The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has signaled its readiness to revisit the alleged N70 billion corruption case involving Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, following the submission of a fresh petition.
Addressing members of the APC Akida Forum, who staged a peaceful protest at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the EFCC’s acting Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajuren, assured the protesters that their concerns would be taken seriously.
The case dates back to May 18, 2023, when the EFCC initially announced its investigation into allegations of corruption, phantom contracts, and misappropriation of funds totaling N70 billion during Matawalle’s tenure as Zamfara State governor from 2019 to 2023.
While a previous petition from the Zamfara Alternative Forum had called for scrutiny into the former governor’s financial activities, the APC Akida Forum reiterated the demand for an intensified investigation during their recent demonstration.
Presenting a copy of their petition to the EFCC, Chairman of the APC Akida Forum, Musa Mahmud, emphasized the growing concerns about corruption in Nigeria and urged the commission to take decisive action against government officials implicated in financial malpractice.
In response, Uwajuren affirmed the EFCC’s commitment to thorough investigation and accountability. He reassured the protesters that the commission does not close cases once opened, underscoring their right to demand transparency and accountability from public officials.
“I want to commend members of the APC Akida Forum for this peaceful protest. It is within your rights to protest,” Uwajuren stated. “The EFCC does not close cases. Once we open an investigation into a case, we do not close such a matter. So, I assure you that this petition will be looked into. Thank you very much.”
The EFCC’s willingness to reconsider the case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold accountability in Nigeria’s governance landscape.
