The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has committed to investigating claims of large-scale financial misconduct involving Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defense, following a petition from the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA).
Matawalle stands accused of embezzling more than N528 billion during his tenure as Zamfara State governor.
The assurance came on Friday during a protest held at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, led by APC-YLA Convener, Mohammed Ireji. Demonstrators urged the commission to reopen the corruption case against Matawalle.
Ireji questioned the EFCC’s inaction despite previous petitions, including one from the APC Akida Forum dated May 3, 2024, and another follow-up on September 30, 2024.
While acknowledging the protest, EFCC Acting Director of Security, Idowu Adedeji, stated, “We have received your petition and we will submit it accordingly.”
The protesters demanded urgent action, citing the EFCC’s track record in prosecuting high-profile cases such as those involving former Minister Betta Edu, ex-Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, and former Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State.
The petition against Matawalle accuses him of diverting N290 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), N133 billion from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), and taking an unexplained N105 billion loan during his administration.
“These are not mere speculations but backed by concrete facts and figures,” Ireji emphasized during the protest.
He also raised concerns about potential political influence undermining anti-corruption efforts, stating, “If all these former governors and ministers were not above the law and the EFCC, who would shield Matawalle from investigation?”
While commending the EFCC’s previous accomplishments, APC-YLA pressed the agency to show similar resolve in this matter.
“We have lauded the performance and resilience of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leadership in its fight against corruption without bias many times,” Ireji added.
What you should know
Bello Matawalle, now serving as Minister of State for Defense, is under renewed scrutiny over alleged financial misappropriation during his time as Zamfara governor. Pressure from within his party’s youth wing could reignite investigations amid growing concerns about equal treatment in anti-corruption enforcement.
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