Author: Platform Times Newspaper

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive mandating the purchase of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Tinubu emphasized that the adoption of CNG vehicles aligns with the nation’s efforts to reduce emissions and promote more sustainable energy consumption practices.  CNG vehicles are recognized for their lower emissions profile and cost-effectiveness, making them an attractive alternative for Nigerian consumers. The directive comes on the heels of a recent tour by Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to a CNG vehicle manufacturing facility.  During the tour, Minister of Finance, Wale  Edun pledged that CNG…

A  45-year-old man, Ishola Abayomi John, finds himself entangled in a web of accusations, including impersonation and fraud. Abayomi is facing a total of 13 charges before  an Abeokuta Magistrate Court in Ogun state for allegedly impersonating his friend’s ex-wife, Barrister Seyi Olanrewaju, and fabricating official documents bearing her identity.  The alleged misconduct, which spanned over two years from January 2022 to March 2024, targeted unsuspecting members of the public, particularly in real estate transactions. The initial arraignment on March 7, 2024, saw Abayomi facing three counts related to impersonation.  However, the charges have since escalated, now totaling 13 counts. …

The Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigerian Police Force,has been dragged to court for reportedly detaining International Human Rights Commission High Commissioner in Nigeria,  Dr Adejare Adegbenro  without a charge.  Dr Adegbenro in a suit filed before the High Court in Abuja, has sued the SWAT for violations of human rights. He   noted that he was summon for no reason and detained thereafter, rendering him incommunicado from April 26. The Coalition of Civil Society Networks also raised a public outcry over Dr  Adegbenro who has been in the police custody in Abuja for 18 days detained…

The Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, has sentenced 43-year-old Akinyemi Ojo to life imprisonment for attempting to murder a woman on a farm. Ojo, who stood trial on a one-count charge of attempted murder, was arraigned before the court on January 25, 2023.  The charge stemmed from an incident on December 5, 2022, in Aramoko Ekiti, where Ojo allegedly attacked the victim, identified as David Faith, with a machete. During the trial, the victim recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “While I was on the farm, I saw the man holding a cutlass and coming ferociously towards where I…

The family of Ms. Namitra Bwala, a student at Lead British International School in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has taken decisive legal action against the institution following a disturbing incident of bullying captured in a viral video. In a civil suit filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the family is seeking   justice for the trauma and negligence their daughter endured while under the care of the school.  The lawsuit, which seeks damages totaling N500 million and a public apology published in two national dailies, underscores the seriousness with which they view the school’s failure to provide…

Troops operating in the North-West zone have successfully eliminated four bandits, including the notorious Dongon Bangaje, during intense fighting patrols in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The operation, spearheaded by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, saw troops conducting special fighting patrols over the weekend at Tumburku village and Sabon Sara, both located in Giwa LGA. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops spotted bandits fleeing Sabon Sara and immediately engaged them in a hot pursuit.  In the ensuing confrontation, two bandits were swiftly neutralized.  Among the items recovered from the scene were…

The Oyo State Government has announced the arrest of 32 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, for their involvement in illegal mining operations at Sooro market in Kishi, Irepo Local Government Area of the state. The announcement was made by the state Director-General of Operation Burst, Col. James Oladipo Ajibola, following a critical security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Deputy Governor’s Office, Agodi, in the state capital, Ibadan. The crackdown came after the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, ordered the closure of the market and the immediate evacuation of all illegal structures and shanties erected within the market premises and surrounding…

Fawaz Adebisi Pandemonium broke out on Monday when operatives of the Department of State Services reportedly stormed a high court in Ilaro with weapons, disrupting the hearing of a case about a crisis that occurred in Agosasa area in Ipokia local government area of Ogun State. Causing chaos in the courtroom, the DSS reportedly whisked away two defendants in the case, Alhaji Fatai Isiaka and One Samuel Oyero, while the case being presided over by Justice A. A. Shobayo, was going on . PLATFORM TIMES had reported the crisis rocking the town where property worth billions of naira was destroyed…

Daud Olatunji In a damning exposé of widespread corruption within Nigeria’s corporate landscape, the World Bank has blacklisted a staggering 62 Nigerian firms and contractors for engaging in fraudulent activities.  According to the latest report by the World Bank, as of May 12, 2024, the number of blacklisted entities has surged from 11 in 2023 to 62 in 2024.  These companies and individuals, found guilty of repeatedly failing integrity tests and engaging in sharp practices during procurement processes, have been sanctioned for periods ranging from four to nine years.  Their infractions include illegal documentation, fraudulent procurement practices, and improper payments…

Effa Okim, the Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) overseeing Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, has shed light on how underage internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, circumvent regulations to perpetrate financial crimes.  Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Edo State, Okim revealed alarming trends regarding the exploitation of underage individuals in fraudulent activities. According to Okim, underage fraudsters often falsify their age to obtain driving licenses, which they then leverage to open bank accounts for the purpose of laundering illicit funds.  This practice allows them to evade…