Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has claimed that both the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Tinubu are aware of the alleged involvement of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in banditry activities within the state.
Governor Lawal stated that he had formally reported these allegations to the NSA and the President, providing them with supporting evidence.
This development follows Matawalle’s recent denial of any ties to bandits, during a televised interview. The former governor challenged Lawal and General Ali Gusau (retd.) to swear by the Holy Quran that they are not involved in the ongoing banditry affecting Zamfara and the broader North-West region.
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Matawalle defended his past engagement with bandits as an effort to reduce violence, noting that other governors, including those from Niger, Sokoto, and Katsina, have also sought dialogue with bandit groups.
In response, Lawal’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Idris, accused Matawalle of lying and vowed that evidence against him would be made public soon. Idris reiterated that Lawal, who is currently abroad, had already sworn by the Quran and expressed a desire for justice against anyone involved in banditry.
Idris further stated, “He (Matawalle) is lying. We have evidence. He provided Hilux vehicles, money, and foodstuffs to bandits. This is not just an allegation; we have facts, and the NSA is aware.” He assured that the governor had discussed these issues with the President and NSA, and plans to present the evidence publicly in the near future, responding to Matawalle’s challenge for a media trial.