Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has arrested two suspected masterminds of a cross-border human trafficking network in Abuja, recovering two victims in a raid on their residence. A statement issued by Press Officer of the agency, Vincent Adekoye on Thursday, disclosed that the  suspects, identified as Emmanuel Uzor Igwe, 32, and Ugochukwu Christian, 30, were arrested in their luxurious mansion located in Lugbe, Abuja. The residence, which also served as the gang’s operational base, was stormed by NAPTIP operatives following credible intelligence and support from sister security agencies. The victims, who were rescued during the…

A Chinese national identified as Mr Jiang has tendered an apology to Nigerians and the Nigeria Police Force after a viral video showed him handing cash to some Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers, sparking outrage and allegations of bribery. In the video, widely shared across social media platforms, a group of Nigerian police officers was seen lining up to receive N5,000 each from the Chinese delegation. The footage drew criticism from Nigerians, with many condemning the action as a clear case of inducement and unprofessional conduct. However, Mr Jiang, who led the Chinese business delegation, has clarified that the money was…

Feyisayo Ogunbiyi Eighteen out of the 20 local government areas of Ogun State received a cumulative allocation of N16.39bn from the Federation Account in the first two months of 2025, a PLATFORM TIMES investigation has revealed. The data, sourced from BudgIT and reviewed by PLATFORM TIMES, covered allocations disbursed in January and February 2025. However, allocation figures for two LGAs—Odeda and Sagamu—were missing as of Thursday, April 17, leaving the analysis to just 18 councils. Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, which borders Lagos State and is one of the fastest-growing areas in Ogun, topped the list with the highest allocation of N1.49bn.…

Balqees Adeniji In just two months—January and February 2025—33 local government chairmen in Oyo State received a staggering N31.4 billion in federal allocations, an investigation by PLATFORM TIMES has revealed. According to official data obtained by the platform, the exact amount disbursed to the councils stood at N31,404,274,300.68, with varying amounts shared across the local government areas. However, the findings also show a curious development—Oluyole and Ido Local Government Areas received allocations for January only, with no record of funds disbursed in February. In January, Oluyole was allocated N174,822,755.54, while Ido received N143,015,422.11, raising questions over why these two councils…

The Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu, has said that approximately 150 million Nigerians now have access to adequate electricity, even as about 80 million citizens still live without reliable power. Adelabu made this disclosure on Thursday in Abuja at the 2025 Ministerial Sectoral Update Conference, where he addressed critical issues in the electricity sector alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and other key government stakeholders. According to Adelabu, Nigeria’s progress in electricity access is largely driven by its involvement in “Mission 300,” a joint initiative of the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a stern warning to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, over alleged gross misconduct, sidelining of board members, illegal reappointments, and breach of due process. The warning, conveyed in an official letter dated March 17, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, cautioned Usman against running the commission like a sole administrator and flouting the provisions of the NAHCON Act. In the letter with reference number SH/OVP/DCOS/NAHCON, titled “Re-Deliberate Exclusion from the Exercise of Oversight…

Gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday attacked the family residence of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the assailants, numbering about three and armed with guns and cutlasses, stormed the premises around 1am, damaging parts of the building, including windows. The senator’s Chief Security Officer, Yakubu Ovanja, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers fled after security operatives from Okehi responded to a distress call. Although no arrests have been made, security sources said the matter has been documented and investigations are ongoing. Confirming the attack,…

… Rector, Deputy Rector, Registrar, Bursar, Profs Affected An audit report commissioned by the Osun State Government has uncovered over 500 alleged ghost workers on the state’s payroll. The development raises concerns about systemic fraud and irregularities across ministries and tertiary institutions. However, the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has vehemently denied the report . PLATFORM TIMES reports that the audit, conducted between July and August 2023 by an external consultant, involved biometric data capture, physical verification, and the submission of credentials by civil servants and pensioner. The verification began at the Centre for Black Culture and International…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N15 billion to mitigate the impact of impending nationwide floods, following warnings from climate experts. Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the development on Wednesday while speaking at a workshop on flood risk monitoring and coordination held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja. Shettima said the President directed relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to intensify collaboration and deploy resources to avert the anticipated disaster. He noted that Tinubu remained committed to working with development partners to harness technical expertise, financial support and operational capabilities in curbing the threat. “Last year…

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce the full implementation of the Tenancy Law of Lagos State 2015 in a bid to address rising rent prices across the state. The lawmakers also urged the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, to step up public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on their rights under the law. The resolutions followed a motion by Mr. Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I), who raised concerns over the growing housing crisis fueled by unchecked rent hikes. He cited Section 37 of the Tenancy Law,…