Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that its National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, remains the authentic leader of the party, insisting that no court in Nigeria has removed him from office. The party also dismissed claims suggesting otherwise by its expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, describing such assertions as a “deliberate distortion of court judgments” and “misleading to the public.” In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP said recent interpretations being circulated around Court of Appeal decisions on pre-election matters in Ekiti State were being wrongly…

The United States has suspended visa appointment services at its Abuja mission following the evacuation of non-emergency staff and family members over worsening security concerns in Nigeria, even as the Federal Government dismissed the security alert, insisting the country remains stable. The development came barely 24 hours after Washington authorised the departure of non-essential personnel from the United States Embassy Abuja, citing a deteriorating security environment. In a notice posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the embassy announced the immediate closure of visa appointment services in Abuja, assuring applicants that affected bookings would be rescheduled. “U.S. Embassy Abuja…

Suspected armed robbers have severed the hand of a school teacher, Isah Sallama, during a brutal attack in the Bunkure Local Government Area. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday night along Funkuyi Road in the Buran District of the state. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary for Public Enlightenment of the Rano Emirate Council, Nasiru Habu Faragai, the victim was attacked while attempting to rescue another resident, identified as Malam Sauwanu Hadi, who was being dispossessed of his motorcycle and mobile phone by the assailants. Faragai disclosed that the attackers initially attempted to…

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday sentenced a member of Boko Haram, Auwalu Samaila, to death by hanging for terrorism-related offences. Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, handed down the verdict after the defendant pleaded guilty to a six-count charge filed against him by the Federal Government. The judge, in his ruling, held that the convict deserved no leniency, noting his lack of remorse despite the gravity of his crimes. “It is when somebody is remorseful and seeks forgiveness from God that he can have mercy,” Omotosho said, adding, “The convict before me is not remorseful despite the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed as false a viral social media claim alleging the introduction of a N5,000 banknote bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu. The image, which has been widely circulated across various platforms, purportedly showed a newly designed N5,000 note, triggering widespread reactions and debates over its authenticity. Many social media users had shared the image, claiming it was an official sample released by the apex bank as part of plans to introduce higher denomination currency into circulation. However, the CBN, in a swift response via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, debunked the…

Barely four months to the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, tension has heightened following the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Dr Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State. Agboke announced his transfer in a message shared on the Osun INEC WhatsApp platform late Wednesday, expressing appreciation to stakeholders for their support during his tenure. “I have been transferred to Ondo State. I thank you most sincerely for the support given to me throughout my stay in Osun State. May God Almighty support you all as well,” he stated. The development comes as…

…Hackers hijack routers to intercept encrypted communications …Critical infrastructure, govt agencies among top targets Daud Olatunji The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned of a sweeping cyber espionage campaign by Russian intelligence operatives targeting Nigeria and other countries through compromised internet routers. The agency disclosed in a public service advisory dated April 7, 2026, that hackers linked to Russia’s General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) are exploiting vulnerabilities in small office and home office routers to intercept and manipulate internet traffic. The alert, issued in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice and other global security partners, revealed that the…

By Kehinde Soaga I would like to begin by congratulating the Kabiyesi Alake of Egba land and the entire people of Egbaland, who proudly claim Lisabi as their progenitor. Under the leadership of Oba Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo the IV, Abeokuta Egbaland has experienced significant growth, and we appreciate the notable advancements in urban and social development during Oba Adedotun’s tenure, which indeed reflects the innovative spirit his name embodies. Nevertheless, I am intrigued by the criticism surrounding the creative fashion segment introduced by the Ààre of Ẹgba through the Lai Labode Foundation. Why do some of our people hastily condemn…

The Ogun State chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria has commended the state government for intensifying its crackdown on environmental offenders, following the arrest and prosecution of 108 violators across Abeokuta and other parts of the state. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Olalekan Shoyinka, on Thursday, the association described the action as a bold step towards restoring environmental sanity and public hygiene. The arrests were carried out by the state government through the Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, with the Special Adviser on OGWAMA, Alhaji Farook Akintunde, noting…

A frontline aspirant for the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has formally flagged off her campaign, unveiling an agenda centred on economic revival, job creation, and inclusive representation. Adeleye declared her ambition on Wednesday at Ajuwon/Akute Ward 6 in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, at a meeting attended by party executives, grassroots mobilisers, and key stakeholders. Speaking at the gathering presided over by the Ward Chairman, Kabir Ajibola, the aspirant said commencing her campaign from her ward symbolised her enduring connection with the grassroots and her commitment to people-driven leadership.…