Protesters from Zamfara State have once again called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen the N70 billion probe involving the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, who is under investigation for alleged money laundering during his time as governor of Zamfara State.
Members of the APC Loyalists Forum occupied the entrance of the EFCC headquarters, urging the anti-graft agency to reexamine the purported mismanagement of public funds and resources during Matawalle’s governorship.
The protesters specifically demanded that the EFCC thoroughly investigate all petitions against Matawalle, including allegations of contract diversion amounting to N70 billion during his tenure.
Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC director of Public Affairs, received the protest letter on behalf of the chairman and assured the demonstrators that the commission is committed to pursuing every corruption case to a conclusive resolution.
This protest follows a previous demonstration in January by the Zamfara Alternative Forum at the EFCC Headquarters, where they urged the commission to reopen the investigation into Matawalle’s alleged money laundering activities during his governorship.
Mahmud Abubakar, spokesperson for the Zamfara Alternative Forum, emphasized during the protest: “The EFCC must resume its investigation into former governor Bello Matawalle regarding the ₦70 billion fraud uncovered during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.”
“This will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in corrupt practices in public office, especially in addition to what happened to the humanitarian minister.
“The mismanagement of public funds has far-reaching effects on the people and the state. It leads to a lack of development, loss of revenue, and a decrease in the quality of life for the people,” he added.
