Amid protests by well-meaning Nigerians, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to in its inexplicable slowing down the investigation and prosecution of the current Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle over corruption allegations and embezzlement of state’s funds while he ruled Zamfara State
By Udoka Ekeleme, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the corruption allegations against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
The spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale, made this statement on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 during an interactive session at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja between the EFCC and members of the Tinubu Youth and Women Network, a political pressure group that has been advocating for an investigation into Matawalle’s alleged corruption.
According to the EFCC, it is investigating Matawalle over allegations of mismanagement of public funds and resources during his tenure as the Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.
The agency had announced in May 2023 that it was investigating Matawalle over allegations of massive corruption, award of fictitious contracts, and diversion of over N70 billion.
The Tinubu Youth and Women Network, which claims to be working with the government to identify and address instances of corruption, mounted pressure the EFCC to reopen the investigation into Matawalle’s alleged corruption.
Bearing placards with inscriptions such as ‘EFCC, why is Matawalle free?’, ‘EFCC, don’t forget Matawalle’, ‘EFCC, is Matawalle above the law?’ among others, the group accused the former governor of diverting billions of naira meant for projects in Zamfara State and has called for his prosecution.
Presenting their demands, Comrade Aliyu Yunusa, the leader of the group, said, “We are formally requesting the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to reopen the investigation into the corruption allegations against the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who is currently Minister for Defense.
“We are appealing to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to continue investigating Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s alleged mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State and his involvement in the famous arms deal scandal.
“As party loyalists, we want the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to investigate the matter and bring justice to those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds. This will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in corrupt practices in public office, especially considering what happened to the humanitarian minister.”
While responding to the group’s demands, Oyewale assured that the EFCC will convey their message to the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and assured that the right thing will be done concerning the matter.
“Investigations as far as anti-corruption work is concerned, is not a press-button thing. Investigations have to be detailed, they have to be thorough, fully integrated and broad-based. You have aired your views, and we will do what we’re supposed to do.
“We’ll convey your message to the executive chairman. As you can see, the admin has been doing marvelously well, and it’ll do more. Every single thing that you have addressed in your letter will be conveyed to the appropriate quarters, and I can assure you that the right thing will be done,” Oyewale said.
As the investigation continues, Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see the outcome of the EFCC’s probe into Matawalle’s alleged corruption. With the agency’s assurance that it will get it right, not rushed, many are hoping that justice will be served and that those found guilty will face the full wrath of the law.
Recall that a socio-political pressure group, the APC Akida Forum, had called on the EFCC to investigate the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of Defense, Matawalle, over alleged corruption and mismanagement of public funds totaling N70 billion.
In a formal complaint submitted to the EFCC headquarters on Friday, May 3, 2024, the group urged the commission to reopen the investigation into Matawalle’s alleged corruption activities during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State.
According to the group’s chairman, Mallam Musa Mahmud, the EFCC had previously investigated Matawalle over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts, and diversion of over N70 billion, but the case was allegedly swept under the carpet by the EFCC. The group demanded that the EFCC should revisit the case and bring Matawalle to justice, citing the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and the need to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
Mahmud said, “We formally request that the commission reopen the investigation into the corruption allegations against Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the State Minister for Defense. Some of the contractors who had been invited and quizzed by the Commission made startling revelations on how the governor allegedly compelled them to return the funds received from the state coffers back to him through his aides after converting them to United States Dollars (hard currency).
“We want the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to investigate the matter and bring justice to those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds. This will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in corrupt practices in public office”.
In response to the group’s demand, the EFCC Acting Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, assured that the Commission will continue with the alleged N70 billion corruption case against Matawalle.
“I want to commend members of the APC Akida Forum for this peaceful protest. It is within your rights to protest. The Constitution guarantees the right of free expression, and you have done that today.
“I want to assure you all that EFCC does not close cases. Once we open an investigation into a case, we will continue. So, I assure you that this petition will be looked into. Thank you very much.
