ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to investigate former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle concerning allegations of corruption, award of phantom contracts and diversion of over N70 billion. during his tenure.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale who spoke on behalf of the chairman of the agency Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this while addressing protesters at its headquarters on Monday, in Abuja.
On May 18, 2023, the EFCC announced that it was investigating allegations of extensive corruption, fraudulent contract awards, and the misappropriation of more than N70bn by Matawalle.
“The EFCC will do everything within its power to investigate every act of economic and financial crime. We have been doing this, and we will continue to do so. I also want to use this forum to express that the Commission recognizes the right of Nigerians to peaceful protest. We will relay this message to the Executive Chairman, and necessary action will be taken,” he said.
Protesters, under the banner of the APC Akida Forum, converged on the EFCC headquarters to submit a petition urging the Commission to expedite its investigation into former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, who currently serves as the Minister of State for Defense.
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Speaking on behalf of the group, Mallam Musa Mahmud addressed journalists at the EFCC headquarters, highlighting the recent investigation launched against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for alleged corruption.
Mahmud raised concerns regarding the lack of action against Matawalle, especially in the light of the EFCC’s recent arrest of former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku over similar allegations.
The protesters called for transparency and accountability in the handling of corruption cases involving public officials.
“We are confident that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has access to all the facts regarding financial crimes in the country. Nevertheless, we believe it is necessary to determine the total funds that the Zamfara State Government received between 2019 and 2023 under Bello Matawalle.
“We are making these efforts because, to our dismay, the former governor appeared on a live TV program, misleading the public by stating that he did not receive anything close to N70 billion during his four-year tenure as governor of Zamfara State.
“We urge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate this matter in order to uphold its credibility and neutrality in the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” Mahmud added.
