Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has dismissed allegations that the $1.2 million FIFA fund allocated for the construction of a mini-stadium in Kebbi State was diverted. Dikko, who spoke during a Channels Television programme, Politics Today, on Friday, insisted that no Nigerian official or the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) handled the money, saying FIFA solely managed the project financing and implementation. He explained that the controversy surrounding the stadium stemmed from misinformation about how FIFA’s Forward Programme operates. “Nobody collected the money. FIFA manages its projects directly — they appoint consultants, supervise procurement, and pay contractors.…

United States President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he described as rising attacks and “mass slaughter” of Christians — a move that has triggered diplomatic ripples and fresh debate over the nation’s insecurity crisis. Trump, in a statement posted on his Truth Social account on Friday, claimed “thousands of Christians” had been killed in Nigeria and accused what he called “radical Islamists” of launching a religious war. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed… Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” he wrote. “The United…

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested seven suspected kidnappers, rescued three abducted victims, and intercepted 178 live cartridges in coordinated operations across multiple communities in the state. The breakthroughs, achieved through intelligence-driven raids in Bomadi, Ubeji and Asaba areas, were disclosed on Friday, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe. According to the statement, officers attached to the Bomadi Police Division, led by CSP Adie Peter Bissong, intercepted a motorcycle along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road around 12:30pm on Wednesday. A 62-year-old woman identified as Charter Timide was arrested after officers discovered a sack…

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Friday bowed out of the Nigerian Armed Forces, declaring that he was leaving service with a “clear conscience” after what he described as decades of dedicated service to the nation. Musa, who was succeeded by General Olufemi Oluyede following President Bola Tinubu’s recent overhaul of the military hierarchy, spoke at his pull-out parade held in Abuja. “As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave it my all,” the retired General said. “I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie — of…

The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has claimed he personally spent ₦756 million to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign. In a viral video circulating on social media on Friday, Akinsanya said he received no financial assistance from Abuja during the campaign and funded logistics, accommodation, and welfare of campaign operatives from his personal purse. According to him, part of the expenses included securing 140 hotel rooms at ₦45,000 per night for four months, in addition to daily stipends for campaign workers. “I spent ₦756 million of…

Human rights activist and journalist, Agba Jalingo, has alleged that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) are selling prison cell spaces to wealthy inmates for as much as ₦300,000. Jalingo, who made the claim in Calabar during a two-day Investigative and Accountability Journalism Masterclass organised by the Agba Jalingo Foundation, described the act as one of the most disturbing forms of corruption taking place in correctional facilities across the country. “I am saying emphatically that some prison officials across the country sell cell spaces to richer inmates,” he stated. “Some charge ₦250,000, ₦300,000 or more. I know this because…

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sacked the lawmaker representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Abubakar Suleiman Gummi, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a landmark judgment, held that Gummi’s decision to abandon the party that sponsored his election violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates lawmakers who defect without proof of division in their party to vacate their seats. The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the constituency within 30 days. In addition,…

…30 Fake Certificates Traced To Suspects Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has uncovered a certificate racketeering syndicate allegedly involving staff and students of the institution, leading to the suspension of five employees and arrest of four suspected students. The Rector, Dr. Salisu Ogbo, announced this on Friday during a press briefing in Lokoja, saying the syndicate was busted following intelligence reports and a routine verification exercise by the institution’s admission, ICT and security units. According to him, at least 30 forged National Diploma (ND) certificates linked to the institution have so far been detected and were reportedly sold to unsuspecting buyers…

In the rich and noble heritage of Egbaland, few names shine as brightly as that of the High Chief, the Oluwo of Kemta Kingdom and Baaye Egba – Chief Abayomi Rotimi. As we celebrate a remarkable decade since your installation, we honour not only the years you have spent on the throne of your forefathers but also the enduring legacy of courage, wisdom, and justice that you continue to uphold. Your reign has been one of peace, progress, and unity—a true reflection of the divine grace bestowed upon you and the strength of your ancestral lineage. From the day i…

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued a popular businessman, Alhaji Hassan Atoyebi, from his abductors without paying the N30 million ransom demanded. Atoyebi was kidnapped last Monday night at his residence in Onipanu, Ota area of the state after the gang lured him outside by switching off his generator. The gunmen reportedly invaded the premises at about 8:14pm, forced him into the bush and contacted his family shortly after, insisting on a N30 million ransom for his release. Police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, said the tactical…