Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A Rivers State Family Court in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, to 10 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for defiling an 11-year-old girl, bringing to a close a child sexual abuse case that sparked outrage. The trial judge,Justice Rita Oguguo , also ordered the convict to pay N1 million in compensation to the victim’s family and directed that his name be entered into the state’s sex offenders register. Chukwumatti, who was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on the defilement of a minor, was found guilty after the court considered the…

Suliat Lawal Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 28-year-old pregnant woman, identified as Falmata Adamu, for allegedly conveying items suspected to be meant for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State. The suspect was reportedly apprehended on July 13 during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Mandaragirau–Biu Road in southern Borno. Security sources said the woman came under suspicion during a checkpoint inspection, prompting troops to conduct a thorough search. During the search, operatives allegedly recovered 17 torchlights and 19 Tiger batteries concealed inside her clothing. Investigators suspect the items were being…

Armed men on Tuesday invaded Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the school principal, a National Examinations Council ad hoc official and four students who were sitting for the ongoing Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the attack occurred at about 5:25 p.m. while candidates were writing one of the NECO examination papers, throwing the school into panic and forcing the examination to an abrupt halt. The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, describing it as a targeted abduction. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza,…

…Judge says former minister failed to justify source of assets …EFCC alleges properties worth over N212bn acquired with proceeds of crime A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Government over alleged proceeds of crime. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the judgment, held that Malami failed to satisfactorily rebut the reasonable suspicion raised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that the assets were acquired through unlawful means. The court ruled that the properties…

The Senate on Wednesday approved a donation of N50 million to the families of two teachers and three soldiers who lost their lives during the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the intervention during plenary, describing the victims’ deaths as painful sacrifices in the nation’s fight against insecurity. Akpabio said each of the five bereaved families would receive N10 million as financial support in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones. He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security…

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered an intensified security operation across forests, rural communities and major access routes in the state as part of efforts to curb criminal activities. The police chief gave the directive on Tuesday during a strategic security meeting with Divisional Police Officers, patrol and guard officers, leaders of vigilante groups, forest guards and other recognised community-based security outfits in Asaba. According to a statement issued by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and other…

Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has launched a drone surveillance system as part of measures to strengthen security on its campus and neighbouring communities amid growing security concerns across the country. The institution said the initiative, executed in partnership with information technology firm, New Horizon, would provide aerial surveillance extending up to a 30-kilometre radius beyond the university, enhancing the safety of students, staff and residents of surrounding communities. Speaking during the unveiling of the security infrastructure at the university’s main campus, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, said the institution remained committed to protecting lives and property while maintaining an…

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has discharged 31 of the 39 pupils rescued from kidnappers after certifying them medically fit, while eight others remain on admission for further treatment and observation. The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, disclosed this on Tuesday, saying the discharged pupils had been reunited with their families after receiving medical care. According to him, all 39 children rescued by security operatives after spending weeks in captivity were admitted to the hospital for comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment. He said although 31 of the pupils had recovered sufficiently to…

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Ladi Adebutu, on Tuesday intensified his campaign ahead of the poll as he received thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress, the African Democratic Congress and other political groups, declaring that the PDP remained the only party capable of rescuing Ogun State and Nigeria from what he described as years of poor governance. The defectors were received at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta during a ceremony attended by party leaders and supporters. Addressing the gathering, Adebutu urged the new members to complete their registration…

…315 Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Fraudsters Exploit Xenophobia Victims With Fake Repatriation Scheme Daud Olatunji The Federal Government has raised the alarm over an emerging scam targeting vulnerable Nigerians stranded in South Africa, warning citizens against fraudsters demanding money under the guise of registering them for the country’s voluntary repatriation programme. The warning came as the Federal Government concluded arrangements to evacuate another 315 Nigerians from South Africa under the fifth phase of its special emergency repatriation exercise, amid growing concerns that hundreds of distressed citizens remain trapped by lingering xenophobic tensions. In a public notice issued on Tuesday,…