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By Tracy Moses
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to take prompt action on a petition demanding an investigation into alleged financial misconduct by the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.
The anti-graft agency stated this on Friday, May 9, 2025, at its headquarters, Abuja, following a peaceful protest led by the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA).
The group, led by its convener, Mohammed Ireji, accused the anti-graft agency of dragging its feet despite what they described as overwhelming petitions and documentary evidence against the former Zamfara State governor.
“We are here to formally request the EFCC to reopen investigations into the weighty corruption allegations against Bello Matawalle,” Ireji told journalists outside the EFCC complex. “Nigerians are watching. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Matawalle, who governed Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023, is accused of mismanaging over N528 billion in public funds.
The amount includes N290 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), N133 billion from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), and a N105 billion loan reportedly obtained during his tenure, with little evidence of corresponding infrastructural or developmental projects.
“These are not fabricated claims,” Ireji said. “They are well-documented allegations supported by financial records and multiple petitions, including one submitted by the APC Akida Forum on May 3, 2024, and a follow-up dated September 30, 2024.”
Receiving the petition on behalf of the EFCC, Acting Director of Security, Idowu Adedeji, assured the group that their concerns would be treated with urgency.
“We have received your petition and will submit it accordingly,” Adedeji said. “Action will not be delayed.”
The protest adds to growing public pressure on the EFCC to ensure uniform accountability, particularly for former public officials who no longer enjoy constitutional immunity.
The EFCC has in recent months demonstrated increased momentum in tackling high-profile corruption cases. On April 17, 2024, it declared former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello wanted for alleged misappropriation of over N80 billion.
In July of the same year, former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku was arrested and interrogated over similar allegations. By August, the Commission had arraigned the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, for embezzling public funds.
“These cases prove that no one is above the law,” Ireji said. “So why is Matawalle being treated differently? He no longer holds immunity. We urge the EFCC to demonstrate consistency in its fight against corruption.”
While reaffirming their confidence in the leadership of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the protesters warned that any delay in acting on the Matawalle case could undermine public trust in the Commission.
“We believe in the EFCC’s ability to uphold justice,” Ireji said. “But Nigerians are tired of selective prosecution. Every corrupt leader, regardless of rank or political affiliation, must be held accountable.”