The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue the investigation and prosecution of the alleged N70 billion corruption case involving Bello Matawalle, the former Minister of State for Defence and ex-governor of Zamfara State.
According to the EFCC’s acting director of public affairs, Wilson Uwajuren, the commission does not close cases once an investigation has been opened. Addressing protesters from the APC Akida Forum who had gathered at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja to demand the reopening of the case, Uwajuren assured them that the petition would be thoroughly reviewed.
“I want to commend members of the APC Akida Forum for this peaceful protest. It is within your right to protest. The constitution guarantees the right of free expression and you have done that today,” Uwajuren said.
He further stated, “I want to assure you all that EFCC does not close cases. Once we open investigation into a case, we will do not close such matter. So I assure you that this petition will be look into.”
The corruption allegations against Matawalle stem from his time as the governor of Zamfara State, from 2019 to 2023. The EFCC had previously initiated an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N70 billion during his tenure.
Musa Mahmud, the chairman of the APC Akida Forum, presented the group’s petition to the EFCC, urging the commission to pursue the case against the former governor.
The EFCC’s unwavering stance on the matter underscores its commitment to addressing high-profile corruption cases and holding public officials accountable for their actions. The continued investigation and potential prosecution of the alleged N70 billion fraud case involving Matawalle will be closely watched as a test of the commission’s resolve in tackling corruption at the highest levels of government.
