Zamfara Anti-Corruption Watchdog Demands EFCC Probe Matawalle for Alleged ₦250bn Misappropriation

• The Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog has urged the EFCC to begin a long-overdue probe into ex-governor and current minister, Bello Matawalle
• The group warns against selective anti-corruption efforts, saying several petitions against Matawalle have been ignored since 2023
• It calls for transparency and accountability, citing a ₦250bn state fund allegedly mismanaged under Matawalle’s administration

A Zamfara-based civic group, the Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog, has issued a scathing statement demanding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) begin immediate investigation into Bello Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara and current Minister of State for Defence.

The watchdog, in a press release dated 11th May 2025, condemned what it described as "selective investigation and prosecution of corrupt public officials", warning that ignoring longstanding petitions against Matawalle undermines the EFCC’s credibility.

“There should be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, should be above the law,” said Comrade Bello Garba Gusau, Chairman of the group.

Matawalle accused of misappropriating ₦250bn

The group cited findings from a Transition Committee report led by former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar, which alleges that over ₦250 billion of Zamfara State funds were misappropriated or misapplied during Matawalle’s tenure between 2019 and 2023.

“A forensic investigation by EFCC will clear the air on how this huge fund was deployed or misused,” the statement said, calling attention to numerous abandoned or incomplete projects such as the Gusau International Cargo Airport, 14 local government lodges, and state infrastructure including hospitals and roads.

The group warned that failure to act on these allegations would reflect badly on Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive and would cast doubts on EFCC’s impartiality.

Multiple petitions ignored since 2023, watchdog alleges

According to the release, several petitions have been submitted to the EFCC since 2023 by both the watchdog and other anti-corruption groups detailing alleged financial misconduct during Matawalle’s administration. Yet, the group said, EFCC’s response has remained vague and non-committal.

“The commission's constant response that it will investigate the allegations against Matawalle each time a petition is submitted to its office has become boring as no action is taken,” it added.

EFCC commended on other prosecutions, urged to act on Matawalle

While commending the EFCC for its prosecution of other former public office holders—including Betty Edu, Yahaya Bello, Darius Ishaku, Willie Obiano, and Theodore Orji—the group insisted that Matawalle must not be excluded.

They also referenced the recent arrest of Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, a former lawmaker, and Prof. Usman Yusuf, former NHIS executive, as signs that the EFCC can act decisively when it chooses.

"All eyes are on EFCC," watchdog declares

The group concluded its statement by calling for equal application of the law and warned that any perception of bias would erode public confidence in the anti-graft body.

“If EFCC becomes selective in its investigation, arrest, and prosecution of public officers accused of corrupt practices, the fight against corruption will be defeated. Nigerians expect the commission to be firm and decisive in discharging its duties. For now, all eyes are on the EFCC.”

Source: Legit.ng