Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Federal Government on Friday justified the $220 million fine slammed on Meta Platforms Inc., operators of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other social media services, saying the sanction was necessary to safeguard the data of Nigerians and enforce compliance with national laws. The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, made this known in Abuja at the Training for DevsInGovernment workshop themed: “Innovating with Privacy: Building Trust in Government Digital Services.” Olatunji stressed that the investigation into Meta’s activities was not meant to witch-hunt the U.S.-based technology giant but to ensure that it operates within…

An Abuja High Court has declined a request by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of five retired senior police officers accused of forgery and age falsification. Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, ruling on Thursday, held that the prosecution must first ensure personal service of the criminal charges on the defendants before seeking their arrest. The defendants, who were absent in court, are facing a 14-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and falsification of official records to allegedly extend their years of service in the Nigeria…

The Kwara State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over disturbing reports that students in tertiary institutions across the state are selling their sperm and eggs to survive harsh economic conditions. The matter was raised at plenary by Hon. Rukayat Shittu, representing Owode/Onire Constituency, who said findings from Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, and Kwara State Polytechnic reveal that the practice is quietly gaining ground among desperate undergraduates. According to her, the trade, often facilitated by intermediaries linked to medical personnel, exposes students to grave health and psychological dangers. Male donors reportedly earn between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000 per transaction,…

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced a dismissed soldier, Corporal Stephen Iweh, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of a Port Harcourt-based businessman, Mr. Christopher Enobong Jimmy, who had offered him a lift. Justice Bassey Nkanang, in his judgment on Friday, held that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Iweh, a former soldier of the 6 Battalion, Ibagwa, Abak, murdered the 42-year-old clearing and forwarding manager on May 23, 2021, along the East-West Road in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The court found that Iweh, 39, shot Jimmy dead at Oboro Junction,…

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has defended its ongoing internal reorganisation, saying the exercise was prompted by repeated acts of sabotage that threatened workers’ safety and disrupted operations. In a statement issued on Friday, the company stressed that the move was not arbitrary but a strategic step to secure the multi-billion-dollar facility regarded as a key national asset. “The decision was taken in the best interest of the refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in various units, with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns,” the management explained. While assuring stakeholders that operations remain…

Wema Bank has rolled out two new features on its digital payment platform, ALATPay — Static Wallets and Instant Settlement — in a move aimed at simplifying transactions, strengthening transparency, and easing cash flow challenges faced by businesses. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the innovation reflects the lender’s strategy of deploying secure and efficient financial solutions to support business growth across industries. According to him, the upgraded platform will not only reduce the bottlenecks around payment collection and reconciliation but also empower businesses with greater financial control. “ALATPay embodies our vision of simplifying payments…

The Federal High Court in Abakaliki has awarded ₦22 million in damages against the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) for the brutal assault of a legal practitioner and customary court president, Barrister Sampson Imeze Ekigbo. Justice Hillary Oshomah, who delivered judgment on Thursday in suit number FHC/AI/FHR/11/2025, described the conduct of the NCS officers as a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights, particularly his right to dignity of person as guaranteed under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Ekigbo was assaulted on November 26, 2024, at Harriz Filling Station, Abakaliki, by two correctional officers, Ifeanyi Nwovu and…

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has cautioned traditional title holders against abusing their positions to dispossess people of their wives and landed property. Oba Ladoja, who was officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, gave the warning during his inaugural address at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. Addressing Mogajis, Baales, and other chiefs, the former Oyo State governor said their roles as custodians of tradition should not be turned into avenues for oppression. He declared:“All the traditional title holders, you have work to do. You have many roles to play. Do not snatch people’s…

The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his administration in 2027. The monarch made the appeal during his coronation on Thursday after receiving his staff of office at a grand ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. The event was attended by President Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other dignitaries. Speaking in Yoruba, Oba Ladoja said his ascension to the throne was a platform to champion the aspirations of his people, particularly their longstanding demand for a separate…

At least five worshippers were shot dead in the early hours of Friday when armed bandits stormed a mosque in Yandoto, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The gunmen, who arrived on motorcycles around 5:00 a.m., attacked the congregation during dawn prayers (Fajr), firing indiscriminately at worshippers before abducting several others. Eyewitnesses said the assailants surrounded the mosque and opened fire on those in prostration. “They came out of nowhere, shooting wildly while people were praying,” a resident told PLATFORM TIMES. “The cries for mercy were drowned by gunshots.” Local sources confirmed that five regular worshippers were killed instantly,…