Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A businessman from Abia State, Mr. Ugochukwu Ezeanyagu, has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of violating his family’s privacy and subjecting his eight-month pregnant wife to severe humiliation during a midnight raid on his residence in Umuahia. Recounting the ordeal , Ezeanyagu disclosed that the heavily armed operatives, some of whom were masked, stormed his home at Umuobia Olokoro Estate around 2am on Friday, December 6, on suspicion of internet fraud. “They forcefully broke our gates and doors with hammers to gain entry. My family was terrified. They seized my phone and electronic devices but…

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths, particularly young graduates, to explore opportunities in farming, vocational training, and information technology as pathways to self-reliance and national development. Tinubu made this appeal on Saturday during the 36th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in Imo State. Represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, Tinubu emphasized the diminishing availability of white-collar jobs and the need for graduates to diversify their skill sets. “The period white-collar jobs were readily available has faded away,” he said. “I urge you to harness the potential in…

A prominent lawyer and chartered accountant, Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, has urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism by avoiding negative remarks about the nation. In a thought-provoking statement, Adeoye highlighted the importance of recognizing Nigeria’s numerous blessings and achievements instead of tarnishing its image through words and actions. Drawing from Yoruba proverbs, Adeoye emphasized the significance of preserving the dignity of one’s homeland. “If you rubbish your household, nobody will help you commend or praise them,” he said, adding that not every matter is meant for public discourse. He expressed concern over the growing trend of Nigerians, both young and old, using…

The Zone 16 Police Command in Bayelsa State has arrested three individuals over alleged internet fraud and possession of illicit drugs in Rivers State. The suspects, identified as Billion Ndubuisi, Charles Amachree, and Martins Chinemike, were apprehended at Rumukparali community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area following actionable intelligence, according to a statement issued on Saturday by Gunn Emonena, the spokesperson for Zone 16. During the operation, police operatives reportedly recovered wraps of hard drugs suspected to be Indian hemp, two vehicles, two laptops, and ten mobile phones from the suspects’ premises. The arrest gained further attention when the suspects allegedly…

The the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State,Oba (Dr.) Akintunde Akinyemi, has strongly condemned a recent publication by an online platform, which questioned the indigeneship of a Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon  Adeola (popularly known as Yayi). In a detailed rejoinder, Oba Akinyemi described the publication as a “needless story” that regurgitated a controversy laid to rest since 2018. He reaffirmed Senator Adeola’s status as a bona fide son of Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area, dismissing allegations of him being a “fake indigene” as baseless and politically motivated. The monarch…

The Federal Government has mandated all public and private healthcare facilities across Nigeria to provide immediate treatment to gunshot victims without requiring police clearance. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was made public on Saturday via a statement on its official X handle. The statement, titled Non-Compliance of Medical Facilities on the Gunshot Act 2017, was signed by the ministry’s Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe. The ministry expressed concerns over reports of hospitals rejecting gunshot victims due to the absence of police reports, leading to preventable deaths. The directive follows instructions from the Coordinating Minister…

The Imo State Police Command has set up a panel to investigate the conduct of police officers who disrupted court proceedings at the Orogwe Customary Court in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State by effecting an arrest within the courtroom. Reports indicate that the officers involved, who are attached to Ogbaku Police Station, allegedly violated protocol by arresting an individual during a court session. The incident, which has drawn widespread criticism, led to the arrest of one of the officers, Abubakar Mohammed. Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, ASP Okoye, stated…

A Nigerian woman, identified as Mrs. Zanga, has narrated the tragic story of her cousin who reportedly died after refusing a blood transfusion due to her religious beliefs as a member of the Jehovah’s Witness church. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mrs. Zanga disclosed that the deceased, a mother of three, succumbed to health complications on Friday, December 6. The youngest of her children is said to be four years old. According to the post, the deceased’s refusal of the life-saving procedure was based on the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine, which prohibits its members from accepting blood transfusions.…

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has called for calm and respect for the rule of law as the courts deliberate on the criminal defamation case involving legal practitioner Mr. Dele Farotimi and renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola. The case stems from a petition filed by Chief Babalola, who alleges that certain passages in Farotimi’s 104-page book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice, defame him. Following the complaint, the Nigeria Police filed defamation charges against Farotimi. Speaking on the matter, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, emphasized the importance of allowing the judiciary to handle the case without…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has projected that no fewer than 213 million children across the globe will require lifesaving aid in 2025. PLATFORM TIMES reports that this development reveals  the alarming surge in humanitarian emergencies affecting the world’s youngest and most vulnerable population. The agency revealed that it would need $9.9 billion in funding to reach 109 million children across 146 countries with critical assistance. The fund will be channeled towards addressing multiple crises, including conflicts, climate shocks, displacement, and health emergencies anticipated in the coming year. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the scale of children’s humanitarian…