Angry protesters from Zamfara State have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen the N70 billion probe on President Bola Tinubu’s minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle.
9News Nigeria reports that Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State is currently being investigated for alleged money laundering during his tenure.
Our reporter gathered that the group occupied the entrance to the EFCC headquarters urging the anti-graft agency to revisit the alleged mismanagement of public funds and resources during his tenure.
The protesters, under the auspices of APC Loyalists Forum, asked the EFCC to investigate all petitions against Matawalle including the alleged contract diversion up to the tune of N70 billion during his tenure as governor of the state.
The EFCC director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, who received the protest letter on behalf of the chairman, assured the protesters that the commission is determined to pursuing every corruption case to a logical conclusion.
Recall that in January, another group known as the Zamfara Alternative Forum stormed the EFCC Headquarters in protest, urging the EFCC to revisit the probe of Matawalle over alleged money laundering during his tenure as the state governor.
Speaking during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Mahmud Abubakar said: “The Zamfara Alternative Forum urges the EFCC to resume its investigation of former governor Bello Matawalle over the ₦70 billion fraud uncovered by the commission during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in corrupt practices in public office, especially in addition to what happened to the humanitarian minister.
“The mismanagement of public funds has far-reaching effects on the people and the state. It leads to a lack of development, loss of revenue, and a decrease in the quality of life for the people,” he added.
9News Nigeria will be monitoring the development and bring you more details.
