Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday filed a six-count charge before a Federal High Court Lagos against Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky over alleged money laundering and mutilation of the naira. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was arrested by the anti-graft agency in connection with the offence. According to the charge, labelled FHC/l/244c/2024, the defendant was said to have committed the offence on March 24, at Circle Mall, Jakande in the Lekki area of Lagos. The agency alleged that he tampered with the cumulative sum…

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to addressing the country’s soaring inflation rate and economic challenges.  Speaking at the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s 2024 Ramadan Iftar at the State House,Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians but promised to deliver positive results despite not having a “magic wand.” Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate have led to a steady increase in Nigeria’s inflation rate.  The latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recorded a rise to 31.70 percent in February 2024, up from…

The Kano State Government has taken legal action against former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six others, over alleged bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of funds amounting to billions of naira.  The charges, outlined in a document dated April 3, 2024, list eight counts and include a roster of 15 prosecution witnesses. Among the accused are Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, and three companies: Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited. One of the counts specifies an incident where Ganduje, during his tenure as governor, purportedly…

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has addressed the issue of wrongful billing in the new tariff rates, attributing it to a system glitch. The company apologized to affected customers and assured them of rectification. The Nigerian government recently approved a tariff increment of N225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour for Band A electricity consumers, representing those who enjoy electricity supply for 20 hours per day.  This increment was announced by the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Musliu Oseni, during a press briefing in Abuja. However, some Band A customers experienced wrongful charges while recharging their meters under…

A Federal High Court in Lagos State has convicted and sentenced Nwakaego Okoye, a TikTok user, to three years in prison for defaming Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus.  The sentencing came after Okoye pleaded guilty to the charge brought against her, admitting her involvement in defaming the prominent actress. During the court proceedings on Wednesday, Okoye revealed that her actions were motivated by a promise of N200,000 made by her friend,  Fortune Ibe. She confessed to knowingly spreading false information about Eniola Badmus, tarnishing her reputation on social media.  However, Okoye expressed remorse for her actions, which seemed to have weighed…

Deborah Hundehin Eniola Ajao’s debut cinema production, “Ajakaju (Beast of Two Worlds)”, has grossed N101.2 million within five days of its release. FilmOne Entertainment disclosed this on Thursday via its Instagram handle, @filmoneng. The epic film was released nationwide on Friday, March 29. The film distribution company wrote: “The Beast has conquered!!! “Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds is making all the waves in the cinemas nationwide hitting 101.2m at the box office in five days. “Nigerians are not playing on this one. Thank you for trusting every movie we dish out .” Read Also:Kano, Jigawa generate N30.2bn revenue…

The Inter-Agency Joint Task Force of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intercepted 35 trailers along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway and in the Bauchi-Maiduguri area.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the move was  aimed at curbing trailer-related accidents and the hazardous practice of conveying passengers in trailers. According to Assistant Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu, the Public Education Officer of the Corps, this initiative was part of a broader strategy implemented by the FRSC to enhance road safety. During the operation, which took place from March 23 to 30, a total of 982 passengers were found aboard the intercepted trailers.  Specifically, 19…

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has cautioned the Nigerian government against allowing state governments grappling with the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage to create state police forces. Falana issued this warning on Wednesday during the inaugural Yinka Odumakin Inter-faculty Debate and Public Lecture organized by the Student Union of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. Speaking at the event, Falana emphasized that the establishment of state police was not the ultimate solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.  He urged governments to prioritize acquiring essential security equipment to combat kidnappings, terrorism, and other criminal activities.  Falana stressed that merely…

In a bid to promote tax compliance, the Chief Imam of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA), Sheikh Hussain Olanremaju, delivered a compelling lecture on “The Importance of Taxes and Levies – Islamic Perspective.” Addressing a gathering at the Parastatal Mosque in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, Sheikh Olanremaju emphasised the obligation for both Muslims and non-Muslims to fulfil their tax responsibilities.  Citing verses from the Quran, he underscored the importance of obedience to authorities and compassion towards others. Following Sheikh Olanremaju’s lecture, Mr. Anthony Olaleye, Chairman of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, reiterated the significance of…

Febe Falodun The Oyo State Police Command has invited Fulani and Yoruba community leaders over the alleged death of some grazing cattle occasioned by poisoning at the Alafara area of Ibadan in Ido Local Government area of Oyo State.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the invitation was for an amicable resolution of the incident.  PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that security operatives have been keeping a 24-hour vigilance in the area to prevent the breakdown of law and order.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that cows grazing near the Alafara community were reportedly poisoned. The area is known for its residential buildings, a stream,…