The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the go-ahead for a lawsuit that seeks to force the Federal Government to investigate allegations linking Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, to the ongoing banditry crisis in Zamfara State. The suit was filed by a human rights activist, Abubakar Dahiru, who insists that the truth about Matawalle’s alleged involvement must come to light, especially considering his previous role as the governor of Zamfara State.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, is directed against key figures in the government. The lawsuit names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, respectively. This move is bold, considering the positions of power these individuals hold, but Dahiru, through his legal representative, Ojonimi Apeh, is not backing down.
In the lawsuit, Dahiru is asking the court to make a declaration that President Tinubu must instruct the IGP to begin a thorough investigation into the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State, with a particular emphasis on the role Alhaji Bello Matawalle may have played. Dahiru’s argument stems from the fact that during Matawalle’s tenure as governor, banditry in the state reportedly escalated to unprecedented levels. Thousands of people were displaced, families were torn apart, children were orphaned, and many were left widowed as a result of the continuous violence and chaos.
Dahiru claims that there are several public accounts, interviews, and articles that suggest Matawalle’s involvement in supporting banditry. Some of these sources accuse the former governor of providing vehicles to bandits, undermining the efforts of law enforcement agencies, and even granting amnesty to known terrorists. These allegations are not new to the public, as whispers and accusations have lingered for years, especially during Matawalle’s time in office from 2019 to 2023.
Zamfara State has long been one of the regions in Nigeria most affected by the scourge of banditry. Villages are often attacked, properties destroyed, and people kidnapped for ransom. The reign of terror has left an indelible mark on the lives of many citizens in the state. People live in constant fear, wondering when the next attack will come. In the midst of this, accusations against public officials, like Matawalle, only fuel the fire of uncertainty and suspicion.
Dahiru, through his lawsuit, is asking why, despite the severity of these allegations, there has been no formal investigation into Matawalle’s conduct during his time as governor. He is baffled by what he sees as a lack of accountability, especially given the ongoing devastation that banditry has caused in Zamfara. If these accusations hold any truth, Dahiru believes that it is not just the people of Zamfara who have suffered, but the entire nation.
For Dahiru, this is not just a legal battle but a fight for justice and the truth. He believes that the government cannot turn a blind eye to the situation any longer. His lawsuit is not just aimed at clearing the air around Matawalle but also at holding those in power accountable for their actions or inactions.
It’s important to note that these allegations, though serious, remain unproven. Bello Matawalle has not been convicted of any crime, nor has any official investigation linked him directly to banditry. However, in a country where banditry has caused so much pain and suffering, the accusations are enough to spark public interest and concern.
At the heart of this lawsuit is the demand for transparency and accountability. Whether or not Matawalle is found guilty of any wrongdoing, Dahiru believes that the government owes it to the people of Zamfara, and indeed all Nigerians, to investigate these claims thoroughly. In a country grappling with widespread insecurity, such a step could go a long way in restoring public trust.
As the legal process unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely, eager to see whether this lawsuit will bring about the answers that have long eluded the people of Zamfara. The stakes are high, and the outcome could have far-reaching implications, not just for Alhaji Bello Matawalle, but for the Nigerian government’s handling of the banditry crisis across the nation.
