Alleged ₦528bn Fraud: EFCC Pledges to Investigate Former Zamfara Governor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has committed to probing allegations of financial mismanagement during the tenure of former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle. This follows a petition submitted by the APC Akida Forum, which accuses Matawalle of misappropriating ₦528 billion in state funds.

Led by Mahmud Mohammed, members of the APC Akida Forum visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday to formally submit the petition. The group alleges that during his administration, Matawalle received ₦290 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), ₦133 billion from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), and secured a ₦105 billion loan. They claim these funds were misused under his leadership.

Matawalle’s administration has faced increasing scrutiny, with various allegations of corruption and mismanagement surfacing. This petition adds to the mounting pressure for accountability from his time in office.

Addressing the demonstrators, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale assured that the commission would investigate all allegations of economic and financial crimes. He emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to tackling corruption, noting that several former governors and ministers are currently under investigation.

“The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is fully committed to investigating economic and financial crimes. We have been doing this, and we will continue. The Commission recognizes the right of Nigerians to peaceful protest, and this protest is peaceful. Be assured that we will relay your message to the Executive Chairman, and necessary actions will follow,” Oyewale stated.

The APC Akida Forum expressed optimism that the investigation would promote transparency and accountability in governance. Mohammed, representing the group, urged the EFCC to hold Matawalle accountable for the funds received during his tenure from 2019 to 2023.

“We are calling on the EFCC to probe former Governor Bello Matawalle for the over ₦290 billion FAAC, ₦133 billion JAAC, and ₦105 billion loan he obtained as governor. As a socio-political pressure group, we lodged a petition on May 3, 2024, urging the commission to investigate his administration’s finances,” Mohammed said.

He commended the EFCC for its dedication in fighting corruption, referencing its actions against other former public officials, including former ministers and governors like Betta Edu and Darius Ishaku.

“These are not mere allegations. The facts are clear—Bello Matawalle must account for the billions in public funds he managed. Despite his public denials, claiming he received far less during his tenure, the figures tell a different story. The EFCC should investigate and bring clarity to the matter,” Mohammed added.

The APC Akida Forum remains hopeful that the investigation will lead to the full disclosure of Zamfara State’s financial activities during Matawalle’s administration.