Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a teenage boy at the swimming pool of the University of Ibadan, with early findings suggesting possible foul play. The yet-to-be-identified victim, believed to be between 14 and 15 years old, was reportedly found floating in the pool under unclear circumstances, triggering panic within the university community. Witnesses said the incident was discovered when bystanders noticed the boy’s lifeless body in the pool and promptly alerted authorities, leading to the swift arrival of police operatives at the scene. Preliminary observations by investigators indicated signs of violence, raising…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday defended the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, attributing the situation partly to global geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel. Speaking at the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress held at Eagle Square, Abuja, the President said the current difficulties faced by Nigerians were “necessary sacrifices” required to secure long-term economic stability and growth. Tinubu, whose administration has faced mounting criticism over rising inflation, high cost of living and insecurity, maintained that his economic reforms were already producing positive results. “The sacrifices of today are laying…

Nigeria is grappling with a fresh wave of Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed no fewer than 146 lives within three months, while at least 25 doctors and dozens of other health workers have been infected, raising fresh concerns over the country’s fragile healthcare system. Data obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention showed that as of the 11th epidemiological week of 2026, the country recorded 582 confirmed cases out of 3,222 suspected infections. A state-by-state breakdown of fatalities revealed that Taraba recorded the highest number of deaths with 40, followed by Ondo with 31, Bauchi with…

A former Kano State governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to defect to the African Democratic Congress as part of ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the planned move, expected to be formalised on Monday, follows weeks of consultations between Kwankwaso, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement and top figures within the ADC. Sources familiar with the development said the former minister had held a series of strategic meetings with opposition stakeholders to build a broad-based coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress…

The Nasarawa State Government has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the Head of Operations, State Operations Coordinating Unit, Yakubu Akuki Ogalebe, who reportedly slumped in his office in Lafia. Ogalebe, a former Sole Administrator of the Agwada Area Administrative Council, was said to have died on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026, after collapsing while on duty. Sources within the state civil service told PLATFORM TIMES that the incident caused panic among colleagues, who immediately rushed to his aid. Despite efforts to revive him, he was confirmed dead shortly afterwards. His sudden death has sparked shock across…

Malabu Oil and Gas Limited has dismissed comments by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on the controversial OPL 245 oil block, declaring that he has no authority to speak on behalf of the company or its shareholders. The firm also denied any ownership link to Mohammed Abacha or Pecos Energy, insisting that its legitimate ownership structure remains as captured in records of the Corporate Affairs Commission. In a statement issued on Friday, Malabu said claims suggesting that Atiku or any third party represents its interests were “false and misleading,” stressing that only duly recognised shareholders can speak for the company. “Abubakar…

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on a military base in Borno State, killing no fewer than 38 insurgents during the encounter. The Nigerian Army said the terrorists launched a multi-front assault on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau in the early hours of Saturday but were overpowered by troops in a fierce counter-offensive. In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that the troops responded with a coordinated offensive-defensive strategy, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray. He…

…Calls for collective responsibility, inclusive governance A leading aspirant in the 2027 Ogun State governorship race, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, has called for unity, courage and collective responsibility among residents of the state as they celebrate this year’s Lisabi Day. In a goodwill message to the people of Ogun State, Obasanjo said the annual celebration remains a powerful reminder of the enduring values of unity, resilience and communal strength, which she noted have long defined the Egba people. She described the legendary Lisabi Agbongbo Akala as a symbol of resistance, justice and selfless leadership, stressing that his legacy continues to inspire…

…Tracka Seeks Urgent Disclosure Under FOI Act … Laments Absence Of Reliable Population Data Since 2006 Daud Olatunji A civic accountability group, Tracka, has expressed outrage over the alleged expenditure of N129.5bn on Nigeria’s suspended 2023 national population census, describing the situation as a major breach of public trust amid the absence of published results. The group, in a statement on Friday, said the development underscores Nigeria’s long-standing data deficit, noting that the country has not conducted a credible census since 2006, a gap it warned continues to undermine governance, planning, and equitable distribution of resources. According to Tracka, analysis…

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has said his decision to resign from office was to safeguard peace and ensure uninterrupted governance in the state amid mounting political tensions. Gwarzo, who formally stepped down on March 27, 2026, disclosed this in a resignation letter addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing his exit as voluntary and driven by a sense of responsibility. “I have taken this step in the spirit of responsibility and statesmanship, to allow the government and the state to move forward without undue distractions,” he said. The former deputy governor explained that…