A Zamfara-based anti-corruption group has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Bello Matawalle, former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, over allegations of financial misconduct during his 2019-2023 tenure.
The Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog, in a statement on Sunday, accused the EFCC of selective investigations, warning that inaction on multiple petitions against Matawalle could undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Comrade Bello Garba Gusau, the group’s chairman, highlighted that several petitions alleging corruption by Matawalle have been submitted to the EFCC since 2023, with no tangible progress. “Vague promises of investigation are not enough,” he said.
The group referenced a Zamfara State Transition Committee report, led by former Inspector General of Police MD Abubakar, which claimed over ₦250 billion in state funds were misappropriated or misapplied under Matawalle’s administration.
Unexecuted projects, including the Gusau International Cargo Airport and various hospital and road construction initiatives, were allegedly fully paid for, raising questions about the funds’ whereabouts.
Gusau urged the EFCC to conduct a forensic investigation to clarify how these funds were used, stating, “The truth must be uncovered.”
The watchdog praised the EFCC’s probes into other high-profile figures, such as former governors Yahaya Bello and Willie Obiano, and former Minister Betty Edu, but insisted there should be “no sacred cows.”
“If these public officers can face scrutiny, there is no reason Matawalle should be exempt,” the statement read.
The group cautioned that failure to act would erode public trust and encourage impunity among Nigeria’s political elite.
“All eyes are on the EFCC. Nobody should be above the law,” Gusau declared, urging swift and decisive action.
