• EFCC reaffirms commitment to pursue alleged N70 billion corruption case against former Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle during his tenure
• Acting Director assures protesters from APC Akida Forum of thorough investigation and pledge to address demand for reopening the case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the alleged N70 billion corruption case against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.

Speaking at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the EFCC Acting Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajuren, assured protesters from the APC Akida Forum that the EFCC does not close cases once investigations are initiated. He pledged to address their demand for the reopening of the pending case.

“I commend members of the APC Akida Forum for their peaceful protest. It is within your rights to protest. The Constitution guarantees the right of free expression, and you have exercised that right today,” Uwajuren stated.

He emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to thorough investigations, promising the petition would be reviewed.

Mallam Musa Mahmud, the chairman of the APC Akida Forum, presented a copy of their petition to the EFCC and urged the commission to reopen the investigation into corruption allegations against Matawalle.

Mahmud expressed concerns about corruption in Nigeria and applauded recent actions by the APC administration in addressing suspected cases of embezzlement.

He referred to previous statements by the EFCC regarding the investigation into Matawalle, highlighting allegations of misappropriation, phantom contracts, and diversion of funds amounting to over N70 billion.

The chairman cited findings from the EFCC’s investigations, revealing payments made to over 100 companies without evidence of services rendered. He disclosed startling revelations from contractors who alleged coercion by the governor to return funds received from the state coffers in US Dollars after purportedly converting them.

The EFCC’s commitment to investigating allegations of corruption underscores its role in promoting accountability and combating financial malfeasance in Nigeria.