Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The police in Ogun have confirmed that a 19-year-old boy, Oluwaferanmi Olasupo, drowned on Friday in an abandoned quarry pool near Eseke Village in the Odeda Local Government Area of the state. The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abeokuta. According to Ms Odutola, Sunday Olaseinde, the victim’s grandfather, reported the incident at the divisional police station at about 6:39 p.m. on Friday. The command’s spokesperson stated that, upon receiving the information, law enforcement officers and a surveillance team swiftly mobilised to the scene to rescue the victim. However, she revealed that…

The children of the late Chief MKO Abiola, Abdulmumuni Abiola and Hafsat Abiola-Costello, have responded to former military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s recent acknowledgment that their father won the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Their reactions underscore the enduring impact of the annulled election on their family and the nation. Gen. Babangida, speaking at the launch of his autobiography A Journey in Service, publicly expressed remorse over the annulment of what has been widely hailed as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll. He acknowledged the turmoil caused by the decision, which derailed Nigeria’s transition to democracy and sparked nationwide unrest. In…

A Lagos-based medical practitioner, Dr. Femi Olaleye, has reportedly absconded to the United Kingdom following a series of legal maneuvers and accusations stemming from a high-profile sexual assault case. PLATFORM TIMES reports that originally sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 by a Lagos Sexual Offences Court for defilement and sexual violence against a minor, Olaleye’s conviction was recently overturned by the Court of Appeal in November 2024, sparking controversy and renewed legal actions. According to reports from the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence, Dr. Olaleye’s escape coincided with the Lagos State Government’s decision to appeal his acquittal at the…

Bauchi State’s Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has expressed grave concern over the escalating incidence of witchcraft-related cases, labeling it a persistent challenge in legal proceedings. This statement came during her two-day quarterly inspection of the Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, where she heads the Administration of Justice Committee. In her address, Justice Rabi remarked on the complexity of proving witchcraft accusations, noting, “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one.” This observation underscores the inherent difficulties in adjudicating such cases unless the accused confesses. The Administration of Justice Committee, comprising key legal and security officials including the…

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has appealed for the repatriation of proceeds of crimes belonging to Nigeria, held by some countries of the world. Mr Olukoyede made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the handover of recovered proceeds of crime to the embassies of Spain, Switzerland, and the United States of America on behalf of the victims. According to him, the handover of the items to the victims is in line with the federal government’s commitment to international cooperation and synergy. The EFCC boss said it was also to prove to…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says a former Naval Chief, Vice Adm. Jibrin Usman is still on its wanted list. Also on its wanted list is retired Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Bauka. A statement by the ICPC Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Friday in Abuja said the duo were wanted over alleged N3bn fraud. Bakare said that there was still a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers and the criminal charges against them were never withdrawn. He said any claim that the amended charges by ICPC have exonerated the duo of charges concerning embezzlement and abuse…

Daud Olatunji The Federal Government has commenced the relocation of 29 long-standing custodial centres across the country, some of which have existed for over a century, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday while commissioning 39 mini Green Maria operational vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) headquarters in Abuja. “In terms of the relocation of our correctional centres, the president has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating about 29 custodial centres across the country,” Tunji-Ojo announced. Highlighting the need for the…

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has called for the immediate suspension of the upcoming Local Government (LG) elections in Osun State, citing escalating security threats and the likelihood of violence. The elections, scheduled for February 22, will cover 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 323 wards across the state. However, recent intelligence reports have raised grave concerns over the safety and stability of the state during the polls. In a statement issued on Friday night, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, highlighted credible intelligence indicating that various groups, including political factions and other interest parties, were actively planning to disrupt the…

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendment has officially rejected all 31 proposals for new state creation, citing non-compliance with constitutional requirements. The proposals, which were submitted on February 6, 2025, sparked significant attention from various regional groups seeking to expand Nigeria’s federal structure. However, according to Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, none of the state creation requests met the constitutional provisions stipulated under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution. Speaking at a retreat for panel members in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Kalu emphasized that although the proposals reflected the regional aspirations…

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and several properties linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), following a ruling on Friday. The court’s decision came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) applied for the final forfeiture of the funds and assets, which the court deemed unlawfully acquired. Presiding over the case, Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the EFCC’s application for forfeiture, ruling that the forfeited funds were held in various accounts managed by individuals and companies closely associated with Emefiele. The accounts,…