Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Panic has gripped parts of Zamfara State following the sudden withdrawal of security operatives from Lilo village in Mada district of Gusau Local Government Area, forcing residents of over 30 communities to flee their homes amid fears of renewed bandit attacks. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the mass displacement began late at night after troops, who had been stationed in the area for more than seven years, were evacuated without prior notice, leaving the communities exposed. A resident of Lilo, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the departure of the troops sparked widespread fear among villagers…

A United States District Court has sentenced a Nigeria-born man, Patrick Nwaokwu, to 21 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar scheme involving forged nursing certificates and fraudulent licensure. Nwaokwu, 55, was handed the sentence on April 24 by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman after he was found guilty of wire fraud, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice. The convict was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Authorities said Nwaokwu collaborated with multiple accomplices to sell fake nursing diplomas and academic transcripts to individuals seeking employment in…

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has ordered an immediate three-week mid-semester break following widespread student protests that disrupted activities on the campus. The decision, approved by the institution’s Senate, came amid escalating demonstrations by students over transportation difficulties, welfare concerns and persistent delays linked to the university’s e-portal upgrade. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the closure became necessary after protests degenerated into the blocking of major access roads within and around the campus. He noted that the situation posed serious safety risks to members of the university community and other…

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, has raised concerns over what he described as an alarming rise in cybercrime involving students in Nigerian universities, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s future. Olukoyede disclosed that recent findings by the commission suggest that a significant proportion of undergraduates are engaged in online fraud, with estimates indicating that about six in every 10 students may be involved in cyber-related offences. The EFCC boss spoke at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities held in Kano, where he described…

The African Democratic Congress has raised the alarm over a looming political crisis, urging the Supreme Court of Nigeria to urgently deliver judgment in a pending appeal, warning that continued delay could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 general elections. In a strongly worded letter dated April 28, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the party, through its counsel, S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., described its appeal as a “matter of urgent national importance” requiring immediate judicial intervention. The appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, involves a protracted leadership tussle featuring David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe and four others.…

…Senior Lawmakers Reportedly Pencilled For Automatic Re-Election Tickets …Silence From Presidency, Senate Fuels Speculation Of Power Realignment Daud Olatunji The Senate and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have remained tight-lipped over fresh allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed a list of serving lawmakers for automatic return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, triggering renewed political unease within the ruling party. Findings indicate that several influential senators are allegedly being considered for automatic nomination in what party insiders described as a reward for their “stabilising role” in the National Assembly since 2023. Among those reportedly…

The Osun State Government has formally deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, and declared the stool vacant following his conviction in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud. The decision, announced on Monday, was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action followed due consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council. According to the government, the removal of the monarch was carried out in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law (as amended) and other applicable legal frameworks guiding traditional institutions in the state. Oba…

No fewer than 29 persons have been confirmed killed following a brutal attack by suspected gunmen on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, plunging the rural settlements into mourning and renewed fear over worsening insecurity in the region. The attack, which occurred on Sunday at about 5:00 p.m., reportedly took place while residents were watching a football match organised at a primary school field, turning a moment of leisure into a massacre as the assailants stormed the area and opened fire indiscriminately. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly and began shooting sporadically, forcing residents,…

The immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Monday asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to terminate the prosecution’s case against him if it fails to present its remaining witnesses at the next adjourned date. Emefiele made the application before Justice Hamza Muazu, who is presiding over his trial on an amended 20-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy and obtaining $6.23m by false pretence. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on behalf of the Federal Government, over funds…

The Kogi State Police Command on Monday said it had rescued 17 pupils abducted by gunmen who attacked an orphanage and Islamic school in the Zariagi area of Lokoja. The victims were among 26 persons reportedly kidnapped during the late-night raid on Daarul Kitab School, an institution that also houses an orphanage. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat, the attack occurred around 11:45pm on Sunday when armed men stormed the premises and whisked away 24 pupils alongside two wives of the school proprietor. Afusat said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’…