The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has pledged to reopen the investigation into Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, over accusations of money laundering amounting to N70 billion during his tenure as the governor of Zamfara State.
This commitment follows a peaceful protest by a local pressure group from Zamfara State, the Zamfara Alternative Forum, at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja. The group demanded that the EFCC re-examine the fraud case against the former governor.
In response to the group’s protest and demand, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, through the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, assured reporters that his administration would not tolerate corruption.
He stated, “I want to thank the Zamfara Alternative Forum for doing this peacefully, we like this kind of peaceful protest and initiative by young Nigerians. I want to assure you that as the commission is concerned, nobody is above the law.”
He further explained that since taking office, he has reviewed all high-profile cases he inherited. He added, “And the EFCC Chairman has asked me to assure you that this case, like others, would not be an exception. The case will be reviewed, and the Chairman is assuring you that something will be done under the law, and no one is above the law and no case shall be swept under the carpet.”
The Zamfara Alternative Forum, has recently urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to resume its investigation into Bello Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence. The group’s call comes in light of allegations of money laundering amounting to ₦70 billion during Matawalle’s tenure as governor.
The group’s spokesperson, Mahmud Abubakar, expressed the group’s concerns in a statement.
He said, “The Zamfara Alternative Forum urges the EFCC to resume its investigation of former governor Bello Matawalle over the ₦70bn fraud uncovered by the commission during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.”
He emphasized that this action is necessary to serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in corrupt practices while in public office. This statement also alluded to the recent scandal involving the humanitarian minister.
Abubakar further elaborated on the detrimental effects of the mismanagement of public funds. He pointed out that such practices lead to a lack of development, loss of revenue, and a decrease in the quality of life for the people. These consequences are particularly severe in a state like Zamfara, where many residents rely on public services and infrastructure for their livelihoods and well-being.
The allegations against Matawalle are serious and have far-reaching implications. They involve not only corruption and the award of phantom contracts but also the diversion of over ₦70 billion. Such a large sum of money could have been used for the development of the state and the improvement of the lives of its residents. Instead, if the allegations are true, these funds were misused for personal gain.
The EFCC has already begun an investigation into these allegations. However, the Zamfara Alternative Forum’s call for the resumption of this investigation suggests that the group believes more needs to be done. It is a call for justice, for accountability, and for the protection of public funds.