Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered a network of 27 cells linked to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) across 22 countries worldwide, including the United States and the United Kingdom.  According to the NFIU, the US and the UK host the highest number of IPOB cells per country, with seven and six operational cells respectively. Details of this revelation emerged in a newsletter highlighting the financing of terror activities in Nigeria by IPOB, bandits, and other extremist groups through global crowdfunding and sports betting platforms.  IPOB was proscribed as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in…

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has issued a stern condemnation of reported illegal mining activities occurring within the premises of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile Ife, Osun State. Expressing solidarity with affected students, faculty, and staff members, NASRE emphasized the urgent need for authorities to address this alarming issue.  The group underscored the importance of conducting thorough investigations to assess the extent of these illicit operations and to hold those responsible accountable.  It emphasized that the safety and well-being of the university community must be prioritized. In a statement released by the group’s media…

The Kwara State Ministry of Health says it has launched a comprehensive crackdown to root out fraudulent practices and uphold the sanctity of medical documentation across the state. The initiative comes in the wake of an undercover investigation conducted by investigative journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, which exposed widespread malpractice in the issuance of medical certificates in government hospitals throughout Kwara State.  The report revealed instances of certificates being issued without proper tests or through unauthorized proxies, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the healthcare system. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an insider from the Ministry of Health disclosed that…

President Bola Tinubu has issued a resolute call to action, urging judges to categorize kidnappers as terrorists in light of the escalating abduction crisis plaguing Nigeria.  Speaking at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, Tinubu condemned the reprehensible acts perpetrated by kidnappers and emphasized the need for decisive measures to address the scourge. During the dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to defeating banditry and kidnapping.  He characterized kidnappers as cowardly individuals who prey on vulnerable targets, particularly children, and called for their…

Jamiu Folarin, a journalist and researcher, has petitioned  the Divisional Police Officer at Sabo/Ilupeju Police Station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, concerning threats to his life and the deliberate damage to his property. In a detailed letter addressed to the DPO, Folarin outlined a series of alarming events that have unfolded since his involvement in investigative journalism.  He said the  events began after he aired a radio programme on Rockcity 101.9 F.M exposing the criminal activities of land grabbers in Ogun State and conducted in-depth investigations into corruption surrounding federal government projects in the state. Folarin, who  owned two plots of…

Nigeria witnessed a cascade of felicitations as citizens from diverse backgrounds extended warm wishes to Akin Okudero, the esteemed CEO of PR Primus, who marked his 64th birthday on March 25, 2024. Akin Okudero, a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has been hailed as an “inspiration,” a reservoir of knowledge, and a beacon of integrity in the realm of Public Relations. His invaluable contributions to the field have earned him widespread admiration and respect. Chief Tola Adeniyi, an eminent figure in the media landscape, lauded Okudero as “impactful” and deserving of celebration for his exceptional…

Forty-eight   members of various cult groups in Sagamu, Ogun State, have renounced their membership, handing over their firearms to law enforcement authorities.  The event, marked by solemnity and hope, unfolded at the Akarigbo Palace, where the repentant cultists made their pledge to forsake violence and embrace a new path towards positive societal contribution. Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “The olive branch we are extending to these cultists is a product of several engagements.  “We all know the problem we have had in the past with frequent cult clashes causing loss…

 In preparation for the upcoming 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun State has  sought the support of the Inter-Party Advisory Council Nigeria (IPAC) on tmthe Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR). At the inauguration of the newly elected IPAC executive members in Ogun State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Niyi Ijalaye, emphasized the pivotal role of IPAC in ensuring the success of elections by promoting fairness and credibility. Representing the REC, Thomas Olawiyi, Head of Department, General Administration and Procurement, highlighted that the CVR exercise aims to update the state’s voters’ register by registering new voters and…

Five people suspected to have been kidnapped while travelling from Abuja to Zamfra State have been found chained to a tree in a forest in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and rescued by security operatives. The spokesperson of Katsina Police Command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu confirmed the rescue of the kidnapped victims on Tuesday. According to him, the victims were rescued by a police patrol team on Monday from Katsina Forest in Kankara Local Government Area where they were chained. “The rescued victims were travelling from Abuja to Zamfara on March 9 when they were kidnapped at Kushere village…

The publisher of Desert Herald Newspaper, Tukur Mamu, has issued a stern letter to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, demanding the retraction of his designation as a ‘Terrorist Financier’. In a letter dated March 25, Mamu’s lawyer, J.J. Usman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), gave a seven-day ultimatum for the retraction of the publication to avoid legal action. The letter highlighted Mamu’s arraignment by the Federal Government of Nigeria on terrorism-related charges, emphasizing that no court has designated him as a terrorist financier. It condemned the Nigerian Sanctions Committee’s publication profiling Mamu,…