Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, unveiled startling findings as an audit revealed $2.4 billion in invalid foreign exchange claims within the $7 billion backlog.  In an exclusive interview with Arise News Channel on Monday, Cardoso affirmed the CBN’s commitment to addressing the issue. According to Cardoso, Deloitte conducted the audit on the FX backlog claims, exposing $2.4 billion with significant discrepancies.  He emphasized the apex bank’s decision to only honor valid transactions, amounting to $4.6 billion.  To date, $2.3 billion of these valid claims have been settled, with the remaining balance to be disbursed soon. Cardoso…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken Pastor Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, into custody over allegations of defrauding church members and other Nigerians through a scam involving fake grants amounting to N1,319,040,274.31, falsely linked to the Ford Foundation. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Ebonyi stands accused of deceiving victims, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals, by promoting an intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation.  He allegedly propagated the false claim that the Ford Foundation was offering a $20,000,000.000 grant to assist the less privileged in society,…

Daud Olatunji In a show of solidarity and unwavering support, constituents of Ifo 1 State Constituency have  gathered at the APC Constituency office in Bungalow area, Ifo, for an inter-religious session  ahead of the court proceedings challenging the legitimacy of the alleged removal of  Olakunle Oluomo as Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly. Led by Islamic and Christian religious leaders, hundreds of supporters on Monday, invoked prayers for divine intervention, drawing strength from relevant verses of the Holy books.  The Clergymen urged patience during this challenging period, emphasizing that trust in God would bring justice to their Assembly…

Daud Olatunji In a sombre turn of events, a veteran actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet, and playwright, Jimi Solanke, has passed away at the age of 81. PLATFORM TIMES exclusively gathered that the  iconic figure, known for his multifaceted talents, breathed his last on Monday morning after a brief illness while en route to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that he was seen last night holding a meeting with some stakeholders in Remo before he died the following day. Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Jimi Solanke’s artistic journey began as a pioneer…

Enoch Oyedibu In what appeared to be a sordid act, Ogbomoso-based Evangelist Segun Adegboyega was gruesomely murdered by Fulani herdsmen after he complained about their use of animals to graze his farm yard. The dastardly act occurred last Monday at the Evangelist’s residence in the Gege area, a village on the outskirts of Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The victim was stabbed six times before succumbing. Evangelist Adegboyega, in his 40s, woke up on Monday seemingly healthy. He took his children to school that morning and participated in a crusade at Arowomole, concluding Sunday evening. PLATFORM TIMES confirmed through authoritative investigation that…

Daud Olatunji PLATFORM TIMES’ investigation has uncovered that numerous border communities in the Yewa-North Local Government in Ogun State, totaling 47, are grappling with a severe shortage of basic amenities.  This dire situation has reached a point where Benin Republic actively recruits Nigerians, particularly in the state, enticing them with promises of well-maintained roads, hospitals, schools, and allowances—services allegedly neglected by the Nigerian government.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the allure of an alternative to Nigeria, accompanied by naturalization and citizenship perks, has prompted many Nigerians to seriously consider a permanent relocation to Benin Republic. A visit to Gbokoto-Isale, a border…

In the aftermath of their release from a harrowing kidnapping ordeal, five pupils and three teachers from the Apostolic Faith Groups of School in Emure-Ekiti are now undergoing intensive trauma treatment.  The victims, freed by their abductors in the early hours of Sunday, February 4, are currently hospitalized and receiving specialized care at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti. Upon directives from the Governor, Ekiti’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani, accompanied by ministry officials, facilitated the transfer of the students and teachers from Emure-Ekiti to the hospital.  Prof. Kayode Kayode Olabanji, the Chief Medical Director…

In a recent interview, former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Mike Ejiofor, shares insights into the escalating issue of kidnapping in Nigeria.  Ejiofor, who is also a kidnap victim, highlights both interim and long-term measures the government can adopt to address the growing security challenges. Ejiofor acknowledges the concern over the perceived surge in insecurity but emphasizes the need for adequate resource deployment to tackle the problem effectively.  He calls for proper oversight to ensure budget allocations for the security sub-sector are judiciously utilized, urging leaders to eschew extravagant lifestyles. Expressing his perspective on the economic…

The Court of Appeal, Abuja has ordered the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to pay the sum of N540 million damages awarded against it for alleged defamation of Prophet Emmanuel Omale and his wife, Deborah. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Yusuf Halilu of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court had, in a judgment on Oct. 4, 2022, awarded the sum against FCMB. Justice Halilu held that the bank recklessly breached the duty of care it owe to Omale of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry, his wife, and the church. The judge agreed that…

In a recent interview on Sunday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa shared insights into the tactics employed by villagers in the Northeastern part of the country to hide weapons after troops successfully neutralized terrorists. Musa, who served as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the region, highlighted the challenges faced by security forces.  He explained, “As a theater commander in the North East – Harden-Kai – for 19 months, terrorists would come to a village with weapons to launch an attack.  Despite our efforts to eliminate them, villagers would preemptively hide the weapons, only…