Protesters from Zamfara State stormed the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday to demand the reopening of the N70 billion probe into the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle.
Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, is currently under investigation for alleged money laundering during his time in office.
The group gathered at the entrance of the EFCC headquarters to demand that the agency look into the alleged mismanagement of public funds and resources during Matawalle’s tenure.
Organized under the APC Loyalists Forum, the protesters want the EFCC to investigate all complaints against Matawalle, including the alleged diversion of contracts amounting to N70 billion while he was governor.
Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC director of Public Affairs, accepted the protest letter on behalf of the chairman and assured the protesters that the commission is committed to thoroughly investigating every corruption case to a resolution.
In January, a group called the Zamfara Alternative Forum protested at the EFCC Headquarters, asking the EFCC to investigate Matawalle for suspected money laundering while he was the state governor.
Speaking during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Mahmud Abubakar, said: “The Zamfara Alternative Forum urges the EFCC to resume its investigation of former governor Bello Matawalle over the ₦70 billion fraud uncovered by the commission during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in corrupt practices in public office, especially in addition to what happened to the humanitarian minister.
“The mismanagement of public funds has far-reaching effects on the people and the state. It leads to a lack of development, a loss of revenue, and a decrease in the quality of life for the people,” he added.
