Court Approves Suit to Compel FG to Investigate Minister Matawalle over Banditry Allegations

A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a legal suit seeking to compel the Federal Government to investigate former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, for alleged connections to banditry operations in Zamfara State.

The case, filed by Zamfara-based human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, lists President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police as defendants. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, calls for a thorough investigation into Matawalle’s alleged involvement with bandits and kidnappers, citing the need to restore public safety in Zamfara.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Mr. Ojonimi Apeh, argues that the President should direct the Inspector General of Police to investigate the growing banditry and kidnapping crisis in the state, specifically focusing on Matawalle’s alleged role during his tenure as governor between 2019 and 2023. The suit claims that during Matawalle’s governorship, banditry reached unprecedented levels, resulting in widespread suffering, including orphaned children, homelessness, and loss of life.

The legal filing references multiple public accusations against Matawalle, including a statement by current Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal during a TV interview on September 18, 2024, where he implicated Matawalle in supporting kidnappers and bandits. Additionally, the plaintiff points to an article published on September 22, 2024, that accuses Matawalle of sponsoring bandits, providing vehicles to them, and undermining law enforcement efforts.

Despite these public allegations, the suit argues that no official investigation into Matawalle has been conducted, while the violence in Zamfara continues to escalate. The court has yet to schedule a hearing for the case.