Banditry Allegation: Court okays suit to compel FG to probe former Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a lawsuit seeking to compel the Federal Government to investigate the alleged connection between the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, and the activities of bandits in Zamfara State.

The suit, filed by Zamfara-based human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, respectively.

The plaintiff, through his counsel Mr. Ojonimi Apeh, is requesting the court to declare that President Tinubu should direct the Inspector General of Police to investigate the banditry and kidnapping crisis in Zamfara and specifically the alleged involvement of Minister Bello Matawalle. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, aims to secure public safety in the region.

Dahiru is also seeking a court order mandating President Tinubu to instruct the IGP to look into the allegations against Matawalle, which include accusations of bandit sponsorship, vehicle provision to bandits, and interference with law enforcement efforts.

The plaintiff outlined a series of allegations, citing statements from Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and media reports that accuse Matawalle of direct involvement with banditry during his tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023. He claimed that banditry and kidnapping have led to severe suffering in Zamfara, including the loss of lives, displacement of thousands, and widespread economic hardship.

Despite the gravity of the accusations, the plaintiff argued that no government efforts have been made to investigate Matawalle. He urged the court to mandate an official inquiry to uncover the truth behind these claims.

The court has not yet set a date for the case to be heard.