Everything You Need To Know About WAFCON 2026

July 21, 2026

The long-delayed 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is finally set to kick off, with Morocco hosting the finals for a third consecutive time.

The tournament was originally slated to run from March 17 to April 3, but the Confederation of African Football pushed it back just 12 days before the scheduled start. Now, coming barely a year after the delayed 2024 edition, Wafcon 2026 gets underway on Sunday, July 26, with Algeria facing Senegal in the tournament opener in Rabat (17:00 GMT). CAF pointed to “unforeseen circumstances” behind the postponement, though the extra time has allowed for an expanded 16-team format featuring 34 matches, wrapping up with the final on Sunday, August 16.

This edition carries extra weight as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, all four semi-finalists will punch their ticket to Brazil, while the four beaten quarter-finalists will compete for two remaining spots via an intercontinental play-off.

Groups

The 16 teams are divided into four groups of four:

Group A: Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C: Nigeria (holders), Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde

Host nation Morocco faces a North African derby against Algeria, along with matches against Senegal and Kenya, the latter returning to the tournament for the first time in a decade. Reigning champions Nigeria, who defeated Morocco in last year’s final, will contend with Zambia — the top-ranked side in their pot — plus Egypt and first-time participants Malawi. 2022 winners South Africa take on Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania, while Ghana were drawn against Cameroon, Mali, and tournament debutants Cape Verde. The top two finishers in each group advance to the quarter-finals.
Schedule

Kick-offs throughout the tournament are set for 17:00 GMT and 20:00 GMT, apart from the final. Quarter-finals fall on August 8-9, both semi-finals follow on August 12, and the final takes place Sunday, August 16 at 19:00 GMT.

Group stage highlights include:

July 26: Algeria v Senegal (17:00); Morocco v Kenya (20:00)
July 28: Zambia v Egypt (17:00); Nigeria v Malawi (20:00)
August 1: Egypt v Malawi (17:00); Nigeria v Zambia (20:00)
August 5: Egypt v Nigeria (20:00); Malawi v Zambia (20:00)

Quarter-finals (Aug 8-9): Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A; Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B; Winner Group D v Runner-up Group C; Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D

Semi-finals (Aug 12): Winner QF2 v Winner QF3 (17:00); Winner QF1 v Winner QF4 (20:00)

World Cup play-offs (Aug 13): Losing quarter-finalists face off for two remaining 2027 World Cup slots

Third-place play-off (Aug 15): Loser SF1 v Loser SF2

Final (Aug 16): Winner SF1 v Winner SF2, 19:00 GMT

Venues

Unlike last year’s six-stadium, five-city spread, this edition uses five stadiums across just two cities — Rabat and Casablanca. Berkane, Mohammedia, and Oujda have been dropped as hosts, and matches originally planned for Fes have been relocated to Casablanca. The five venues in use are:

Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Olympic Stadium, Rabat
Al Medina Stadium, Rabat
Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca

Morocco’s home matches will be played at Moulay Hassan Stadium, which will also host a quarter-final and a semi-final. The final’s venue is still undecided, it will be either Moulay Hassan or the larger Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with the latter the likely choice should Morocco reach the final.

Contenders

Only Nigeria and South Africa have won this tournament before. Nigeria’s Super Falcons arrive as both defending champions and Africa’s top-ranked side under coach Justin Madugu, backed by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s best keeper for three straight years — and captain Rasheedat Ajibade, last year’s finals MVP.

Morocco, despite heavy investment in its women’s game, has yet to match the success of its men’s team continentally. The Atlas Lionesses have finished runners-up in the last two editions and are now guided by Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to World Cup glory in 2023.

South Africa remain a threat under veteran coach Desiree Ellis, while Ghana return under Kim Bjorkegren following a third-place finish last year. Zambia round out the group of likely contenders, led by 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda, though they’ll be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s 5-0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria.

Kwankwaso Says Obi Signed Written One-Term Presidency Agreement

Favour Enyosa

July 21, 2026

Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has revealed that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, signed a written agreement committing Obi to serve only one four-year term if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso said the agreement was intended to ensure that presidential power returns to Northern Nigeria after Obi’s first term, describing the arrangement as a move to promote national unity and political stability.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the former governor explained that the commitment was formally documented rather than based on a verbal understanding.

According to him, both leaders signed separate agreements alongside the party’s own agreement.

“I personally believe him. Based on what I know about him now, I don’t think he will change his mind when the time comes. We are gentlemen, and we even agreed to put it in writing,” Kwankwaso said.

He explained that the agreement provides for a single four-year administration between 2027 and 2031, after which the presidency would rotate back to the North.

“We signed one agreement for the party and another one between the two of us. The understanding is that after four years, we will continue working together so that power returns to the North,” he stated.

Kwankwaso said accepting the vice-presidential ticket aligns with his long-held position that the presidency should remain in the South for one more four-year term before returning to the North.

He maintained that the arrangement represents a fair political balance capable of strengthening national unity.

“We agreed that the presidency should remain in the South for four years before returning to the North. We believe that is the consensus that can keep the country together as one family,” he added.

When asked about his own political ambition after the proposed transition, Kwankwaso said the party’s immediate priority is securing victory in the 2027 presidential election, while its medium- and long-term plans would be pursued afterward.

“We have a short-term plan which we are executing now, and we also have our medium- and long-term plans for the country. That is what we are concentrating on,” he said.

Peter Obi has repeatedly maintained that he would serve only one term if elected president, arguing that four years would be sufficient to implement critical reforms and reposition Nigeria.

However, the pledge has continued to generate political debate, with some opposition figures questioning whether the commitment would be honoured if Obi emerges victorious in the 2027 presidential election.

FG Denies ₦80tn Borrowing Claims, Explains Debt Increase

Favour Enyosa

July 21, 2026

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that the administration of President Bola Tinubu borrowed about ₦80 trillion within three years, insisting that the figures being circulated are misleading and largely reflect accounting adjustments rather than fresh loans.

The clarification was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, while briefing the Senate Committee on Finance on the state of the nation’s economy.

Addressing concerns raised by lawmakers over reports that the current administration had added about ₦80 trillion to the ₦75 trillion debt it inherited, Oyedele said the widely reported figures do not accurately represent new borrowing.

According to him, Nigeria’s public debt stood at about ₦75 trillion when President Tinubu assumed office. However, economic reforms and the depreciation of the naira significantly increased the naira value of the country’s external debt.

“When this administration came into office, public debt was around ₦75 trillion. Many people simply compare that figure with today’s debt stock and conclude that this government has borrowed massively.

“However, following the reforms and the depreciation of the naira, the foreign currency component of our public debt had to be revalued because Nigeria reports its debt in naira. That accounting adjustment alone added more than ₦40 trillion to the public debt figure,” he said.

Oyedele further explained that the securitisation of the Ways and Means advances approved by the National Assembly added about ₦33 trillion to the public debt stock.

He stressed that the amount should not be regarded as new borrowing, noting that it represented existing obligations that were formally recognised in the government’s debt records.

Meanwhile, members of the Senate Committee on Finance expressed concern over what they described as the poor implementation of the capital component of the 2026 budget, urging the government to improve the execution of key infrastructure and development projects.

Two Killed In Crash Along Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway

Favour Enyosa

July 21, 2026

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

Favour Enyosa

July 21, 2026

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

Favour Enyosa

July 21, 2026

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

Favour Enyosa

July 21, 2026

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

Favour Enyosa

July 21, 2026

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

July 20, 2026

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

Favour Enyosa

July 20, 2026

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.

1...565758...2,683 Page 57 of 2,683