Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A recent graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Oladipupo Opeyemi, has regained her freedom after spending nine harrowing days in the hands of kidnappers. The release was confirmed on Friday night in a statement issued by Dr. Wasiu Tejuoso on behalf of the Olajide Oladipupo-Ogunmokun family and the Mass Communication Department of the institution. “I am happy to announce that the kidnapped graduate of our department, Miss Opeyemi Oladipupo, was released last night after nine days in captivity,” the statement read. Opeyemi, who graduated from the Mass Communication Department last year, was abducted on Wednesday night, sparking widespread concern…

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of a notorious banditry gang linked to the January 6, 2026 attack on the Old Oyo National Park, which left five people dead and several others injured. The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed on Saturday that the suspects include the alleged mastermind and leader of the 10-man gang that carried out the late-night raid on forest rangers and other park personnel in the Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area. According to the police, the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles at about 9pm, wielding sophisticated…

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reached an agreement with market leaders across the state to resume full business activities from Monday to Saturday, marking a major push to end the long-running sit-at-home practice that has crippled commercial life in the state. The agreement was reached in Awka on Saturday during a meeting between the governor and executives of major markets, including the Onitsha Main Market, which was recently shut for one week by the government over traders’ continued closure on Mondays. According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, Soludo said the persistent…

Several Nigerian soldiers were feared killed on Thursday when fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked an army base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Military sources told our correspondent that the insurgents stormed the military formation in large numbers, firing sporadically and overwhelming troops on duty, leading to heavy casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). A source said, “There was an attack and many soldiers were killed, but the exact number is still unclear.” During the assault, the attackers reportedly set ablaze armoured tanks and several…

Family members of 16 military officers detained over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu have launched a desperate appeal to top politicians and government officials, urging that justice be tempered with mercy as the officers await court-martial. Multiple sources confirmed that the officers have been in custody since October 2025 following investigations by the military high command into what was described as a grave breach of national security. A report of the probe, it was learnt, has since been submitted to the President, indicting the suspects and recommending further disciplinary action under military law. Retired senior officers familiar…

Veteran Nollywood actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a solemn call to service, pledging to uphold the cultural values, unity and progress of the ancient Lagos kingdom. Kosoko, 72, was formally presented as the Oloja-elect on January 24 at the palace of the Elereko of Lagos, ending nearly eight years of vacancy on the revered stool following the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017. Speaking with journalists after the presentation, the actor-turned-traditional leader said he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him by the royal family, describing the development as…

A worshipper identified as Najeem has died following a violent altercation at a central mosque in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, sparking tension in the area and prompting police investigation. The incident occurred shortly after the dawn (Fajr) prayer on Friday at the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque on B.A. Adigun Street, Ayedun Estate, Ogo-Oluwa area. Eyewitnesses said the deceased, a car painter and father of two, had joined other worshippers for prayers when he suddenly stood up during the sermon, reportedly pulled down the microphone stand and attempted to attack the Imam. It was gathered that the cleric…

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has directed all Nigerians  including salaried workers, business owners and employers — to file their annual tax returns on or before March 31, warning that non-compliance violates existing tax laws. Oyedele gave the charge during a webinar organised for human resource managers, payroll officers, chief financial officers and tax managers in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board, stressing that tax compliance remains dangerously low across the country. He said while many employers routinely deduct Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes from workers’ salaries, that does not absolve individuals of…

The Kano State Police Command has arrested three men for allegedly using a fake bank credit alert to purchase a luxury Mercedes-Benz GLE valued at ₦75 million in Abuja before fleeing to Kano. Those arrested were identified as Ibrahim Tijjani, Jamilu Auwal and Mohammed Nura Dauda. The suspects were apprehended on January 28, 2026, at Kabuga Quarters in Kano, following intelligence-led investigations by detectives of the command. In a statement on Saturday, the police spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the suspects allegedly defrauded a car dealer in Gwarinpa, Abuja, by presenting a fraudulent credit alert sent by one Ibrahim Yahaya,…

By ESV RT. Hon. Remmy Hazzan Modern governance offers a crucial insight: countries thrive not because of charismatic leaders, but due to robust institutions that operate under the rule of law, established procedures, and accountability. In places where institutions are strong, individuals act as responsible stewards, adhering to the rules; conversely, in weak institutions, individuals often overstep their bounds, pushing authority beyond legal limits. Nigeria’s ongoing development issues clearly illustrate that when personal judgment takes precedence over institutional discipline, particularly in areas like land management and urban development, systemic instability is the result. The recent initiative by the Office of…