Protesters from the APC Akida Forum, a faction of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday urged Nigeria’s State Security Services (SSS) to investigate junior defense minister Bello Matawalle over alleged ties with bandits.
The demonstration, led by forum chairperson Musa Mahmud, was held at the secret police’s headquarters in Abuja, where the group submitted a petition calling for Matawalle’s resignation to allow a thorough investigation.
The accusations originated when Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal alleged that Matawalle, a former Zamfara governor, sheltered terrorists at the Government House and used government funds to pay ransoms. Matawalle dismissed these claims as “baseless,” arguing that his policies targeted crime reduction. Amid these accusations, the military confirmed an ongoing investigation, with Maj. Gen. Edward Buba stating, “relevant agencies… are doing a good job.”
In the petition, the APC Akida Forum emphasized that “these issues include Matawalle being accused of sponsoring bandits and misappropriating state funds,” noting the severity of the matter for Zamfara’s governance and security.
Mahmud warned that “failing to address these issues could hurt our party and the reputation of relevant security agencies.” The Forum urged the SSS to advise President Bola Tinubu to suspend Matawalle until the allegations are addressed.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
