CNF Accuses EFCC of Stalling Corruption Probe Against Ex-Zamfara Governor Matawalle
By Hussaina Yakubu
May 5, 2025
The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has called out the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its failure to proceed with the investigation of former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for alleged misappropriation of state funds during his tenure from 2019 to 2023.
At a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, CNF Chairman and Convener, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Sani, expressed concern over the commission’s silence despite multiple petitions
He said the petition which includes those submitted by the APC Akida Forum in May and September 2024, urging the EFCC to act on the matter.
Sani noted that the EFCC had previously shown commitment in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases involving former governors and ministers, such as Betta Edu, Yahaya Bello, and Darius Ishaku.
He questioned why Matawalle appeared to be exempt from scrutiny.
“Bello Matawalle is no longer a governor. Who is shielding him from the law? The EFCC must explain its inaction,” Sani said.
He alleged that during Matawalle’s administration, over N290 billion in FAAC allocations and N133 billion in JAAC disbursements were received by the state.
In addition, Matawalle is said to have secured a N105 billion loan, all of which require full accountability.
Contrary to Matawalle’s recent claims on a national television program that he received less than N70 billion during his four-year tenure, CNF presented official figures showing much higher allocations.
The Forum listed a breakdown of JAAC allocations from 2019 to 2023 totaling over N133 billion.
Sani recalled that in May 2023, the EFCC had publicly announced its investigation into Matawalle over alleged diversion of more than N70 billion.
According to the commission at the time, the funds were obtained as loans meant for developmental projects but were allegedly funneled through ghost contracts and proxies, with some contractors reportedly converting the payments into foreign currency and returning them to the governor via his aides.
“Over 100 companies were paid without rendering any service to the state. This level of financial recklessness cannot be ignored,” Sani said.
The Forum urged the EFCC to act decisively to maintain public confidence and reaffirm its impartiality in the fight against corruption.
“Justice must be served, regardless of status or political affiliation,” he added.
The CNF vowed to continue pressing for transparency and accountability in governance, warning that selective justice undermines national integrity.