Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A  58-year-old Ekiti herbalist, Nurudeen Ibrahim, has been  handed a five-year prison sentence with hard labour over his involvement in a fraud case amounting to N8 million.  The sentence was delivered by Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola at the Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court on August 2, 2022. Ibrahim faced charges of conspiracy, fraud, and indecent assault, with allegations stemming from September 2019 in Aramoko-Ekiti.  The prosecution, led by Inspector Elijah Adejare, outlined that Ibrahim, alongside accomplices who remain at large, deceived a businesswoman into parting with N10.4 million and subjected her to indecent assault. During the trial, the complainant, a Lagos-based businesswoman, testified…

The Rivers House of Assembly has withdrawn the impeachment notice served on the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Mr Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the House said this at Wednesday’s plenary held at the auditorium of the Assembly’s residential quarters in Port Harcourt. Amaewhule read the withdrawal notice and said that the action was a sequel to the intervention of President Tinubu. “Following the agreement reached on Dec. 18 at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, the House has withdrawn the notice of impeachment it earlier served on the governor. “The house would also abide by the agreements and advice of…

In the latest revelation by the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s total public debt experienced a marginal increase of 0.61 per cent quarter-on-quarter, reaching N87.91 trillion in the third quarter of 2023. This announcement came as the DMO released the updated debt stock data on Wednesday. Breaking down the figures, the data indicated that the total external debt stood at N31.98 trillion, while the domestic debt amounted to N55.93 trillion during the reported period. The DMO highlighted that the marginal uptick in the total public debt stock could be attributed to a decrease in external debt, which fell from $43.16…

Aminat Gusanu The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB refutes recent claims of a hike in examination registration fees, clarifying that the perceived increase is a result of its cashless policy. In a press statement on Wednesday, JAMB Public Communication Advisor (PCA), Dr. Fabian Benjamin said the cost of obtaining the board’s UTME application documents remains N3,500, which has been the cost of its application documents since it was brought down from N5000 in 2018. He emphasized that the cost of application documents price has not been increased in spite of the prevailing economic reality in the country which…

Daud Olatunji In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has disclosed the intricate financial strategies employed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure victories in multiple states during the 2019 general elections. Speaking at the book launch of ‘APC and Transition Politics’ in Abuja, Oshiomhole detailed how the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), under his leadership, spent billions of Naira to clinch victories in Kwara, Imo, and Ogun states. The former labour leader highlighted that the APC’s NWC disbursed a staggering N1.6 billion to prosecute and win the governorship…

In a heartwarming display of compassion and generosity, renowned Ogun philanthropist, Modupe Christiana Idowu, hosted the annual Mo Welfare Initiatives at the lepers’ colony in Abeokuta.  The event, dedicated to uplifting the less privileged, saw an enthusiastic gathering of over 200 children amidst a festive atmosphere. Idowu, the driving force behind the initiative, explained the purpose of the program as an opportunity to felicitate with those who often go unnoticed during the joyous Christmas season. Amidst the jubilation and merry celebrations prevalent in society, she recognized the overlooked plight of children facing limited opportunities. Moved by a sense of responsibility,…

 In a decisive legal victory, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the triumph of Olakunle Oluomo, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, in the 18 March election for Ifo 1, State Constituency.  The ruling on Tuesday saw the dismissal of the petition filed by Okikiola Ogundele, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who contested the election. The court not only affirmed Oluomo’s victory but also imposed a N500,000 fine on Ogundele, emphasizing the lack of merit in the challenger’s petition. The penalty serves as a stern reminder of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the integrity of…

In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit filed by activist and lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, seeking to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to investigate and prosecute Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election. The suit alleged breaches related to asset declaration and was struck out on Tuesday for lack of diligent prosecution. Ogungbeje’s claims included accusations that Peter Obi failed to declare offshore holdings and their associated assets. The lawyer also asserted that the LP Presidential candidate operated a foreign account while holding public office and continued…

Daud Olatunji  In a horrifying incident that underscores the growing security challenges in Taraba State, gunmen stormed Pupuple town in Yorro Local Government Area, abducting no fewer than 20 individuals, including a police officer, a pregnant woman, and a local Chief identified as Umaru Nyala.  The assailants, armed and dangerous, descended upon the community around 2 am on Tuesday, firing shots indiscriminately in different directions. This latest incident has left residents shaken, especially after six people were kidnapped in October, prompting concerns about the escalating wave of abductions in the region. The community’s cry for help intensified, emphasizing the need…

In a bold and determined move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its commitment to putting an end to the prevailing insecurity issues in the country by the year 2024. Dr Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, made this announcement during an interview with BBC Hausa, acknowledging the gravity of the security challenges faced by the nation. Matawalle expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the measures taken by the Federal Government, emphasizing that these actions would play a crucial role in addressing the recurring attacks orchestrated by gunmen.  “If God willing, from now until 2024, all other…