Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello has denounced the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s  attempted arrest as illegal and in direct violation of a standing court order.  The confrontation occured  on Wednesday as EFCC operatives converged on Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, purportedly in connection with an ongoing N84 billion fraud case. Bello’s media office released a statement, asserting that the EFCC’s actions flouted a court injunction issued in February.  The injunction, granted by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, restrained the EFCC from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello pending the resolution of a fundamental…

Solomon Abuede, James Monday, and Kelvin Edward have been  sentenced to death by hanging by Hon Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh at the High Court in Benin.  Their crimes of armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder, perpetrated against Ephraim Akhere in Ihumudumun Quarters, Ekpoma, shook the community on June 13, 2014. The court also handed a life imprisonment sentence to Oviasogie Sunday for his role in receiving stolen property, namely an Infinity Jeep belonging to the late Akhere.  These severe sentences underscored the gravity of their offenses under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of Edo State 2013 and the Armed…

Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, has made a resounding statement following his Naira abuse trial, declaring “Money na water” on his Instagram shortly after fulfilling his N10 million bail condition with two sureties in like sum. The prominent businessman and socialite, who pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the Nigerian currency, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from his followers.  In a post on his Instagram account, he acknowledged the outpouring of love and assured his fans that he was not to be underestimated. The Federal High Court in Lagos State had granted Okechukwu bail on…

Jelili Gbadamosi About 29 individuals of the Yoruba Nation movement, purportedly affiliated with the movement, were brought before the Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. They face charges related to their alleged involvement in the attempted incursion of the Governor’s Office and the state House of Assembly premises. The proceedings, documented under charge number Mi/520c/2024, pit the Commissioner of Police against the accused, highlighting the legal ramifications of the incident that occurred on Saturday, April 13, 2024.  Masked individuals, believed to be Yoruba Nation agitators, reportedly attempted to raise their flag at the state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, before…

Febe Falodun Residents of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State came out in large numbers on Tuesday evening, blocking the Makurdi-Naka road to express their anger and frustration over the rampant killings in the area. In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, 26 individuals from three different communities in the council area have lost their lives in a series of attacks believed to be carried out by bandits suspected to be herdsmen. The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Henry Agba, revealed to our correspondent that the attack, which started on Saturday and continued…

Daud Olatunji Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun commenced a three-day visit to Ogun State, where he sanctioned the establishment of additional area commands in Ifo, Imeko, and Idi-Iroko areas.  The move is aimed at bolstering security efforts and addressing the surge in kidnapping cases within the state. Arriving at the state’s command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, alongside Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Olatoye Durosimi and State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu, Egbetokun urged officers to intensify their fight against crime. During discussions with stakeholders and police personnel, the IG emphasized the need for increased support to effectively combat crime.…

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the suspension of mining activities at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital and surrounding areas following reports of illegal mining operations. During a meeting with OAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, and the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, the minister announced the halt on Tuesday. The decision came after numerous complaints from students and residents about the adverse effects of illegal mining on the local economy, prompting swift action from the ministry to investigate the matter thoroughly. Preliminary reports confirmed the presence of mining activities, leading to the…

… IMF Raises Nigeria’s 2024 Growth Forecast To 3.3% The World Bank released a report on Monday, highlighting the imperative need for Nigeria and other Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) to secure a staggering $600 billion in investments to realize the clean hydrogen energy project by 2030. The report underscores the significance of clean hydrogen as a pivotal component in the global energy transition, particularly for its potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry and heavy-duty transport. Notably, the largest hydrogen project under construction is in Saudi Arabia, slated to commence operations in 2026. To alleviate the financial…

In a groundbreaking development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a significant reduction in the price of diesel, setting it at N1,000 per litre, down from the previous rate of N1,200 per litre just three weeks ago. This unprecedented move represents a remarkable 17% reduction from the previous market price of around N1,600 per litre. The decision by Dangote Petroleum Refinery to further lower the price of diesel is expected to have far-reaching implications across various sectors of the economy. With diesel being a crucial component in transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture, this reduction is poised to alleviate operational costs for businesses…

In a groundbreaking move, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the President, unveils the Renewed Hope Initiative, a transformative program aimed at uplifting women across the South West region. At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to empowering 120 women with a staggering sum of N60 million. During the launch event held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Mrs. Tinubu announces a multi-faceted approach, including the disbursement of N10 million to 100 persons with disabilities to bolster their existing businesses.  Additionally, 20 women farmers per state are set to receive N500,000 each, with a total of N10 million…