Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A suspected Boko Haram member, Ibrahim Mohammed, has confessed that he was paid about N100,000 to participate in the Christmas Eve bombing of a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State. Five worshippers were killed, while 32 others sustained injuries after a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device inside a mosque at Gamboru Market on December 24. Mohammed, who was arrested alongside another suspect by troops of the Nigerian Army, said he carried out the attack on the instructions of his commanders, identified simply as Adamu and Abubakar. According to counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the suspect disclosed during interrogation that the…

An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Hammid Yusuf Aderemi, has urged Nigerian youths to remain steadfast in their faith despite the growing pressures of globalisation, moral decline and the digital revolution. Sheikh Aderemi gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the four-day National Islamic Training Programme (NITP) organised by The Muslim Congress (TMC) at Vanguards Academy, Odosengolu, via Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday. Delivering a lecture titled “Challenges of the Contemporary Time as It Affects the Youth,” the cleric warned that the 21st century poses serious moral and social challenges to young people, stressing that discipline, sound knowledge and God-consciousness were…

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has met with key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, fuelling speculation over his possible defection to the ruling party. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday in Kano, was attended by the state APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and a prominent party chieftain, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, alongside other party stakeholders. Photographs from the engagement showed Governor Yusuf exchanging pleasantries with the APC leaders in what appeared to be a cordial atmosphere. Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meeting has heightened political permutations in the state, coming…

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has described the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress as a “blessing” and a long-awaited relief for the party. Obi on Wednesday officially announced his exit from the LP, pitching his tent with the coalition-backed ADC, a move that has further deepened the crisis rocking the opposition party. Reacting, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, said the party neither regrets nor feels threatened by Obi’s departure, insisting that the former Anambra State governor had effectively left the party months ago. In…

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has announced his intention to run for the Senate, saying the move is aimed at supporting Governor Usman Ododo in advancing the interests of the Ebira people at the national level. Bello made the declaration on Monday at the palace of Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, in the presence of Governor Ododo and other dignitaries. According to Bello, the call to represent the Ebira at the Senate was not a personal ambition but a duty entrusted to him by the governor to help address lingering challenges facing the community. “Governor Ododo…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians, both leaders and citizens, to complement their patriotism with a renewed sense of duty as the nation enters 2026. In his New Year message on Wednesday, Jonathan emphasised that leadership at all levels must be rooted in service, guided by humility, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people. “It is through shared responsibility, mutual respect, and steadfast dedication to the national interest that Nigeria can continue on the path toward stability and inclusive development,” he said. Reflecting on the past year, Jonathan acknowledged the challenges Nigerians faced, including…

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition-backed political party, in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga. Obi announced his defection on Tuesday at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, describing the move as the start of a “rescue journey” ahead of the 2027 elections. “We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said. “We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027. The pre-election process should…

Emerging reports have revealed that the driver involved in the tragic road crash that injured former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, may face prosecution for reckless driving. According to a source familiar with the investigation, findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicate that the vehicle was driven at excessive speed and engaged in wrongful overtaking—offences considered serious breaches of traffic regulations and potential grounds for criminal liability when fatalities occur. The source disclosed that investigators are finalising documentation for the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division, which is collaborating with prosecutors to determine appropriate charges. Prosecution for dangerous…

Daud Olatunji As 2025 draws to a close, PLATFORM TIMES reflects on a year of groundbreaking reporting that not only informed but also mobilized action across Nigeria. From uncovering social injustices to holding institutions accountable, our newsroom’s dedication has made tangible differences in people’s lives. Here is a chronicle of the eight most impactful stories, arranged by date, highlighting the profound effects of investigative journalism on society. 1. Joy Turns To Anxiety As Mother Of Triplets Detained Over Hospital Bill – November 4 & 5, 2025 In a special report, PLATFORM TIMES told the story of Mrs. Morenikeji Olatunji, a…

… Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti Residents Decry Poor Roads, Health, Education. Daud Olatunji  Despite receiving massive monthly allocations from the federation account, residents of Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states continue to grapple with poor living standards, limited infrastructure, and persistent poverty, a review of 2025 allocations by PLATFORM TIMES reveals. According to data obtained by PLATFORM TIMES from budgIT portal, the total net allocations to these five Southwest states over the first eleven months of 2025 amounted to ₦621,099,811,704.86, with Ogun State receiving ₦111,900,979,862.83 being  the fifth highest among the states, yet one of the worst-hit in…