EFCC Pledges to Reopen N70 Billion Fraud Probe Against Minister of State for Defence

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has affirmed its commitment to reexamine the alleged N70 billion fraud case involving Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence and former governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.

Addressing a group of protesters from the Zamfara Alternative Forum (ZAF) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Wilson Uwajuren, the EFCC’s acting Director of Public Affairs, acknowledged the peaceful demonstration by the youth and assured them that no one is above the law.

Uwajuren stated, “The EFCC Chairman has reviewed all high-profile cases inherited since assuming office. I want to assure you that this case will not be an exception. If you have done something wrong, and our investigation establishes a case, we will proceed with the matter.”

ZAF’s spokesperson, Mahmud Abubakar, presented a protest letter to the EFCC, urging the anti-graft agency to continue investigating Matawalle for alleged mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as governor. Abubakar emphasized the need for accountability, referencing the impact on development, revenue loss, and the quality of life in Zamfara State.

The protest letter recalled the EFCC’s previous announcement, citing allegations of corruption, phantom contracts, and diversion of over N70 billion by Matawalle. The funds, purportedly sourced as a loan for state projects, were allegedly redirected through proxies and contractors without evidence of service rendered.

ZAF applauded President Bola Tinubu for decisive actions against corruption and called on the EFCC to revisit Matawalle’s corruption case, emphasizing the importance of deterring corrupt practices in public office.

This development comes amidst growing concerns over the mismanagement of public funds and its detrimental effects on the socio-economic landscape of Zamfara State. The EFCC’s commitment to reviewing this case reflects a broader effort to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law in high-profile investigations.