Investigate Allegations Against Matawale, Coalition Urges Ribadu, Security Agencies

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for an independent and non-partisan investigation led jointly by the National Assembly, relevant intelligence and security agencies and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on the allegations against the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawale.

It expressed concern over what it described as grave and disturbing revelations contained in recent confessional statements attributed to Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former senior special assistant to Matawalle.

The coalition said the allegations went beyond political controversy, warning that they struck at the moral foundation of Nigeria’s security architecture and raised critical questions about possible high-level complicity in the criminal networks fueling insecurity across northern Nigeria.

In a statement by its national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group said Kamarawa reportedly detailed claims involving the direct transfer of funds to a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, the procurement of dozens of Hilux vehicles for criminal groups and the provision of extensive logistic support, including housing, cattle and other assets, allegedly facilitated by political figures in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

According to the CNG, Kamarawa’s alleged testimony suggests a pattern of engagement between Matawalle and some of the most notorious bandit groups operating in the North-West.

The CNG argues that these claims, if true, suggest a deliberate and deeply entrenched web of political alliances with terror networks, capable of undermining years of military operations and exposing vulnerable communities to wholesale violence.

The CNG views the allegations as too serious, too far-reaching, and too damaging to national security to be dismissed through hurried statements, selective denials or reactive political damage-control. A defensive posture by government aides only reinforces public suspicion that the full truth is being concealed.

Charanchi said: “We contend that Nigeria cannot realistically claim a commitment to defeating terrorism while credible accusations of state-enabled sabotage remain unresolved. A nation that shields suspected collaborators within its own leadership cannot secure the confidence of its citizens or win the fight against violent criminality.

“Equally troubling is the minister’s decision to initiate legal action against Sheikh Murtala Asada, a respected cleric known for his unwavering advocacy against banditry. Resorting to litigation in this context appears less like an effort to protect reputation and more like a calculated attempt to muzzle a critical voice at a time when transparency is urgently needed.

“It is important to remind the public that Sheikh Murtala Asada has consistently insisted that the Honourable Minister has direct or indirect links to the very networks undermining national security. Therefore, this is the moment for the cleric to present every piece of evidence in his possession, without fear or hesitation, to further ascertain and validate the involvement of all those who may be complicit in this menace.

“The truth must not remain hidden, and no individual, no matter how highly placed, should be shielded from scrutiny. Silencing truth-tellers imperils justice; intimidating those who raise alarms only strengthens impunity and weakens the fight against insecurity.”

The CNG reiterated its unwavering support for all individuals, clerics, journalists, civil society actors, and whistle-blowers, who risk personal safety to expose wrongdoing and demand genuine accountability.