Author: Platform Times Newspaper

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…

Daud Olatunji  In response to a distressing viral video showing the severe beating of a minor, the Ogun State Government has taken significant steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim. PLATFORM TIMES had reported the abuse of the 12-year-old girl by her guardian . It had been reported that the guardian Temitope Adeyanju inserted firewood into the probate part over alleged stealing N650, fruit and biscuits . In a press statement released on Friday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon.  Adijat Adeleye, expressed appreciation for the concerted efforts of concerned residents and stakeholders.  She…

Daud Olatunji The Provost and Medical Director, Neuro psychiatric Hospital, Aro,Abeokuta, Dr. Paul Agboola and the Executive Director of the Centre on Ageing Development and Rights of Older Persons, Olayinka Ajomale have Advocated legislation against abuse of  elders in the country. The experts spoke at the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2024 ceremony held at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta,  Both Agboola and Ajomale spoke on the theme,“Prioritizing the Dignity, Safety, and Well-being of the Elderly in an Era of Rapidly Changing Demographics lamented the high rate of neglect and abuse of elders in the country, warning against continuos abuse…

The Yewa Muslim Community has lauded Ogun State,  Governor Dapo Abiodun for recognizing and appointing the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde  Olugbenle, on his recent appointment as the Chairman of the Council of Obas in theState. The community said it considered the   decision by the Governor  as a progressive step towards the continuous development and unity of the  State.   PLATFORM TIMES reports that the appointment of Oba Olugbenle was made by Governor  Abiodun. The community in a statement issued by the General Secretary, Alh. Nurudeen Bola Adesina, described the  appointment as  a reflection of…

Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has launched a scathing critique against Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the controversial Prince Court Estate housing project.  The opposition party accuses the administration of fraudulent practices and reneging on agreements with subscribers who have fully paid for homes in the estate. Located along the Kobape-Siun expressway, the Prince Court Estate was intended to address Ogun State’s growing housing needs.  However, PLATFORM TIMES reports that 200 applicants remain stranded two years after paying N5,500,000 for their houses. Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary…