The Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, faces serious allegations linking him to terrorism in the country.
He is accused of procuring vehicles for bandit leaders, including the notorious Bello Turji, during his tenure as Zamfara State Governor.
Zamfara State is one of the most heavily impacted regions in Northwestern Nigeria, plagued by banditry. In May, terrorists killed at least 49 people in the Anka Local Government Area.
Earlier, in June 2019, 34 individuals lost their lives in the Tungar Kafau and Gidan Wawa villages within the Shinkafi LGA.
In March 2024, approximately 165 farmers were reported killed, displacing 200 others and causing over 72,000 individuals to abandon farming due to fears of attacks, according to Alhaji Mohammed Numbu, Chairman of the Kaduna Chapter of the Association.
Matawalle a terrorist sponsor – Zamfara governor, Lawal
Current Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, in an appearance on TVC, a national television station, called for Matawalle’s resignation.
He stated, “If I were him (Matawalle), I would resign and face all the allegations against me because, from all the information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry.”
Lawal claimed that the former governor harbored terrorists in the government house and facilitated ransom payments to them.
He noted, “In May 2023, there was this allegation of misappropriation of N70bn. We realised that the N70bn was a child’s play compared to what we have. This information is before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and I wonder how this guy was cleared by the security operatives to become a minister.”
Lawal expressed urgency, stating, “We are still waiting to hear from the EFCC; the case has been on for a year now. This is people’s money; we need the money in Zamfara to address the challenges we are facing.”
Previous allegation
Previous accusations against Matawalle are not new. In January 2022, while serving as state governor under the All Progressives Congress, he faced calls for resignation from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party over alleged sponsorship of banditry. The APC countered, claiming these allegations arose after his defection from the PDP.
Islamic cleric Bello Asada also accused him of supporting bandits, alleging that Matawalle provided vehicles to Turji and other criminals.
Asada stated, “You didn’t love especially because of God. Murtala Bello said your godfather has bought vehicles for terrorists, among them is this Halilu Subububu. The defence (state) minister has bought a brand new car and given it to him (is he not the one who’s called ‘Wankin Dan Kanoma’).”
Asada went on to claim, “I know that he has purchased about 34 vehicles and distributed them to leaders of terrorists,” adding that law enforcement agencies lacked the resources that were instead given to bandits. He questioned the inaction against Turji, a criminal known for terrorizing Zamfara State for nearly nine years.
Matawalle had initiated an amnesty program for terrorists during his governorship from 2019 to 2023, but Turji claimed in a July 2024 video that this scheme only benefited certain bandits, stating, “Any person living in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa (Sokoto State) cannot deny this claim.”
It’s a lie – Matawalle’s aide
Despite the mounting allegations, Matawalle’s aide, Dr. Suleiman Shuaib, described them as unfounded, asserting that Lawal’s actions were politically motivated.
Shuaib emphasised, “I want to call on Nigerians, including Governor Dauda Lawal, to desist from witch-hunting their predecessors. This is a mere allegation and an act of witch-hunting.”
Shuaib claimed Matawalle had only sought dialogue with bandits in an effort to restore peace and security, insisting, “He was, and is, never involved in banditry.”
Analyst reacts
Security analyst Kabir Adamu pointed out that the accusations reflect a politicization of insecurity in Nigeria.
He noted, “The state government has indicated clearly that it is not negotiating with bandits. However, there is evidence… that at least some officials at the federal level are negotiating… with them.”
New Nigeria Peoples Party spokesperson Ladipo Johnson remarked on Matawalle’s inclusion in Tinubu’s cabinet, questioning the rationale behind it.
He stated, “It is indicting that the Governor of Zamfara State came out to accuse Matawalle openly,” emphasising the need for the minister to clarify the allegations. Johnson concluded, “Matawalle should come out to address the allegations and set the record straight.”
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