Banditry Allegation: Court Approves Petition for Federal Government to Probe Ex-governor Matawalle

The Federal High Court in Abuja has recently approved a significant lawsuit that seeks to compel the Federal Government to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations linking Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, to banditry in Zamfara State. 

The lawsuit was filed by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, who is determined to ensure that the allegations against Matawalle are properly examined.

Dahiru’s suit centers on claims that Matawalle had a hand in the operations of armed bandits during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State, which lasted from 2019 to 2023.

The case is officially marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024 and includes high-profile defendants such as President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

In his petition, Dahiru, represented by his lawyer Ojonimi Apeh, is requesting the court to declare that President Tinubu must instruct the IGP to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State, particularly focusing on Matawalle’s alleged involvement.

Dahiru argues that the government must take these allegations seriously, especially given the escalating violence in the region.
During Matawalle’s time in office, Zamfara State experienced a dramatic rise in armed banditry.

Thousands of citizens have been displaced, while many have lost family members due to the violence. Dahiru highlights that the humanitarian crisis resulting from this banditry is alarming, with many residents left orphaned or widowed.

Dahiru points to various interviews and articles that accuse Matawalle of directly supporting banditry. Some of these claims suggest that he provided vehicles to armed groups, undermined law enforcement efforts, and even granted amnesty to individuals linked to terrorist activities.

Such accusations are grave and, if proven true, could have significant implications for Matawalle’s political career and the broader security landscape in Nigeria.

Despite these serious allegations, Dahiru contends that the government has not taken any steps to investigate Matawalle. This lack of action has raised concerns among citizens who feel that their safety is being compromised.

As banditry continues to plague Zamfara State, many are calling for greater accountability from those in power.
The case has drawn considerable public attention, as it highlights the need for transparency and justice in addressing the issues of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.

If the investigation moves forward, it could serve as a crucial test of the government’s commitment to tackling these challenges and holding public officials accountable for their actions.

As this situation unfolds, the citizens of Zamfara and the broader Nigerian community are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes justice and security.

The court’s decision to allow the lawsuit is a step toward ensuring that those in positions of power are held responsible for their alleged actions, ultimately striving for a safer and more just society.