Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s stock market wavered last week amid heightened concerns over market volatility, macroeconomic instability, and renewed foreign policy tensions following comments by former United States President, Donald Trump. Market analysts attributed the cautious sentiment and profit-taking activities across several sectors to deepening uncertainties surrounding Nigeria’s global image and domestic economic environment. Trump had recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians, a move that rattled international observers and raised fears of strained diplomatic relations. He further warned that the United States might consider military intervention if the situation persisted. The former…

A police inspector serving in Bayelsa State, identified as Sunday Idey, has been arrested for allegedly brutalising his three children after accusing them of being members of a witchcraft group. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Idey, who is attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Igbogene Police Division, allegedly assaulted the minors over the weekend at his residence in Yenagoa, the state capital. The incident reportedly caused panic in the neighbourhood as residents, alarmed by the cries of the children, alerted operatives of Operation Doo Akpor, who swiftly intervened. The state Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, confirmed the arrest on Friday,…

The Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Samaila Bagudu, who was abducted by suspected bandits in his hometown, has regained his freedom after over a week in captivity. The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the development late Saturday night in a statement made available to journalists. Idris said the lawmaker had been released and reunited with his family in Bagudo, the headquarters of Bagudo Local Government Area. > “We are grateful to God that the Honourable Deputy Speaker has safely returned to his family. He is in good condition and has…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Saturday arrested three persons suspected of engaging in vote buying during the Anambra State governorship election. The anti-graft agency disclosed that the arrests were made in different parts of the state following credible intelligence and field surveillance by its operatives deployed to monitor electoral malpractices. According to a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects were apprehended at various polling units while attempting to influence voters through monetary inducements. “The suspects were arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka Local Government Area; Ward 2, Unit 008, Awkuzu in Oyi Local…

The recent protest staged by some youths in Ilara Kingdom, Epe Division of Lagos State, has stirred outrage across the community, with traditional and civic leaders describing the act as “sacrilegious, unprovoked, and anti-development.” The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, saw a group of youths — alleged to have been sponsored — marching through the streets of the ancient town, chanting inflammatory songs and accusing the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, of neglecting his traditional and community responsibilities. Eyewitnesses told PLATFORM TIMES that the protesters went as far as placing…

The Anambra State Police Command has announced a complete restriction on all vehicular movement within and outside the state during Saturday’s governorship election. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the ban will take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., covering every road across the state, including interstate highways. According to SP Ikenga, the move follows a unanimous decision by Security Service Commanders at a November 5 meeting held at the Police State Headquarters in Awka. “The restriction aims to prevent political thugs and criminal elements from disrupting the electoral process,” he…

An Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced Samuel Asiegbu to three years in prison without the option of a fine for his role in an ₦8.56 billion fraud perpetrated against Wema Bank Plc. According to a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, Justice Rahman Oshodi handed down the sentence after Asiegbu pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, stealing, and unauthorised access to a computer system with intent to commit fraud. The EFCC said Asiegbu was initially arraigned alongside other defendants on a four-count charge on June 23, 2025, all of whom pleaded not guilty.…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday described his ascent from deputy governor to the presidency as “nothing short of a political miracle,” attributing his rise to divine intervention. Jonathan made the remarks at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, during the presentation of books authored by journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati. He said, “My political journey looked like a political miracle. From deputy governor to becoming president of this country within four years — it was a miracle. It’s only God that made it possible.” Jonathan commended Abati for his intellectual depth and for documenting…

Russia has said it is closely monitoring developments following reports that the United States may be considering military intervention in Nigeria. The Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, disclosed this during a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statement that he had directed the Pentagon to draw up military options to “protect Christian communities” in Nigeria. Zakharova cautioned Washington against any unilateral action, urging the U.S. to adhere strictly to international law in addressing security concerns in the West African nation. “We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties…

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted a popular Lagos socialite, Fayisara Ajoke Opaleye, widely known as Iya Ruka, and her driver, Abideen Adio, for trafficking and transporting 1,540 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, also known as marijuana. The duo were found guilty by Justice Musa Kakaki on Friday after they pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge filed against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The NDLEA had initially arraigned the 61-year-old businesswoman and her 41-year-old driver in May on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and trafficking in prohibited substances. They both pleaded…