Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A company owned by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, New Planet Project Limited, has purportedly received a total of N438.1 million from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under Betta Edu for consultancy services. Documents sighted  by PLATFORM TIMES indicate that New Planet Project Limited was among the consultants awarded contracts from the N3 billion disbursed by the suspended minister for the National Social Register project, designed for cash transfers and other social investment programs. Initially paid N279 million for verification purposes and an additional N159 million for the same task, the company, whose directors include the…

In a distressing incident, suspected kidnappers have abducted Pa Adeife Ifelaja, a 70-year-old piggery farmer and elder with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ijebu Igbo, the headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government in Ogun State. Pa Adeife was reportedly kidnapped from his residence in Ijebu-Igbo on the night of December 31, 2023, as he prepared to attend the crossover service.  Reliable sources have confirmed that the abductors have contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N50 million for his release. A source close to the family disclosed, “Yes, it is true that Pa Adeife Ifelaja was kidnapped…

Access Holdings has successfully concluded the acquisition of African Banking Corporation Zambia Limited, trading as Atlas Mara Zambia, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Zambia.  Sunday Ekwochi, the secretary of Access Holdings, revealed this in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange on Monday. The move to acquire Atlas Mara Zambia was initiated by Access Holdings in January 2023.  Following the completion of the acquisition, Access Zambia is now set to embark on the process of integrating and merging Atlas Mara Zambia into its operations.  The strategic goal is to position itself as one of the top five banks…

The Women-led Civil Society Network (WOLNY), a non-governmental organization (NGO), is calling for justice following the brutal murder of Hajiya Ammi Ibrahim beside her husband, Abubakar Musa, at their residence in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.  The incident, which occurred on January 4, has led to the detention of the woman’s husband, 43-year-old Musa, who is now a suspect in the alleged murder of his civil servant wife. Expressing deep concern over the rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, WOLNY released a statement on Monday, signed by its Chairperson, Hajiya Altine Ibrahim.  The NGO is urging the police to…

In the wake of the N438.1 million consultancy contract controversy between New Planet Project Limited and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vehemently refuted any association with the financial dealings. President Bola Tinubu has recently instructed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to investigate all financial transactions related to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This directive comes following the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, who was in charge of the ministry. Dr. Edu faced criticism after a leaked memo on December…

Daud Olatunji 349 former councilors who served under the administration of the immediate past Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, have beseeched the current Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to address their outstanding severance packages, furniture allowances, and two  months and 10 days of unpaid salary. The ex-councillors, who rendered their services to the state between 2016 and 2019, visited the Governor’s office at Oke-mosan, Abeokuta on Monday to implore Abiodun to fulfill their entitlements.  Speaking on behalf of the group, Kayode Olumide from Abeokuta South Local Government lamented the challenges they faced, revealing that life had become difficult for many.…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken decisive action, dissolving the board of directors of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Disco) on Monday.  This move is a result of the Disco’s inability to settle a substantial N110bn debt owed to the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry, as indicated in a regulatory order dated January 1, 2024, signed by NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba and Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni. Kaduna Disco, one of five Discos taken over by promoters due to core investors’ failure to repay borrowed funds from the 2013 privatization, faced financial challenges leading to the dissolution of its board. …

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) achieved a significant milestone as it crossed the N1 trillion mark in market capitalization at the close of trading on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Monday. UBA’s market cap soared to N1.022 trillion from N990 billion on Friday, marking a substantial N32 billion gain in a single day.  This achievement solidifies UBA’s position as the third most-capitalized bank in Nigeria, trailing behind Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc. Notably, the financial institution’s shares were recognized as the highest-performing stock in the banking sector throughout 2023, emphasizing the bank’s robust growth trajectory.…

In a recent revelation following BBC Africa’s investigative report, a former disciple of TB Joshua has stepped forward, shedding light on disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct within the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).  The ex-disciple has disclosed that she was assigned the task of procuring virgins for the prominent religious leader’s alleged pleasure. In a newly released video by BBC Africa, the woman shared that she initially believed these young women would undergo training as disciples in the house of God.  However, to her dismay, she uncovered a darker side, recounting how TB Joshua allegedly exploited them during evening…

The Labour Party has  called for  a comprehensive investigation into the alleged N585m  scandal involving the minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation  urging the inclusion of all directors and Permanent Secretaries possibly involved in the alleged racketeering in the ministry. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi stated this in a statement  on Monday. Arabambi commended President Bola Tinubu for taking swift action in suspending Mrs Beta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation.  Highlighting that Mrs Beta Edu was not the sole signatory involved, the Labour Party called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct…