Breaking News: APC Leaders Protests at EFCC HQ, Demands Probe of Junior Defence Minister Bello Matawalle

By Emmanuel Kwada

A group of protesters under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Young Leaders Alliance stormed the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Friday, demanding the immediate resumption of investigations into alleged corruption involving Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State.

The demonstrators, wielding placards and chanting slogans, accused the EFCC of failing to act on allegations of financial misconduct during Matawalle’s tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023.

In a letter submitted to the EFCC during the protest, the group expressed frustration over what they described as the agency’s inaction despite previous petitions and public outcry.

“We are here to demand transparency and accountability,” said Comrade Ibrahim Sani, the group’s spokesperson. “Why has the EFCC remained silent on the allegations of monumental corruption against Bello Matawalle? The people of Zamfara and Nigerians deserve answers.”

We are here to demand transparency and accountability. Why has the EFCC remained silent on the allegations of monumental corruption against Bello Matawalle?

The letter highlighted specific allegations, including the mismanagement of over N70 billion, purportedly sourced as a loan for state projects but allegedly diverted through proxies and contractors.

The group referenced a 2023 EFCC statement, where the agency confirmed it was investigating Matawalle for corruption, phantom contract awards, and fund diversion, yet no significant progress has been reported.

The protesters commended the EFCC’s recent actions against other high-profile figures, such as former governors Yahaya Bello and Darius Ishaku, but questioned why Matawalle appeared to be “shielded” from scrutiny. “If no one is above the law, why the delay in Matawalle’s case?” the letter read.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, who received the petition on behalf of the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, assured the group that the agency remains committed to investigating all allegations of economic and financial crimes.

If no one is above the law, why the delay in Matawalle’s case?

“The EFCC does not sweep cases under the carpet. We will review this petition and ensure the right thing is done,” Oyewale stated, urging the protesters to remain patient as investigations require thoroughness.

The protest comes amid growing calls for accountability in Zamfara, where residents have long expressed concerns over the lack of development despite significant federal allocations and loans during Matawalle’s governorship. The APC Young Leaders Alliance vowed to continue their advocacy until justice is served.

Matawalle, who has consistently denied the allegations, was not available for comment at the time of this report. However, in a previous statement, he described the accusations as politically motivated attempts to tarnish his image ahead of the 2027 elections.

As the EFCC pledges to revisit the case, all eyes remain on the anti-graft agency to see how it will address the mounting pressure to probe one of President Bola Tinubu’s key allies.

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