EFCC Receives Fresh Petition Against Defence Minister Matawalle: A Renewed Call for Transparency

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a fresh petition from the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA) demanding a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption against Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The petition, submitted on May 9, 2025, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, highlights the group's concerns over the commission's perceived delay in probing Matawalle's activities during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State.

According to Mohammed Ireji, convener of the APC-YLA, the group is frustrated over the EFCC's alleged inaction despite previous petitions submitted against Matawalle. Notably, the APC Akida Forum had submitted petitions on May 3, 2024, and September 30, 2024, urging the EFCC to investigate Matawalle's financial dealings as governor. Ireji questioned why Matawalle should be treated differently from other former officials facing corruption probes, such as former Minister Betta Edu, former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, and former Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State.

The EFCC's Acting Director of Security, Idowu Adedeji, assured the protesters that the petition would be duly processed and forwarded to the relevant authorities for action. "We have received your petition today and we will submit it accordingly. Thank you for your visit," Adedeji stated.

This development raises questions about Matawalle's accountability as a public official and the EFCC's commitment to fighting corruption without bias. As the EFCC has previously demonstrated its willingness to investigate high-profile cases, the commission's handling of this petition will be closely watched. With Matawalle facing allegations of N70 billion corruption during his tenure as Zamfara State governor, the outcome of this petition could have significant implications for the minister's future.

Sources: Daily Post Media Ltd, P.M. News, and Informant Online.P