Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Despite rapid growth in electronic banking and fintech services, a staggering proportion of Nigeria’s currency remains outside the formal financial system, with experts attributing the trend to election spending, distrust of banks, and the dominance of the informal economy. Latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria shows that currency outside banks rose to N5.08tn in April 2026, representing over 90 per cent of the N5.64tn total money in circulation. The figure implies that about nine out of every 10 naira notes are held outside the banking system. Financial analysts say the development highlights deep-rooted structural challenges in the economy,…

The Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Samaila Mera, has urged residents of his emirate to lawfully acquire arms to defend themselves against escalating bandit attacks. The monarch made the call during a security meeting with district, village and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, Argungu, stressing the need for communities to take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property. Mera advised that communities could collectively raise funds to procure legally approved weapons, noting that the mere knowledge that residents are armed could serve as a deterrent to criminal elements. “If such weapons are acquired legally, let it be known that…

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has remanded eight self-acclaimed pastors in correctional custody over their alleged involvement in staging fake miracles to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. The clerics were arraigned on Friday as part of an ongoing crackdown by the Anambra State Government under the administration of Chukwuma Charles Soludo on what it described as organised religious fraud and public deception. The defendants include Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Emeka Nwamkpa, Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Ebele Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama, all linked to different ministries across the state. They are facing charges bordering…

At least eight soldiers have been killed following a deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on a Nigerian Army formation in Borno State. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the assault occurred in the early hours of Friday at a military base along the Mandara–Buratai Road, a corridor long considered vulnerable to insurgent movements. Military sources told journalists that the attackers struck around 4 a.m. during a heavy downpour, catching troops off guard and breaching parts of the facility. A source within the unit identified as the 162 Battalion confirmed the casualty figure, stating that the soldiers were killed in action…

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with forest guards, have intercepted a consignment of medical supplies allegedly destined for fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State, in what security sources described as a major disruption of insurgent logistics operations in the North-East. The interception was carried out on Friday during a coordinated operation along suspected supply routes within Kaga Local Government Area, a known transit corridor for criminal and insurgent movements through forested enclaves in the state. Security sources familiar with the operation said the exercise was based on credible intelligence…

…Orders Restriction From 10:30pm To 5:30am …Vows Safe Return Of Abducted Teachers, Pupils The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, ordered a restriction on motorcycle operations across the state as part of efforts to tackle worsening insecurity. The directive, contained in an Executive Order issued by the governor, bars the movement of motorcycles between 10:30pm and 5:30am daily. Makinde said the measure became necessary in response to ongoing security concerns, particularly the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in parts of the state. He assured residents that his administration would not relent until all kidnapped victims are rescued and reunited…

…Screening Of Willing Returnees Already Underway In Pretoria …Foreign Affairs Says First Batch Of Airlifts Being Processed Daud Olatunji The Federal Government has commenced plans to repatriate no fewer than 1,000 Nigerians stranded in South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals in the country. The evacuation move, coordinated through Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria, comes amid growing fears of violence after renewed anti-immigrant protests in Africa’s most industrialised economy. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed on Friday that screening for Nigerians willing to return home under a voluntary repatriation arrangement…

The Oyo State Government has faulted the conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, decrying a situation where candidates were compelled to sit for key papers late into the night due to delays in the delivery of examination materials. The state described the development as unacceptable, warning that it exposed students to avoidable risks and psychological stress, while also heightening anxiety among parents and other stakeholders. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, raised the concern in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, citing reports of widespread disruptions across multiple examination centres. According…

By Ayomide Awe The Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro has received a boost in patient care following the donation of 300 bedsheets and pillowcases by the 1978B Set Alumni of the School of Psychiatric Nursing, Aro. The items were presented on Friday at the boardroom of the hospital’s Provost and Medical Director, in an event attended by alumni leaders, management staff, nursing educators and other stakeholders. Receiving the donation, the Acting Provost and Head of Clinical Services, Sunday Amosu, described the intervention as timely, noting that public health institutions are increasingly strained by inadequate funding, infrastructure gaps and rising patient demands. He…

… Says Electoral Officer Supplied Details, Used Daughter’s Phone For Screenshot …Police Detain AMAC Official As Probe Deepens Daud Olatunji The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uncovered how the spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Mr Lere Olayinka, obtained and published the voter registration details of Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, in a breach that has now triggered police investigation and internal disciplinary action. INEC said the sensitive voter information was not accessed through any external hack, but leaked internally by an electoral officer in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), who allegedly retrieved the…