Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, is facing mounting pressure following allegations of involvement in terrorism and banditry during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State. Reports claim that Matawalle provided vehicles to notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji. In a recent TV interview, current Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal urged Matawalle to resign, citing serious evidence of his predecessor’s role in fostering banditry.
Governor Lawal further accused Matawalle of harboring terrorists and facilitating ransom payments to bandits. He referenced an ongoing investigation into the misappropriation of ₦70 billion, questioning how Matawalle was cleared to become a minister despite the allegations. Lawal expressed frustration at the delay in action by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), emphasizing the need for the funds to address ongoing challenges in Zamfara.
This is not the first time Matawalle has been linked to banditry. An Islamic cleric, Bello Asada, also accused the former governor of gifting vehicles to bandit leaders. These revelations have intensified calls for a thorough investigation into Matawalle’s actions, as Zamfara continues to grapple with the impact of banditry and terrorism.