Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently scrutinising 52 companies for their involvement in foreign exchange transactions with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during the tenure of the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Operatives of the EFCC recently conducted a search operation at the Lagos head office of the Dangote Group, one of the companies under investigation.  The investigation focuses on forex allocations to these companies during Emefiele’s leadership at the CBN. In a move to gather relevant information, the anti-graft commission has sent letters to the implicated companies, requesting documentation on their forex transactions spanning the…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tincan Special Area Command, announced a significant breakthrough on Thursday, revealing the interception of 876.453 kilograms of various illicit drugs and controlled substances in 2023. In a statement issued by Area Commander Mohammed Abubakar, the intercepted drugs included 24kg of cocaine, 852.45kg of cannabis, and 0.003kg of Tramadol, bringing the total to 876.453kg. Abubakar disclosed that during this period, 15 individuals were apprehended and faced legal proceedings, resulting in the conviction of 10 of them.  This accomplishment was attributed to the relentless efforts and meticulous investigations that dismantled several drug trafficking networks. “The…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has broken it’s silence over the certificate racketeering scheme as reported by  an undercover reporter, Audu Umar. NYSC said  the reporter manipulated the system by altering his email address and phone number during the application process, successfully evading initial detection. The NYSC claimed that the reporter managed to breach the system and secure mobilization for the NYSC, despite having already completed his service in 2019. NYSC spokesman Eddy Megwa said this, adding hat the system initially rejected Umar due to his prior service but accepted him after the changes, leading to his initial posting…

In the aftermath of the devastating Christmas Eve attacks on three communities in Plateau State, a survivor has bravely shared the harrowing details of losing three family members to the ruthless assailants. The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the horrifying experience to a delegation from the Middle Belt Patriots during their visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi on Wednesday. A resident of the Mangu community, the survivor revealed that the attackers mercilessly killed his mother and two brothers during the onslaught.  Shockingly, one brother was mutilated and left headless, adding an extra…

In a strategic move to revitalize Nigeria’s steel industry, the Federal Government has entered into discussions with Luan Steel Holding Group, a Chinese firm.  The primary focus is to construct a new steel plant in Nigeria and initiate the production of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. A delegation comprising the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Mary Ogbe, visited Luan Steel Holding Group in Hefei and Guangzhou Regions of China to explore this collaborative venture. As part of the broader effort to industrialize…

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Lamidi Apapa, has  dismissed the claims made by Julius Abure regarding the party’s leadership.  Apapa urged the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to assess Abure’s mental health urgently. This was contained in a  statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abayomi Arabambi on Wednesday. The statement read that the  LP National Working Committee highlighted that Abure’s assertions were based on a Supreme Court Certificate of True Copy (CTC), alleged by Abure to favour his leadership.  The LP emphasised that the Supreme Court judgments SC/CV/845/2023 and SC/CV/842/2023,…

The Nigerian Army has said that it   apprehended three fraudulent candidates involved in attempting to manipulate the recruitment process for the 86 Regular Recruits Intake in Lagos.  The  Army in a statement released by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said that the arrest was made after a viral video surfaced on social media, revealing the suspects engaging in dubious activities to secure positions designated for candidates with Lagos State indigeneship. Nwachukwu added that the NA, committed to upholding transparent and credible recruitment processes, emphasises that the arrest reflects its dedication to maintaining integrity and fairness. …

The cost of one kilogram of local rice has skyrocketed by 73.2% within a year, attributed to rising production costs, transportation expenses, and various factors.  This increase persists despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s multi-billion naira support to boost the nation’s rice value chain and curtail foreign rice imports. Rice, a staple in Nigeria, is now priced between N55,000 and N60,000 for a 50kg bag, varying by location.  The National Bureau of Statistics’ selected food prices watch report reveals a 73.2% surge in the average price of 1kg of local rice, rising from N500.80 to N867.20 between November 2022 and…

Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has  emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity among Nigerians, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), during a New Year celebration held in Abeokuta on Wednesday. Amosun, addressing party faithful, urged citizens to remain steadfast and hopeful, emphasizing the need for prayers for the well-being of Nigeria, Ogun State, and individual homes.  Amosun said “ I feel happy. First, we have to thank the Almighty God because not everybody that witnessed 2023 was   opportune  to be here today. In fact,some of our people here, you know we have to even…

In a remarkable turnout, 45,000 individuals have applied for the Ogun Teach Intern program, aiming to fill 2,000 teaching vacancies in the state, according to Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, the Ogun State Commissioner for Science and Technology. Arigbabu revealed the staggering number of applicants during the second term pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting for the 2023/2024 academic session held at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi Aba, Abeokuta.  He assured that the government would meticulously select the best candidates, with successful applicants expected to receive their letters of engagement by the end of April. Highlighting the government’s commitment to education, Arigbabu emphasized the continuation of…