The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted news reports claiming that they have declared the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, as a wanted person. In response to the false report published by some national dailies, the EFCC clarified that they follow specific procedures for declaring individuals wanted.
According to Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for the EFCC, the report titled “Alleged N70b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex-Zamfara Gov, Matawalle Wanted” is inaccurate. The EFCC has not declared Matawalle as wanted, nor have they sought the assistance of any agency, including the Department of State Service (DSS), to arrest him.
In an official statement, the EFCC emphasized their standard procedure for declaring individuals wanted and disseminating such information to the public. They made it clear that this process does not involve anonymous or unidentified “security sources.”
It is worth noting that Matawalle and the EFCC have been engaged in a media battle over allegations of approximately N70 billion fraud during Matawalle’s tenure as the governor of Zamfara State. In a separate incident, Matawalle had accused Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended chairman of the EFCC, of demanding a $2 million bribe from him.
The EFCC’s clarification aims to address the false reports and ensure accurate information reaches the public. While the case involving the former governor remains ongoing, the EFCC asserts that they have not officially declared Matawalle as a wanted individual or sought assistance from any agency, including the DSS, to effect his arrest.
By providing this clarification, the EFCC seeks to dispel any misconceptions and uphold transparency in their operations. The focus remains on investigating alleged financial misconduct and following due process, ensuring that justice is served based on verifiable evidence and in adherence to established procedures.