Author: Platform Times Newspaper

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…

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has issued a stern warning to lawyer Oladotun Hassan of Juryman Associate Chambers, demanding a public apology and withdrawal of false allegations regarding certificate forgery. The governor, through his counsel Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), challenged Hassan’s accusations and threatened legal action if demands weren’t met within seven days. The dispute arose from a petition filed by Hassan to the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission, alleging certificate forgery by Governor Aiyedatiwa. However, the governor vehemently denied these claims and demanded accountability from Hassan for circulating what he described as baseless and damaging…

The wife of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria on money laundering charges,Mrs. Yuki Gambaryan,  has called upon both the United States and Nigerian governments to intervene and secure her husband’s release.  Gambaryan maintains his innocence amidst the allegations brought forth by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The ordeal began when the Federal High Court in Abuja remanded Tigran Gambaryan to the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application, after pleading not guilty to the charges.  His colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, also implicated, managed to evade custody. Expressing disbelief and anguish, Yuki Gambaryan highlighted…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared the national convention reinstating the national chairman of the party,  Julius Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC) null and void.  Following this action, a transition committee was  set to take charge of the party’s affairs for the next three months. Key stakeholders including representatives from the NLC Political Commission, former NLC President Abdulwahed Omar, and LP Board of Trustees Chairman Sylvester Ejiofor convened to address the pressing issues within the party.  The resolution included plans for a forensic audit of the Labour Party, in response to concerns raised by presidential candidate Peter…

Wema Bank Plc has revealed its robust financial performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, showcasing an impressive 196 per cent surge in profit before tax from ₦14.75 billion in 2022 to ₦43.59 billion.  The bank’s deposit growth also skyrocketed by 60 per cent to ₦1,860.57 billion, a significant leap from ₦1,165.93 billion reported in the previous fiscal year.  Additionally, Wema Bank’s return on Equity (ROAE) stands at an impressive 39.28 per cent, with non-performing loans (NPL) at 4.31 per cent. A pivotal highlight of the report is the announcement of a N40 billion first tranche of capital…

 Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday remanded the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, for alleged abuse of office. Oshodi remanded Emefiele in EFCC custody while his co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile, was remanded in Ikoyi Custodial Centre where he is currently held pending the determination of their bail application on April 11. The defendants’ counsel, Mr A. Labi-Lawal, had in his two bail applications urged the court to grant the defendants bail on self-recognition and on liberal terms pending the determination on the case. Labi-Lawal, in his 31 affidavits, said the…

Daud Olatunji The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed a remarkable progress in its investigation of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and the erstwhile chief executive officer of the now suspended National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA), Halima Shehu. PLATFORM TIMES reports that following their suspension by President Bola Tinubu over alleged financial malfeasance three months ago, the EFCC was tasked with probing both embattled officials and anyone implicated in the case.  Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, shared these revelations in the March edition of the commission’s monthly e-magazine, EFCCAlert.  Olukoyede…