Court asks Federal Govt to Investigate President Tinubu’s Minister over alleged links to Banditry

Court asks Federal Govt to Investigate President Tinubu’s Minister over alleged links to Banditry

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja the nation’s capital has granted permission for a lawsuit aimed at compelling the Federal Government to investigate allegations against Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, regarding his purported connections to banditry in Zamfara State.

The lawsuit, filed by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, seeks to examine Matawalle’s alleged involvement in bandit activities during his tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023.

The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as defendants.

Dahiru, represented by attorney Ojonimi Apeh, is requesting a court order mandating President Tinubu to direct the IGP to investigate the banditry and kidnapping crisis in Zamfara, particularly focusing on Matawalle’s alleged complicity.

Dahiru asserts that under Matawalle’s governance, armed banditry surged, resulting in widespread displacement and loss of life among Zamfara residents.

The plaintiff has cited various interviews and articles alleging Matawalle’s support for banditry, including accusations of providing vehicles to criminals, undermining law enforcement, and granting amnesty to terrorists.

Despite these serious claims, Dahiru argues that the government has yet to initiate any investigation into Matawalle’s actions, as banditry continues to destabilize the region.