Group demands EFCC reopen corruption probe against minister

DDM News

APC-YLA a political youth group has demanded renewed action against a senior government official.

The group, All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA), staged a protest in Abuja on Friday.

They marched to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The group is demanding the reopening of a stalled corruption probe against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that APC-YLA operates as a youth-led socio-political pressure group.

According to the group, Matawalle mismanaged public funds during his time as Governor of Zamfara State.

He governed Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023.

The APC-YLA Chairman and Convener, Muhammad Isah, led the demonstration.

He presented a formal protest letter to the EFCC’s Director of Security, Idowu Adedeji.

Isah alleged that Matawalle received more than N290 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

He also claimed the former governor accessed another N133 billion from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC).

Furthermore, he stated that Matawalle took a N105 billion loan during his tenure as governor.

The group insists that these figures are based on concrete evidence and not speculation.

They stressed the need for the EFCC to demonstrate neutrality and credibility in its anti-corruption work.

Isah recalled that multiple petitions have already been submitted to the EFCC.

He referenced petitions from the APC Akida Forum dated May 3, 2024, and September 30, 2024.

He said these petitions urged the commission to resume investigations into financial misconduct by Matawalle.

Despite these petitions, the EFCC has not made any significant progress on the matter.

Isah criticized the commission’s inaction and warned against selective justice.

He pointed out that Matawalle recently denied receiving more than N70 billion during his tenure as governor.

The former governor reportedly made the claim on national television.

APC-YLA dismissed the statement as misleading and contrary to verified financial records.

The group called on the EFCC to investigate and confirm the total funds received by Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023.

They expressed shock that the commission has remained silent despite overwhelming public interest.

The group highlighted a May 18, 2023, EFCC statement confirming an investigation into Matawalle.

That statement was issued by then-EFCC spokesperson Osita Nwajah.

According to the EFCC, Matawalle allegedly diverted over N70 billion through phantom contracts.

The funds reportedly came from a loan obtained from an old-generation bank.

They were meant for developmental projects across various local government areas in Zamfara State.

EFCC claimed the money was routed through proxies and contractors.

Many of the contractors allegedly received payments for projects that were never executed.

APC-YLA urged the EFCC to act with urgency and fairness.

They warned that political ties should not protect anyone from justice.

The group vowed to continue protests until a full investigation is launched.

They emphasized the need for accountability in governance.

Matawalle, a prominent figure in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, previously served under the Peoples Democratic Party before joining the APC.

His time as governor was widely criticized for insecurity, poor governance, and allegations of financial abuse.

Despite these concerns, he was appointed Minister of State for Defence in 2023.

Critics argue that unresolved corruption allegations undermine the integrity of public institutions.

APC-YLA believes that reopening the investigation would restore public confidence in the EFCC.

As of press time, the EFCC has not responded to the latest protest or issued any public statement.

Public calls for accountability continue to gain momentum across Nigeria.

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