The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of shielding State Minister of Defence Bello Matawalle from prosecution over alleged embezzlement of public funds.
Mr Matawalle was Zamfara state governor between 2019 and 2023.
Chairman and Convener of the CSO, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Sani, stated this at a press briefing held in Kaduna on Monday.
He said the CNF has submitted petitions to the EFCC, urging the commission to reopen its investigation into Mr Matawalle.
The CSO also accused the EFCC of inaction on the matter, despite having launched investigations into similar allegations against other former governors.
But The CNF claims that Matawalle needs to account for over N290 billion from the FAAC, N133 billion from the JAAC, and a N105 billion loan.
The CNF, however, urged the EFCC to investigate Matawalle and uphold its credibility and neutrality in the fight against corruption.
“We have witnessed the commission launch an investigation into the alleged corruption of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Last year, the commission arrested former Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State over alleged corruption.
“If all these former governors and ministers were not above the law and the EFCC, who would shield the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle from investigation? He is not a governor now. Who is stopping EFCC from doing its work?,” the CSO said.
On 18 May 2023, EFCC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, said the commission was investigating Matawalle over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts, and diversion of over N70 billion.
