Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The family of Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, has reportedly entered negotiations with his abductors, who are demanding ₦500 million for his release. According to a family source who preferred anonymity, the abductors initiated contact with the family on Friday.  The source revealed this development to journalists in Benin City on Sunday. While details about efforts to raise the ransom remain undisclosed, it’s unclear whether the PDP, to which Aziegbemi belongs, is involved in assisting the family. When reached for comment, the spokesman for the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor,…

In the wake of a devastating ambush that claimed the lives of her husband and 16 other military personnel, Hauwa Ali, widow of the late Lt Col A.H. Ali, has made a poignant plea against allowing her children to join the military.  The harrowing incident unfolded on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in the Okuama community of the Ughelli South local government area in Delta state. During an exclusive interview with Daily Trust, Hauwa Ali recounted the shock and sorrow of losing her beloved husband in the line of duty.  “I did not know that the peace mission Ali and others…

Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos State has fixed May 30, 2024, as the start date for the trial of Christopher Jackson Edeh.  Edeh, a former employee of Fidelity Bank, faces nine charges including fraudulent false accounting and unauthorized access to computer systems. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Edeh allegedly tampered with customer account details, aiming to defraud and steal a total of N2.7 billion.  The charges include altering the accounts of entities like Dangote Cement Plc, Kano State Government, NNPC Trading Limited, and others. During the arraignment on February 28,…

In a major crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended several syndicates and seized a staggering 44.9 tonnes of cocaine along with other narcotics. The operation, which marks a significant victory in the fight against drug smuggling, underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to combatting the scourge of narcotics trafficking in the country. The seized contraband, including cocaine and other illicit substances, represents a substantial blow to organized crime networks involved in drug trafficking and distribution. The NDLEA’s successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in dismantling illicit drug syndicates and preventing the…

Police in Bauchi State have arrested three suspects for alleged criminal conspiracy, threat to life, criminal intimidation, and attempted kidnapping. SP Ahmed Wakil, spokesperson of the Command, said this in a statement on Sunday in Bauchi. He said the command, in the fight against kidnapping and other heinous crimes, continued to yield positive results. “On the 7th day of March 2024 at about 1400hrs, one Yahaya Adamu, of Badakoshi village Bauchi LGA, complained to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) domiciled in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Command. According to him, the complainant said on March 4, at about 2030 hrs,…

Prominent female scholars, activists, and leaders have come together to advocate for enhanced transnational dialogues and partnerships among women, emphasizing the potential for such collaborations to elevate the interests and well-being of women globally. This urgent call to action was underscored during the latest installment of the Toyin Falola Interview Series, broadcasted across numerous social media platforms, television networks, and radio stations worldwide.  The panel of esteemed discussants featured a diverse array of voices, including Professor Ousseina Alidou as the moderator, alongside renowned figures such as Professor Marame Gueye, Professor Fatima Sadiqi, Professor Simone A. J. Alexander, Dr. Zeinabou Hadari,…

In loving memory of Mrs. Titilola Oladunjoye Otesile, nee Olagesin, her family commemorates the second anniversary since her passing on March 25th, 2022. Mrs. Otesile, born on April 26th, 1966, was more than just a wife, mother, and grandmother; she was a cherished figure known for her kindness and unwavering love.  Despite the two years that have passed, the void left by her absence is felt deeply by her loved ones. Described as a rare gem with a heart of gold, Mrs. Otesile touched the lives of many with her special way of spreading joy and love.  Her legacy of…

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding the emergence of fake oil and gas job offers in neighboring West African countries. Communication Officer, Adekoye Vincent  in a statement issued on Sunday said  Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi, Director-General of NAPTIP, disclosed this alarming trend at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja during a discussion on emerging trends in human trafficking for the year 2024. The DG said the offers, disguised as lucrative employment opportunities, are being used by suspected human traffickers to lure unsuspecting victims for various…

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has doubled down on its pledge to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for contributing to the failure of banks.  This assurance came from the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NDIC, Mr. Bello Hassan, highlighting NDIC’s crucial role in combatting financial crimes within the banking sector through its mandate of bank supervision and liquidation of licensed banks. During a courtesy visit of NDIC management to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja,  Hassan commended the EFCC for its relentless efforts in the…

Suspected smugglers  have launched a violent attack on Nigeria’s Customs Services (NCS) outstation in Yauri, Kebbi State, resulting in the retrieval of 29 bags of seized foreign rice amidst chaos and confrontation. Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kebbi State Area Command of the NCS, SC Mohmmed Tajudeen Salisu, revealed that the attack occurred late on Thursday, March 21, 2024, around 2310 hours.  The combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance had responded to reports of suspected smuggling activity at Yauri Waterside.  Upon arrival, they seized 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice, which were subsequently secured and…