Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The family of twin siblings abducted by gunmen in Edo State has dismissed claims by the police that the teenagers were rescued unhurt, insisting that their freedom was secured only after a substantial ransom was paid to their captors. The twins, Emmanuel and Emmanuella Ilabeshi, both 16, were abducted on December 11, 2025, after their father, Andrew Ilabeshi, was brutally attacked and later killed by suspected kidnappers at Kalabar Quarters, Afokpella, in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state. Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the family residence late at night, forcefully gaining entry before switching off the generator. When…

Suspected bandits have abducted a nursing mother and her baby along the dilapidated Supare–Ayegunle Road in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, throwing the community into fear and renewed outrage over insecurity and poor infrastructure. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the woman was travelling to a nearby market when the gunmen struck at a bad stretch of the road, forcing her and her child into a nearby forest. Residents said the Supare–Ayegunle axis, which has remained in a deplorable state for years, has become a haven for criminal elements who take advantage of slow-moving vehicles and the absence…

Prominent socio-political activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Aisha Yesufu, has vowed to oppose any presidential ticket in the 2027 general election that features former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as a running mate. Yesufu issued the warning in a video that went viral on social media on Monday, where she cautioned Obi against accepting a vice-presidential slot ahead of the next polls. According to her, Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, remains one of the strongest contenders among opposition figures and should not settle for a subordinate position. “I’m giving you people…

The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has predicted a major political realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, claiming that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar may be pressured by international and local forces to step down for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Ayodele said the alleged move would be championed by the international community, including the African Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, working in concert with influential Nigerian power brokers. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric claimed that the plan is to draft Jonathan into a…

The Egba Economic Summit Group has called on the Ogun State Government and other critical stakeholders to urgently intervene and resuscitate the abandoned Abeokuta City Centre project at Oke Ilewo, warning that its continued neglect poses serious economic and security risks to the state capital. The group, in a statement signed by its President, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, described Oke Ilewo as the historic commercial nerve centre of Abeokuta, noting that the area once rivalled Sapon in elite commercial activities and remains one of the closest business districts to Ibara Government Reserved Area in terms of value and standard. According to…

By Precious Akinola Leadership in Ijebuland has never been accidental. It has always carried a clear responsibility: to protect what has been inherited while guiding the community forward. These two duties have never been in conflict. In fact, Ijebu history shows that tradition survives best when it is led by people who understand change, rather than fear it. From early trade and education to community organisation and governance, the Ijebu people have long approached leadership with intention. Decisions were not made in haste. Authority was exercised with care. Elders were consulted, processes respected, and the future considered alongside the past.…

By Mujeebat Idris They’re scaring us. It’s time to talk sense. Putting “For Food” in your bank transfer won’t save you from tax. Knowing your rights will. Right now, my timeline is flooded with one thing: fear. People are typing “For Family,” “For Market,” “For Travel” into every bank transfer. They think if they describe the money, the government won’t tax it. Let’s be clear: That is not how it works. All this panic is based on a dangerous rumor and this rumor can actually backfire on you. Imagine you buy a generator from a vendor for ₦500,000. He tells…

By Oyindamola Ologun Nigeria’s recent tax reforms have sparked intense debate across social media platforms. Some believe everyone will suddenly start paying higher taxes. Others argue that small businesses are being unfairly targeted, while a few insist the reforms are merely another way to squeeze citizens without improving public services. The problem is not that Nigerians are asking questions; it is that many of the answers circulating are simply wrong. When tax laws are misunderstood, distrust grows. Nigeria’s tax challenge has never been the absence of laws. The country has legislation, agencies, and penalties, yet tax compliance remains persistently low.…

..EFCC Links Funds To BDC Operator, FIRS Official ..Over N4bn Allegedly Moved Through BDC Channels … Judge Gives 14 days Ultimatum To Claimants Daud Olatunji The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of N30.7 million allegedly linked to fraudulent activities involving officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Monday after upholding an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that the anti-graft agency had established sufficient grounds to temporarily forfeit the funds to the Federal Government. The judge directed that the…

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has dismissed viral reports alleging that he was a target of recent United States airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto State, describing the claims as false, misleading and recycled propaganda. Gumi said he was neither listed for elimination nor under any form of threat, insisting that he is “comfortably staying” in his home without fear or intimidation. Speaking in an interview with Leadership, the controversial cleric clarified that the video being circulated online was an old clip taken out of context and had nothing to do with recent military operations or any alleged US…