Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre apprehended Muhammed Zenabdin for criminal conspiracy and possession of suspected counterfeit currency, totaling $100,000, during a raid in Abuja. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operation, carried out based on credible intelligence, targeted a suspected cybercrime hideout in Garki II, FCT. While other members of the criminal gang managed to evade capture, Muhammed Zenabdin was successfully apprehended. He said upon executing a search warrant, law enforcement discovered compelling evidence implicating Zenabdin, including sophisticated counterfeit detection equipment, international passports, mobile phones, and a…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to hoteliers, school owners, and other establishments engaging in transactions denominated in dollars. In its publication,  EFCC Alert, the agency’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized that such practices pose a risk of arrest. Olukoyede highlighted that while transactions with foreigners using credit cards and dollars are permissible, charging local customers in dollars violates Nigeria’s constitution and will not be tolerated.  He outlined various sectors, including schools, supermarkets, estate developers, and hotels, where the EFCC is prepared to take action against illegal dollarization. The EFCC chairman stated, “Our law does…

In a significant development, former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside his wife, Hafsat Ganduje, and six others, are scheduled to appear before the Kano High Court on April 17, 2024.  This comes as they face an array of charges, including allegations of dollar bribery, diversion, and misappropriation of funds totaling $413,000 and N1.38 billion. The summon, issued on Tuesday, lists the accused, including Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lesage General Enterprises.  The charges stem…

In a surprising move, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reinstated Yusuf Imam (Ogan Boye), who was previously dismissed for making reckless comments against Vice President Kashim Shettima. Imam, who served as the Special Adviser for Youth and Sport, was sacked last September along with Commissioner Adamu Aliyu, who had issued death threats to judges of the state’s governorship electoral petition tribunal. The government clarified that the views expressed by both officials did not reflect the official stance of the state government under Governor Yusuf. Eight months later, both individuals have been reappointed to their former positions. While Aliyu…

The Police Command in Ebonyi has arrested a woman who specialises in abducting and selling children and rescued no fewer than six of the children. The woman, Ngozi Blessing Abia, also known as Mercy Francis, has carried out her nefarious activities in Lagos, Ebonyi, Anambra and Edo.   Investigation into her activities began in January 2024 when one Nkwuda Francis reported that the woman, who posed as a member of the National Youth Service Corps, had kidnapped his two young children. DSP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the Command said in a statement on Tuesday in Abakaliki, that…

A foremost real estate firm in Nigeria, Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, has felicitated Muslims faithful across in Nigeria and rest of the world on Eid-l-Fitri celebration, which signifies the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The CEO of the firm, Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo in a statement issued on Monday April 8, in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, noted that Ramadan ends but the good deeds must not end. Adeyemo, an Anti-corruption Ambassador as well as EYC ECOWAS Youth Ambassador and the promoter of Oko- Opo Foundation, said that it is worthy of every Muslim not to go…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited finds itself entangled in a financial quandary, grappling with a staggering $3 billion backlog owed to traders for imported premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.  This backlog, as revealed by Reuters, is intricately linked to the devaluation of the Nigerian naira currency and the surge in global fuel prices following the elimination of fuel subsidies. Despite the government’s efforts to stabilize Africa’s largest economy by addressing costly energy subsidies, the delay in payments poses a significant setback.  Sources disclosed to Reuters that NNPC is taking more than 130 days, instead of…

The Kano State Police  Command, on Monday, revealed  the interception of plans by certain religious and political entities aimed at causing unrest during the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr festivities.  Speaking at an interactive meeting, Kano’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, disclosed that the plotters and their backers had been identified and the situation brought under control. CP Gumel emphasized the readiness of law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute anyone attempting to instigate trouble before, during, or after the Sallah celebrations.  He reassured both locals and tourists attending the Durbar exhibition of adequate security measures in place to ensure their…

A  daughter, Simbiat Moshood, has accused her father, Alhaji Mashood, of repeatedly engaging in sexual intercourse with her.  Moshood alleges threats of jail or death if she were to disclose the abuse. Speaking before  the Upper Area Court in Bode Saadu, Kwara State,Moshood stated, “The act has become my father’s habit, I am his only daughter and that is why my mother has refused to return home after they divorced.”  Additionally, she mentioned that her father’s second wife once caught them in the act and accused her of involvement in ritualistic activities. Barrister Toyin Onaolapo, representing the accused, requested bail…

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has sounded the alarm over the declining living conditions faced by students at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State, Nigeria.  Despite a recent hike in fees by the university administration, students continue to grapple with worsening learning and living environments, as highlighted in a statement issued by the ERC. According to the ERC spokesperson, Comrade Akin Paul, the hope for improved conditions following the fee increase has been shattered.  The group lamented the dire state of infrastructure within the university, citing issues such as erratic electricity supply, inadequate water provision, and deteriorating…