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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has committed to looking into serious corruption allegations levelled against Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, following a fresh petition from the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA).
Matawalle, who previously served as the governor of Zamfara State, is being accused of misappropriating more than N528 billion in public funds.
The petitioners allege that the sum includes N290 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), N133 billion from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), and an unaccounted loan of N105 billion.
The pledge to investigate came during a protest held at the EFCC’s Abuja headquarters on Friday.
Speaking at the demonstration, APC-YLA Convener Mohammed Ireji expressed frustration over the delay in holding Matawalle accountable, citing petitions already filed in May and September 2024 by concerned groups like the APC Akida Forum.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the EFCC, Acting Director of Security, Idowu Adedeji, confirmed the petition would be duly processed.
The protestors urged the commission to act swiftly, pointing out that the EFCC had previously gone after high-profile individuals such as ex-ministers and governors, including Betta Edu, Yahaya Bello, and Darius Ishaku.
“This is not based on rumours,” Ireji stated. “We have solid documentation to support the corruption allegations.”
He further criticised perceived inconsistencies in the EFCC’s anti-graft operations, questioning why Matawalle has seemingly been spared scrutiny.