Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Israel Adeleke Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended a musician, Aniji Shedrack Chidubem, who goes by the alias Sanij-D.  He is accused of defrauding Susan Mclean, a British citizen, of £9,300.00 (Nine Thousand, Three Hundred Pounds), and an American, Diana Rosado Gonzalax, of $2,000.00 (Two Thousand American Dollars). He purportedly posed as Christopher Rossi, a marine engineer involved in boat and pipeline repairs in Singapore. Chidubem employed various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, using foreign phone numbers, as part of his fraudulent activities. According to the EFCC, he was apprehended in…

By Aminat Gusanu The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 31 individuals believed to be involved in various criminal activities, with a particular focus on a gang known for using sedatives to rob commercial motorcyclists of their bikes. In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, it was revealed that the suspects are facing charges related to armed robbery, theft, and unlawful society membership, among other offenses. Opalola revealed that operatives from the command arrested Idowu Olaide, Abubakar Bello, Abubakar Usman, and Mustapha Yinusa, who were members of a Lagos-based syndicate that specializes in snatching…

Daud Olatunji Doyin Odebowale, Special Adviser on Special Duty and Strategy to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, sheds light on why the governor is temporarily working from Ibadan, Oyo State, rather than the capital, Akure.  Akeredolu’s absence from the state since his return from a medical vacation abroad has sparked controversy, with opposition PDP youth groups issuing an ultimatum for his return.  Odebowale explains that Governor Akeredolu’s health condition necessitates a more suitable accommodation for him to effectively oversee the affairs of the South-West state.  This move has raised questions and led to claims of internal opposition by Akeredolu’s…

Aminat Gusanu A group of alleged commercial sex workers in Ogun State found themselves facing legal consequences as they were charged before a Magistrate court in Isabo, Abeokuta, the state capital.  The arrests, made on the 15th of October 2023, culminated from accusations that these individuals had been causing public disturbances and operating as prostitutes in public places. The Ogun State Police Command revealed that the alleged sex workers had been warned on multiple occasions to cease their activities, but these warnings went unheeded.  The police also claimed that they had previously arrested and released the accused, only for them…

Daud Olatunji In a surprising move, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to restructure the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).  The directive, which was made public on Tuesday night, involves the removal of Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON.  According to the directive, Hassan has been asked to proceed on a three-month pre-retirement leave, in line with Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243.  This leave, effective from October 18, 2023, will lead to Hassan’s eventual retirement from service on January 17, 2023. Simultaneously, President Tinubu has given his approval for…

Daud Olatunji In a significant move aimed at bolstering the development of critical sectors, the Ogun State Government has unveiled plans to establish new ministries dedicated to Mineral Resources, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Digital Economy, as well as Energy.  Abiodun disclosed this pivotal decision during a meeting with Permanent Secretaries convened at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun emphasized the necessity of granting full ministerial status to these sectors, as it would enable the administration to effectively pursue its objectives in these areas.  The separation of the Ministry of Youths from the Ministry…

Daud Olatunji In a resolute response to the recent rumors regarding his health, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has emphatically denied any plans to return to Germany for further medical treatment.  His Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, issued a statement dismissing the reports as baseless and the product of “evil-minded politicians.” Addressing concerns and providing an update on the state’s progress, Olatunde asserted that the rumors were the handiwork of politicians who have yet to recover from their election losses and are grasping at straws.  He urged the public to disregard the false news, emphasizing the governor’s unwavering dedication…

Peculiar Tonkumoh The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has issued a stern warning to anyone involved in energy theft, vandalism and illegal metering.  The company said it would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law. The Managing Director of IBEDC, Engr. Kinsley Achife, made this known at a stakeholders engagement meeting held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Tuesday. He said the meeting was aimed at improving the relationship between the company and its customers, as well as soliciting their cooperation in paying their outstanding bills. Achife, who was represented by the Lead Media Officer…

Wisdom Silas Some gunmen, suspected to be bandits, have killed nine members of a local vigilante group popularly known as Yan Ba Beli, during an ambush, while a few others were injured in the Local Government Areas of Bauchi state. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident took place on Sunday when the security men were on patrol. According to a member of the vigilante group who spoke anonymously, he said that the bandits ambushed and killed nine members of the vigilante team and injured many others. He added, “When the vigilantes veered into the ambush, the bandits opened fire with…

Qiwamudeen Luwaji Kano State Police Command has converted 50 hardened criminals by training them to become constable officers. The idea behind this initiative, as per information gathered by PLATFORMTIMES, is to utilize these reformed criminals to combat their colleagues who have resisted repentance and continue engaging in criminal activities. Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, while addressing the 50 selected reformed individuals from Dala, Fagge, Ungogo, Municipal, and Gwale LGAs of Kano State, upon the completion of their two-month training as members of the Nigeria Police Special Constabulary, noted that they were fortunate for choosing to start anew. Addressing…