Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has pledged to reinvestigate the alleged N70 billion money laundering case involving Bello Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of Defence
The announcement came after a peaceful protest organized by the Zamfara Alternative Forum at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, urging the commission to resume its probe into the financial misconduct.
During the protest, Mahmud Abubakar, the spokesperson for the group, emphasized the need for the EFCC to take action against corruption in public office, citing the detrimental effects of mismanaging public funds on development, revenue loss, and the overall quality of life for the people.
Responding to the group’s demand, EFCC’s acting Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, assured that Chairman Olukoyede is committed to reviewing high-profile cases, including the one involving Matawalle. Uwujaren reiterated that the EFCC believes in upholding the law, ensuring that no one is above it, and that no case will be overlooked.
The investigation into Matawalle’s alleged corruption was initially disclosed by the EFCC on May 18, 2023, through its Director of Media and Publicity Affairs, Osita Nwajah. The commission accused the former governor of engaging in monumental corruption, awarding phantom contracts, and diverting the substantial sum for purported projects across Zamfara State. The funds were allegedly redirected through proxies and contractors who received payment for contracts that were never executed.
With the EFCC Chairman’s commitment to revisiting the case, it appears that the anti-corruption agency is determined to uphold justice and accountability in the face of alleged financial misconduct by public officials.
