordeal began on May 10, 2024, when a report was lodged about the abduction of three young boys: Gideon Osinachi, aged eight; Obioma Divine Osinachi, aged six; and Israel Osinachi, aged four. The children were reportedly taken by an unidentified cyclist from Amoba Okoro village in Ikwuanno Local…

Former BBNaija housemate Doyin David has recently opened up about her experience on the popular reality TV show, revealing that she faked her personality during her time in the house.  In a candid discussion on the CreativiTEA podcast, Doyin, who also joined the All-Stars season the following year, reflected on the pressures and challenges she faced during the show. Doyin admitted that she felt compelled to project a mature persona, which she now acknowledges was not true to her real self.  “My first run was not my best run, to be honest,” Doyin confessed. “I have been on the show…

The Kano State Government and the state  Commissioner of Police, Ussain Gumel, have disagreed over the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities. While the government  expressed concern over the actions of the State Police Commissioner, accusing him  of disobeying the directives of the Governor. But, the Commissioner  said he had never disrespected the governor. The government further  alleged that “agents of destruction and rejected politicians” were “desperately making plans to plunge the state into unnecessary and avoidable anarchy”. “Some people are dishing out instructions to security chiefs in the state so much that the state Commissioner of Police(CP), without any consultation…

Lagos, Nigeria – Christ’s Outreach on Disabilities (CODISA) is marking its 40th anniversary with a year-long initiative called “40 Projects for 40 Years.” Founded in 1984, CODISA initially focused on helping people with physical disabilities. It has since grown into a standalone non-profit organization (NGO) serving a wider range of needs. Originally affiliated with the Chapel of the Healing Cross Idi-araba and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital/CMUL, CODISA has become a leading voice for inclusion and empowerment. The organization now supports over 40 care facilities and institutions, providing essential services to people with disabilities and other marginalized groups. “In Nigeria,…

Daud Olatunji Nigeria’s banking sector has experienced a significant financial drain due to fraudulent activities, losing a staggering N56.37 billion over the past four years, according to a recent report by the geopolitical research firm SBM Intelligence. The report highlights an alarming 83 percent increase in fraud-related losses from 2020 to 2023.  Breaking down the annual figures, the banking sector lost N11.61 billion in 2020, N12.77 billion in 2021, N14.32 billion in 2022, and N17.67 billion in 2023.  These numbers underscore the growing sophistication and success of fraudsters within the sector. Fraud is a global issue in the financial sector,…

The Ogun State Police Command has initiated an intensive search operation to recover the body of Francis Danjuma, a 32-year-old son of a police officer, who allegedly drowned in the Ogun River.. The tragic incident has left the community and his family in deep distress. Danjuma, who was a resident of the Isheri Olofin community, left his house around 2:00 p.m. on June 12, 2024, intending to bathe in the river. His disappearance was first reported by his father, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Danjuma Shaibu, who resides at the Alausa Police Barracks in Lagos State. According to a police…

Wema Bank has successfully concluded the first tranche of its recapitalisation exercise, securing all necessary regulatory approvals for a N40 billion rights issue. PLATFORM TIMES reports that this  marks a crucial step in the bank’s strategic growth plan aimed at enhancing its financial stability and market position. Wema Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Moruf Oseni, announced the completion of the rights issue in a statement released on Friday.  Oseni highlighted that the rights issue, launched in December 2023, received approvals from both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  . This move aligns with the…

A Chief magistrates’ court in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, handed down a three-month prison sentence to Kabiru Lawal, 35, for the theft of goats and a ram.  Lawal had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges of stealing and fraudulent conversion. The court proceedings, presided over by Magistrate V.B. William, revealed that Lawal committed the offences in June 2023.  According to the prosecutor, Lawrence Olu-Balogun, Lawal fraudulently obtained eight goats and one ram from Ibrahim Akanbi, valued at N300,000.  Akanbi had entrusted Lawal with the animals under the pretext that he would help sell them.  However, instead of fulfilling this…

Nigerian pilgrims from Katsina State have expressed their distress and frustration after being left without proper accommodation in Mina, Saudi Arabia.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that despite paying over N8 million each for the Hajj pilgrimage, these pilgrims found themselves sleeping on the floor under canopies, a situation they described as dire and unacceptable. In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the pilgrims, clad in their religious attire, were seen huddled together on the bare ground, highlighting the neglect they have suffered at the hands of the state authorities responsible for their welfare. Usman Bello Daura, one of the affected pilgrims, voiced…

Retired military officer, General Ishola Williams, has voiced strong criticism against the immunity clause in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. The retired General, argued  that the act emboldens corrupt politicians by protecting them from arrest and prosecution while in office.  He stated this during his appearance on the socio-political programme Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels Television, General Williams described the constitution as “corruption-prone.” “The constitution is corruption-prone because it provides immunity for crooks once they assume elective offices,” said General Williams, the former Head of Transparency International in Nigeria.  “Immunity is equivalent to impunity. So, any constitution that has…