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Two Killed In Crash Along Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway

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Two Killed In Crash Along Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway

Two people have lost their lives in a road accident at Leme along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The Ogun State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the crash was caused by excessive speeding, once again highlighting the dangers of violating speed limits on Nigerian roads.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Odunsin, disclosed the incident in a statement issued in Abeokuta.

“The crash occurred at about 5:45 p.m. and involved a black Lexus car with registration number KJA 398 JR and a black TVS motorcycle with registration number AYT 837 QU. FRSC rescue operatives received the distress call at 5:50 p.m., arrived at the scene by 5:55 p.m., and responded within five minutes,” Odunsin said.

He added that six adult males were involved in the accident.

“A total of six adult males were involved in the crash. Unfortunately, two adult males lost their lives, while no injury was recorded among the other persons involved,” he said.

FRSC rescue officials evacuated the victims, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the State Hospital, Ijaye Mortuary, Abeokuta.

The agency also recovered personal belongings, including an identity card and a mobile phone, before clearing the wreckage to restore the free flow of traffic along the highway.

Reacting to the incident, the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Oludare Ogunjobi, sympathised with the families of the deceased and urged motorists, particularly drivers and motorcyclists, to obey speed limits and avoid reckless driving.

He stressed that speeding significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of road crashes.

The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety through continuous enforcement, public awareness campaigns and prompt emergency response.

The command also encouraged members of the public to report road crashes and emergencies through the FRSC National Emergency Toll-Free Number 122 or the nearest FRSC patrol team.

Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs On Canadian Goods As Trade Tensions Escalate

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Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs On Canadian Goods As Trade Tensions Escalate

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on a broad range of Canadian imports, significantly escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada.

The new duties target a variety of consumer and industrial goods, including wine, hockey sticks and cement, while exempting several key Canadian exports such as energy products, potash, critical minerals and fish.

Responding to the move, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government was prepared to “intensify” trade negotiations with the United States in the coming weeks.

The White House said the tariffs will take effect in 30 days.

Trump Cites Trade Imbalances

In announcing the new measures, Trump said the tariffs were introduced in response to what he described as “unequal treatment” of American exports, particularly in the automotive, dairy and alcohol sectors.

According to the White House, the tariffs will apply even to goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), marking a major shift in the trade relationship between the neighbouring countries.

The latest action adds to existing U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminium, copper, softwood lumber and certain automobile components.

Canada, meanwhile, continues to impose counter-tariffs on selected American steel, aluminium and vehicle imports.

Carney Criticises U.S. Decision

Reacting to the announcement, Carney described the tariffs as another unilateral trade action by Washington.

“This is the latest in a series of unilateral US trade actions that began with the US imposing a series of tariffs in direct violation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement,” he said in a statement on X.

Carney also referenced ongoing “threats to Canadian sovereignty,” an apparent response to Trump’s repeated remarks suggesting Canada should become America’s 51st state.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned the decision, writing on X:

“If these tariffs proceed, Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar.”

Three Key Trade Disputes

Trump’s executive action identifies three major areas of disagreement with Canada:

  • Automobiles: The U.S. argues that Canada’s taxes on certain American-made vehicles and parts unfairly discriminate against U.S. manufacturers.
  • Dairy: Washington continues to oppose Canada’s supply management system, which limits foreign dairy imports and imposes tariffs of up to 300% on products exceeding import quotas.
  • Alcohol: The White House also criticised the continued boycott of American alcoholic beverages by several Canadian provinces.

Canadian officials have repeatedly said the restrictions on U.S. alcohol could be lifted if Washington removes tariffs on key Canadian industries.

Trade Agreement Under Pressure

The latest tariffs come as uncertainty grows over the future of the USMCA trade agreement.

Earlier this year, the United States declined to renew the agreement in its current form, signalling plans to renegotiate parts of the deal despite having originally negotiated it during Trump’s first administration.

Although the agreement remains in force, it is now subject to annual reviews, creating continued uncertainty for businesses across North America.

Legal Questions Surround Tariffs

Unlike some of Trump’s earlier global tariffs, which were challenged in court, the latest measures against Canada were introduced under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a law dealing with trade discrimination.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that many tariffs imposed under emergency powers exceeded presidential authority, prompting the administration to rely on alternative legal mechanisms.

Experts Warn Of Rising Trade Risks

Trade experts say the latest decision represents one of the biggest escalations in U.S.-Canada trade relations in years.

Michael Devereux, an economics professor at the University of British Columbia, said the move directly targets products that had previously been protected under the USMCA.

He described the tariffs as “a significant escalation because it directly targets goods that were previously exempt under the US, Canada, Mexico trade agreement that President Trump negotiated and signed himself in 2018.”

Business groups on both sides of the border have urged Washington and Ottawa to use the 30-day window before the tariffs take effect to resume negotiations and prevent further retaliation.

UK PM Andy Burnham Announces Electricity Tax Cut, Unveils New Cabinet and Economic Agenda

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UK PM Andy Burnham Announces Electricity Tax Cut, Unveils New Cabinet and Economic Agenda

Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has announced a tax cut on household electricity bills as one of his first major policy decisions after taking office, pledging to ease the cost-of-living pressures facing millions of families.

The announcement came on Tuesday as Burnham prepared to chair his first Cabinet meeting after replacing Keir Starmer as Prime Minister and reshuffling key positions in the government.

The government confirmed that the 5% value-added tax (VAT) on consumer electricity bills will be removed from October, reducing annual household costs by an estimated £45 ($61). The measure will initially be funded by cancelling plans to introduce a nationwide digital identity programme.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the move as “a tremendous announcement for the first day of the new cabinet.”

The tax cut follows Burnham’s campaign pledge to “give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living.”

Burnham Outlines Economic Vision

After being formally appointed Prime Minister by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, Burnham pledged to rebuild Britain’s economy through re-industrialisation, decentralisation of power and increased public investment.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, he said Britain must “regain stability”, promising to create “a new political model” and “build a new economy.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment to delivering a 10-year national plan focused on economic recovery, although detailed proposals are expected to be unveiled in the coming days.

Among his immediate domestic priorities are:

  • Reducing the cost of living.
  • Expanding public housing.
  • Decentralising power away from Westminster.
  • Strengthening domestic manufacturing through public procurement.
  • Ending rough sleeping across Britain.

Burnham also reiterated his belief that “in the 1980s Britain took some wrong turns,” promising to “put life’s essentials back under stronger public control to make them affordable.”

Cabinet Reshuffle Signals New Direction

In a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle, Burnham removed several senior ministers who had served under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer while promoting key allies to top government positions.

Among the major appointments:

  • John Healey becomes Chancellor, replacing Rachel Reeves.
  • Ed Miliband is the new Foreign Secretary.
  • Wes Streeting has been appointed Defence Secretary.
  • Angela Rayner returns to government.
  • Shabana Mahmood remains Home Secretary to continue reforms of Britain’s asylum system.

The reshuffle is widely seen as Burnham’s effort to consolidate authority and chart a distinct course for his administration.

First Calls With World Leaders

Burnham also held his first conversations with several international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to Downing Street, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s “commitment to defence and security” during his call with Trump.

Trump later described it as a “very good conversation”, adding that the two leaders would meet “in the not too distant future.”

“He has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, noting that both leaders discussed trade, defence cooperation and the Strait of Hormuz.

During his conversation with Zelensky, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s “resolute commitment” to supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Burnham and urged him to “give new momentum to the partnership” between Britain and the European Union.

Challenges Facing The New Prime Minister

Burnham assumes office at a challenging time for Britain, with the country grappling with sluggish economic growth, rising government borrowing costs, an expanding welfare bill, irregular migration across the English Channel and global uncertainty linked to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.

His administration is also expected to contend with political pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which has gained momentum amid growing public dissatisfaction.

Despite the challenges, Burnham has promised to pursue long-term reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in government while delivering economic stability and lowering the financial burden on households.

Court Dismisses Ned Nwoko’s Challenge To Okowa’s APC Senate Ticket

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Court Dismisses Ned Nwoko’s Challenge To Okowa’s APC Senate Ticket

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a lawsuit filed by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko challenging the nomination of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Delta North Senatorial election.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the suit was incompetent from the outset because it was filed through an alleged attorney rather than being personally instituted by the senator, as required under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The suit, marked FCT/ABJ/CS/1062/2026, was initiated by Dr Mike Nwoko, who was identified in the court documents as Senator Nwoko’s lawful attorney.

During the proceedings, the senator sought the court’s permission to amend the originating processes by replacing the attorney with himself as the direct claimant.

However, the application was opposed by the defendants, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Court Declares Suit Fundamentally Defective

In his judgment, Justice Umar agreed with the submissions of the defendants, including APC’s counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), that the suit was fundamentally defective and could not be corrected through an amendment.

The judge held that Section 285(14) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 88(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 clearly state that only an aspirant who personally participated in a party primary has the legal right to institute a pre-election matter.

According to the court, that right is personal and cannot be exercised through an attorney, representative or agent.

Justice Umar noted that the originating summons clearly indicated that the action was filed in a representative capacity, contrary to the legal provisions governing pre-election disputes.

He further ruled that if the Constitution or the Electoral Act intended to permit aspirants to file such suits through attorneys, the law would have expressly provided for it.

Amendment Cannot Cure an Invalid Suit

Rejecting Senator Nwoko’s application to amend the originating processes, the judge ruled that a court cannot revive proceedings that were void from the beginning.

“There must first be a competent and subsisting proceeding before the court can exercise its discretionary power to permit an amendment. Where the originating process itself is void and incapable of conferring jurisdiction, an amendment cannot operate retrospectively to create a valid suit,” Justice Umar held.

Having determined that the originating process was incompetent, the court dismissed the application for amendment and struck out the substantive suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Tinubu Appoints 26 To Federal Agencies, Picks Fayose For REA

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Tinubu Appoints 26 To Federal Agencies, Picks Fayose For REA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of 26 new officials across 10 Federal Government agencies and commissions, with former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose emerging as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.) appointed Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

According to the appointments announced by the Presidency, Fayose will lead the board of the Rural Electrification Agency alongside Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta, who will serve as members and non-executive directors. The board will also include the agency’s Director-General, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, as well as three previously appointed executive directors.

National Salaries Commission Gets New Leadership

President Tinubu also approved several appointments to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Former member of the House of Representatives, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, was named Secretary of the Commission, while Dr Ogbole Ene Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun, and Yakubu Umar Barde, representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna States respectively, were appointed as commissioners.

Other members of the commission include:

  • Dr Mai Adamu Yau (Borno)
  • Ginika Florence Tor (Enugu)
  • Engineer Lawrence Okoh (Edo)
  • Bello Morenike Iyabode (Kogi)

Revenue Mobilisation Commission Gets New Secretary

Tosin Johnson Adeyanju, who previously served as Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), has been redeployed as Secretary of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

New Heads For Key Federal Agencies

The President also approved the appointment of:

  • Dr Abuh Mohammed as Director-General of the National Population Commission (NPC).
  • Dr Akinola Odeyemi as Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company.
  • Dr Anthony Inalegwu Godwin as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission.
  • Engineer Julius Oloro as Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) in Kwara State, succeeding the late Dr A.R. Kamal, who passed away in January.

Fiscal Responsibility Commission Board Reconstituted

President Tinubu also inaugurated a new board for the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, appointing Dr Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as Chairman.

Other members of the board are:

  • Mohammed Asmau
  • Mohammed Aliyu Makama
  • Dr Suleiman Gidado
  • Louis O. Ndukwe
  • Amaechi Ugwele
  • Olaniyi Idowu Onikola

New Executive Secretary for Mass Literacy Commission

The President named Shuni Muhammad Dahiru as the new Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, replacing Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, who was reassigned to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) in April.

Federal Housing Authority Gets New Executive Director

To fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mathias Byuan, who left office to contest the Benue State governorship election, President Tinubu appointed Gisaor Vincent Iorja as Executive Director (Finance) of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Iorja is an economist, legal scholar and academic who currently serves as Secretary of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

According to the Presidency, all the appointments take immediate effect.

The appointments were announced in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dated July 20, 2026.

Morocco Expands Hotel Capacity With 60,000 New Beds Ahead Of 2030 World Cup

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Morocco Expands Hotel Capacity With 60,000 New Beds Ahead Of 2030 World Cup

Morocco plans to grow its hotel capacity by 60,000 beds roughly a fifth of its current stock by the time it co-hosts the 2030 World Cup, the country’s tourism minister has said.

The North African nation is capitalizing on the buzz from its quarter-final run at the last World Cup, having become the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals in Qatar four years earlier. Officials hope to turn that momentum into lasting gains for the tourism sector, which employs hundreds of thousands of Moroccans and makes up about 7% of GDP.

“We see the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, not an end in itself,” Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor told Reuters.

The government is putting more than 190 billion dirhams (roughly $20 billion) into rail, road, airport, stadium and urban infrastructure projects ahead of the tournament, which Morocco will co-host alongside Portugal and Spain. How many matches each host country will get has yet to be finalized.

Rabat in the Spotlight

Morocco has already added 45,000 hotel beds over the last four years, pushing its total past 300,000. The country drew close to 20 million visitors last year — the highest of any African destination — and is targeting 26 million by 2030. Morocco’s central bank projects tourism revenue will hit a record 161 billion dirhams in 2027, up from 138 billion dirhams in 2025, with expanded European flight routes helping drive the growth.

Ammor said the next stage of growth will center on boosting arrivals from China, the U.S. and the Middle East through better air links. Morocco is also working to spread tourism beyond hotspots like Marrakech and Agadir, positioning the capital Rabat — with its historic monuments, museums and sports venues — as a destination for cultural events, sports events and business travel.

Court Grants Former Warri Refinery MD Jimoh Yisawu ₦500 Million Bail In Alleged Money Laundering Case

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Court Grants Former Warri Refinery MD Jimoh Yisawu ₦500 Million Bail In Alleged Money Laundering Case

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to the former Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, Jimoh Yisawu, in the sum of ₦500 million as he faces trial over alleged money laundering offences.

Justice Inyang Ekwo approved the bail on Monday after Yisawu was arraigned on an eight-count charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

The former refinery boss pleaded not guilty after the charges, filed on June 22, 2026, were read before the court.

According to the prosecution, led by Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), Yisawu allegedly violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In the first count, the Federal Government accused him of “indirectly converted the aggregate sum of over $789,950… being proceeds of unlawful activity”, an offence said to be contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Act.

The prosecution also alleged in the second count that Yisawu made cash payments exceeding $789,950 to one Samaila Bala without processing the transactions through a financial institution, contrary to the provisions of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering law.

In another count, the government claimed that the former managing director paid $122,600 in cash through Rasheed Olaitan Yusuf, allegedly bypassing the banking system and due process.

Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution requested a trial date.

Counsel to Yisawu, Wale Balogun (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed.

However, Iheanacho disclosed that the prosecution had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application and urged the court to deny bail.

Balogun argued that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier granted Yisawu administrative bail and had already taken custody of his international passport. He urged the court to retain the existing bail conditions.

After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Ekwo ruled in favour of the defendant.

“Going by Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015)… I therefore grant bail in the sum of ₦500m with one surety in like sum,” the judge held.

As part of the bail conditions, the court directed that the surety must be a responsible Nigerian with landed property in Abuja and provide valid proof of ownership, subject to verification by the court registrar.

Justice Ekwo also ordered Yisawu to surrender his international passport to the court and prohibited him from travelling outside Nigeria without obtaining the court’s approval.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the court directed that Yisawu remain in the custody of the prosecution.

The matter was adjourned until October 25, 26 and 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

Canada Slams Shut Its Border To Congo Travelers, Defying WHO Guidance

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Canada Slams Shut Its Border To Congo Travelers, Defying WHO Guidance

Canada announced Sunday it will refuse entry to any foreign national who has set foot in Congo within the past 21 days, rolling out tough new temporary border measures aimed at stopping Ebola from crossing into the country.

The move flies in the face of the World Health Organization, which has explicitly urged against travel or trade restrictions on Congo as authorities there battle a major Ebola outbreak. The WHO warns that such bans breed stigma and can actually undermine efforts to bring epidemics under control.

“People from affected regions and African communities have faced unfair suspicion,” the WHO said last month. “The spread of Ebola is not determined by nationality or ethnicity.” The agency puts the risk of the outbreak spreading internationally at low.

Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. As of July 15, Congo had logged more than 2,100 cases and 828 deaths.

Canada’s Public Health Agency defended the decision, saying in a statement that keeping out foreign nationals who’d recently been in Congo “may reduce public health risks for Canadians.” The restrictions kick in Monday, July 20, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Canada had already frozen immigration processing for residents of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan — even though South Sudan has recorded zero Ebola cases and Uganda hasn’t reported a new one since last month.

Agency spokesman Mark Johnson admitted in an email that the risk to Canadians is low, but warned that anyone who flouts the new rules could face fines of up to CAD$150,000 for individuals and $1.5 million for corporations. He said the shift brings Canada’s border policy in line with the U.S. and Mexico.

The U.S. imposed similar measures last week, barring Americans who’d recently been in Congo from re-entering via commercial flights. Seven American aid workers who were in Congo fighting the outbreak are currently stuck in quarantine at a facility in Kenya.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has also pushed back against travel bans on Congo, warning they choke off humanitarian aid while doing little to actually contain the virus.

Mali: Insurgent Ambush Kills Over 50 Soldiers and Russian Fighters

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Mali: Insurgent Ambush Kills Over 50 Soldiers and Russian Fighters

Militants linked to al Qaeda and a Tuareg-led separatist group ambushed a Malian army convoy in the north of the country over the weekend, with a source close to the rebels saying more than 50 soldiers and allied Russian fighters were killed and others taken hostage.

The attack is the latest in a string of escalating strikes by the two groups, which teamed up for coordinated nationwide assaults in April that claimed the life of Mali’s defence minister and struck the airport in Bamako. This month, they launched a fresh offensive targeting the town of Anefis.

According to statements from Mali’s armed forces, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), and the al Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), the ambush took place on Saturday between Anefis and Gao. Mali’s military said it occurred in the Tabrichat area and that retaliatory airstrikes afterward killed at least 20 insurgents.

The FLA said in a statement that “dozens” of Malian troops and Russian Africa Corps paramilitaries had been “neutralised,” alongside significant material losses. A source close to the group put the death toll among pro-government fighters above 50, though Reuters has not been able to verify the figure independently.

JNIM released footage online purporting to show soldiers surrendering with their hands raised, as well as rebels shooting at some of the captives — footage Reuters has also not verified. Despite the assault, the army has held onto control of Anefis.

The escalating violence adds further pressure on Mali’s military government, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021 on promises of restoring security across the Sahel nation.

Court Grants Miyetti Allah President ₦2bn Bail In Alleged $2.63 Million Money Laundering Case

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Court Grants Miyetti Allah President ₦2bn Bail In Alleged $2.63 Million Money Laundering Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Bello Bodejo, the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, bail in the sum of ₦2 billion as he faces trial over allegations of laundering $2.63 million.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who delivered the ruling on Sunday, ordered that Bodejo must provide one surety in the same amount.

As part of the bail conditions, the court directed that the surety must be a resident of Abuja, possess three years of tax clearance certificates, and own landed property in the Federal Capital Territory valued at ₦2 billion.

The judge further ruled that the property documents presented by the surety must be verified by the court registrar.

Justice Ekwo also ordered Bodejo to surrender his international passport to the court registrar and prohibited him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.

In granting the application, the judge held that the offences brought against the defendant are bailable and that the court had the discretion to admit him to bail.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 5, October 6 and October 7 for the commencement of trial.

The court had earlier fixed July 20 for the ruling on Bodejo’s bail application after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering involving approximately $2.63 million.

Following his arraignment, Justice Ekwo ordered that the Miyetti Allah president be remanded in EFCC custody pending the determination of his bail application.

The EFCC, represented by Wahab Shittu (SAN), filed the charge dated June 24 and submitted on June 25, naming Bodejo as the sole defendant.

When the charges were read in court, Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant.

However, Bodejo’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on June 30.

While moving the application, Raji argued that the allegations bordered on money laundering and were bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of his client.

The EFCC opposed the request, with Shittu asking the court to refuse the application.

According to the charge, Bodejo allegedly received several cash payments in US dollars from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, who is currently in the custody of the Nigerian Police Force.

In the first count, the EFCC alleged that on or about January 11, 2022, Bodejo accepted $100,000 in cash from Abubakar without lawful authority and without processing the transaction through a financial institution, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act,” the charge stated.

The commission further alleged that Bodejo accepted another $200,000 on January 21, 2022, and an additional $100,000on October 26, 2022, under similar circumstances.

According to the prosecution, Bodejo also allegedly received $980,000 on February 7, 2024, $750,000 on March 3, 2024, and $500,000 on March 20, 2024, all in cash and outside the legally permitted transaction threshold.

The sixth count alleges that the $500,000 payment exceeded the statutory cash transaction limit prescribed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and was not routed through a financial institution as required by law.

“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act,” the charge read.

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