Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Ecobank Nigeria is proud to introduce a range of specialized financial solutions designed to ease the burden of school expenses for parents and guardians, while also bolstering educational institutions as they prepare for the upcoming 2023/2024 school year. In a strategic move, the bank is extending tailor-made loan packages to educational institutions to enhance their infrastructure, ensuring they are fully equipped for the upcoming academic session.  Furthermore, Ecobank has optimized its digital platforms to provide unparalleled convenience for school fee payments and other education-related transactions. Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Head of Consumer Banking, announced these innovative ‘back-to-school’ initiatives in Lagos, emphasizing the…

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken a decisive step towards enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of firearms licensing and regulations within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).  In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, September 11, 2023, it was revealed that the IGP has established an ad hoc committee for this purpose. The newly formed committee will conduct a thorough assessment of the current firearms licensing procedures and regulations.  To ensure a well-informed review, the police will collaborate with various stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society organizations, and specialists in…

In  a significant development, 39-year-old Pastor Michael Ogundepo has been apprehended for his alleged involvement in a visa scam worth N1.6 million. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, disclosed that the suspect was arrested while attempting to collect a substantial sum of N3 million for a visa-related job. According to DSC Aidamenbor Daniel, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ogundepo, residing at No. 15 Ewu Agbo street, Ikorodu, Lagos, received N1.67 million from one Miss Fagbuyiro Ajetomobi-Yemi, promising to secure a visa for her.  However, he withheld both the money and her passport for an…

In a surprising turn of events, Napoleon Bali, the senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, has been stripped of his seat after losing to Simon Lalong of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a recent election. The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, which convened in Jos, Plateau State, made the declaration after deeming the votes received by the PDP candidate as “wasted.” Lalong is currently Minister of Labour and Employment contested for the seat during the 2023 election where the PDO candidate was declared winner.  According to Justice Mahmoud Tukur, the chairman of the three-member panel, Bali’s nomination was invalid…

The Miyetti Allah Association, representing herdsmen, has issued a plea to both federal and state governments for assistance in the form of palliatives to alleviate the hardships resulting from the recent removal of the fuel subsidy. Alhaji Bello Abubakar, Chairman of the Kwara Chapter of the association, emphasized the significant impact on herders during this challenging period, citing their limited access to banking services, which hampers their ability to access funds promptly. Abubakar further highlighted the financial burden of transportation costs when herders take their livestock to market, which eats into their earnings.  He expressed deep concern about the escalating…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a clear and uncompromising warning to traditional rulers who support cultism within their domains, emphasizing that they will face indefinite suspension from office.  This strong message was delivered during the inauguration of the Mgbuodohia Internal Roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Governor Fubara stressed the importance of unity and collaboration in maintaining peace within the state.  He expressed concern that while his administration works tirelessly to protect residents’ lives and property, some traditional rulers are indirectly encouraging youth involvement in cultism. The governor made it abundantly clear that he will not hesitate to…

 In a landmark verdict, the FCT High Court in Kubwa has delivered justice, convicting and sentencing 15 individuals involved in a cyber fraud scheme. The mastermind, Emmanuel Ndubuisi Junior, along with his cohorts, falsely posed as a Brazilian citizen and crypto investment manager, defrauding victims of a total of $7,800. Justice O. I. Adelaja presided over the case, and all the fraudsters pleaded guilty to their charges. Emmanuel Ndubuisi Junior, Obinna Favour, Azuh Chidubem, Christopher Enaho, Abdullahi Sani, Atoyebi Damilare James, Chinonso Peter, Israel Samuel, Matthew Gideon, Eugene Joseph Boniface, Derick Beshel, Suleiman Dauda, Aliu Dauda, Ikechukwu Idris, and Godwin…

In a distressing turn of events, the Odo Fufu road bridge in Ilaro has crumbled, leaving residents of this community in dire need of government assistance.  The bridge, which once facilitated smooth travel for students and residents alike, was washed away by heavy rains over the weekend, necessitating immediate attention. The Fufu stream bridge, a vital connection within the town, has now become a perilous gap that residents have blocked off to prevent accidents.  Desperate for a solution, the community is calling upon both the state and federal governments for aid. Jerry Kusoro, a concerned resident, expressed his worry about…

In a dramatic turn of events, following President Joe Biden’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s stance against the Niger coup, the military junta in Niger has swiftly deployed troops to the border with Benin Republic.  This move is seen as a preemptive measure to counter any potential invasion through Nigeria’s western neighbor. The troop deployment was revealed through a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by intelligence and security consultant Zagazola Makama.  It comes on the heels of President Macron’s declaration of determination to remove the military junta from power during a recent interview. The Economic Community of West African…

In a remarkable display of integrity, Busari Kamal, the husband of a woman whose kidney was allegedly illegally removed by Dr. Noah Kekere, a controversial doctor, has revealed how he and the dedicated Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Timothy Bebissa, resisted substantial bribes running into millions of naira in their pursuit of justice. The shocking incident, where the victim’s right kidney was illicitly harvested at Murna Clinic and Maternity in Jos back in 2018, has been the center of attention. Kamal commended SP Timothy Bebissa for unwaveringly upholding the truth and firmly rejecting all attempts to derail the investigation with…