Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Amid mounting speculation over the whereabouts of President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency has stepped forward to address concerns, firmly stating that Tinubu’s absence from the country is not due to medical reasons. Tinubu’s prolonged absence following his attendance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows, prompting questions about his health and whereabouts. However, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, swiftly addressed the speculations, affirming that Tinubu’s absence is unrelated to any medical issues. In a recent appearance on Television programme,  Minister Alausa said  the government’s focus on developing a robust healthcare…

In a chilling revelation, a “repentant” Boko Haram member disclosed on Tuesday that Leah Sharibu, the forgotten schoolgirl from Yobe State, Nigeria, has been married to not one, but two Boko Haram leaders.  Among them is Ali Abdallah, now serving as the chief judge of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad basin. Sharibu, a Christian girl, was among the 110 female students abducted on February 19, 2018, from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, by the Boko Haram terrorist group. According to the ex-fighter, Sharibu’s first husband, Abdulrahman, was killed in…

In a dramatic turn of events, Jacob Alone, a 58-year-old fugitive who made headlines in 2020 for the heinous crime of raping and impregnating his own daughter, has been apprehended by the Edo State Police Command after his escape from Benin prison during the #EndSARS protest. PLATFORM TIMES reports that Alone’s dark saga began in 2020 when he was initially arrested for the rape and defilement of his daughter.  Shockingly, the abuse resulted in his daughter’s pregnancy.  Despite the gravity of his crime, Alone managed to evade justice temporarily. Tragedy struck when, during the course of his trial, the victim,…

The legal fraternity in Nigeria is grappling with the harsh realities of economic hardship, as highlighted by legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola during the 13th edition of the Annual Aare Afe Babalola Public Bar Lecture.  The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), voiced concerns over the deteriorating financial status of lawyers, once considered prosperous professionals. Babalola lamented the adverse effects of Nigeria’s battered economy, which he said has pushed lawyers below the subsistence level.  He attributed this downward spiral to a myriad of factors, including the agrarian nature of many states, inadequate infrastructure such as poor roads and lack…

Prominent Islamic scholars have  highlighted political and economic disparities, alongside corruption, as significant factors driving the rise of violent Islamic movements across Sub-Saharan Africa.  The discussion, streamed on various social media platforms, television, and online radio stations, featured distinguished scholars with expertise in Islam in Africa. Addressing the theme “Islam in Africa,” during the  Toyin Falola Interview Series, Professor Cheikh Anta Babou from the University of Pennsylvania stated  the evolving nature of Islamic radicalism in the region.  He argued that contemporary Islamic movements are more influenced by political and economic circumstances than religious doctrine, noting the disillusionment of former Marxist…

I had my first period when I was 11 years old. I knew what was happening from science classes at school and had known to expect it at any time. But I remember a deep sense of shame – one I couldn’t quite rationalise. I hid it from my mother, using countless amounts of toilet paper until I knew I couldn’t hide it any more. About a year later, I was walking from school with a boy whom I used to be friends with. He started laughing at me. Not just laughing, but howling. He pointed to the back of…

Daud Olatunji A  coalition comprising 259 anti-corruption, civil society, and human rights groups, known as the Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER), has accused members of the Northern elite group of attempting to instigate a crisis in Nigeria.  This accusation comes in response to claims made by the Northern elites regarding a purported plan by the Bola Tinubu-led administration to allow the relocation of United States of America and French military bases from Francophone West African countries to Nigeria. COTER, through its President, Dr. Peter China Chukwu, and General Secretary, Mallam Auta Ibrahim Koko, released a statement condemning the…

Daud Olatunji Tensions are running high within the Ogun State House of Assembly as controversy surrounds the recent appointment of a Clerk, raising questions about adherence to legislative procedures and the integrity of the institution. The saga began with the passage of an Amendment to the House of Assembly Service Commission Law on April 11th, 2024, which altered the remuneration of the Clerk and Deputy Clerks.  However, despite the passage of this amendment, the position of Clerk remained vacant for exactly two months following the retirement of the former incumbent, Adedeji Adeyemo. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the move by the…

The controversy surrounding the suspected gang renting out apartments under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, Lagos, has taken a new turn as Gbenga Oluwafemi, purportedly the landlord and alleged leader of the operation, refuted claims of collecting exorbitant rent charges from residents. In a video circulated by News Central on Sunday, Oluwafemi, popularly known as “Mopol,” dismissed allegations of receiving N250,000 per annum as rent for the apartments.  He asserted his familiarity with influential figures within Dolphin Estate and denied any involvement in rent collection. Oluwafemi shed light on the history of the establishment, revealing that the blue container…

Tension flared in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday as police officers reportedly fired shots at protesting women, leaving several injured and requiring hospitalization. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the commotion erupted when women from Oteri-Ughelli community gathered to demonstrate against alleged police extortion and harassment. Despite their peaceful intent, the protesters were met with resistance upon reaching the Ughelli Area Command, where they were allegedly subjected to tear gas and gunfire by officers. Representatives of the protesting women, Harvest Ugbhwiako and Mrs. Vivian Aphiare, accused the police of unlawfully arresting and detaining their children, demanding hefty…