EFCC Sues For Calm As Group Protests Delay In Matawale’s N70bn Fraud Probe  

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed for patience even as it vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged N70 billion corruption case against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale made the plea while speaking to members of the Tinubu Youth and Women Network who were at the Commission’s head office to protest the delay in the probe by the anti-graft agency of Matawalle in Abuja on Wednesday.

Oyewale insisted that the Commission’s investigations into corruption cases including the case of Matawalle require thoroughness.

He said the protesters’ demand would be communicated to the Commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede while adding that the right thing would be done concerning the matter.

“Investigations as far as anti-corruption work is concerned, is not a press-button thing. Investigations have to be detailed, they have to be thorough, fully integrated and broad-based. You have aired your views, and we will do what we’re supposed to do.

“We’ll convey your message to the Executive Chairman. As you can see, the admin has been doing marvelously well, and it’ll do more. Every single thing that you have addressed in your letter will be conveyed to the appropriate quarters, and I can assure you that the right thing will be done,” Oyewale said.

The protesters said they were at the commission’s headquarters to formally request that the EFCC reopens investigations into corruption allegations against Matawalle.

Led by Aliyu Yunusa, the group said its primary focus is to collaborate with the government to identify and address incidents of corruption within the system to ensure transparency and accountability.

“We are committed to working towards the eradication of corrupt practices by actively engaging in efforts to hold those who engage in corrupt activities accountable.

“Bello Matawalle served as the Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, there were allegations of mismanagement of public funds and resources.

“It is on record that on May 18, 2023, the EFCC, through its then Director of Media and Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, stated that the EFCC was investigating Governor Matawalle over allegations of massive corruption, award of fictitious contracts, and diversion of over N70 billion.

“As party loyalists, we want the EFCC to investigate the matter and bring justice to those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds. This will serve as a deterrent to others engaging in corrupt practices in public office, especially considering what happened to the humanitarian minister,” the group said.