The Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog has called for an immediate investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged mismanagement of funds during the tenure of former governor Bello Matawalle. This demand comes as protests and calls for the EFCC to investigate Matawalle have gained momentum, particularly now that he serves as the Minister of State for Defence.
Bello Gusau, chairman of the civil society group, issued a statement on Sunday, stressing that the EFCC must ensure its investigations are impartial and not selective in its handling of corruption cases involving politicians. Gusau pointed to previous investigations into former governors, including Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Theodore Orji (Abia), and argued that Matawalle should face similar scrutiny.
“If the EFCC can investigate and prosecute these public officers, there is no reason why Bello Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara State, should be exempt from a similar probe into his alleged corrupt practices,” Gusau said.
The call for an investigation into Matawalle’s financial dealings has persisted since he left office in 2023. Gusau emphasized that a probe would ensure justice, probity, and accountability in governance. He also pointed out that the EFCC had not acted on a report from the Zamfara state transition committee, which allegedly detailed the misappropriation of funds during Matawalle’s administration.
Matawalle, who governed Zamfara from 2019 to 2023, lost his re-election bid in the 2023 elections but was later appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of State for Defence. Since leaving office, he has faced multiple allegations, including the diversion of N70 billion for state contracts.
The EFCC confirmed its investigation into Matawalle in May 2023, stating that the funds were allegedly misappropriated by Matawalle’s “cronies” during his tenure. However, Matawalle has not yet been arraigned in court despite the seriousness of the allegations.
