Court backs suit urging FG to probe Matawalle for alleged banditry links

The Federal High Court in Abuja has greenlit a lawsuit demanding the Federal Government investigate Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, over alleged connections to banditry in Zamfara State.

The case, filed by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, seeks to probe Matawalle’s suspected role in the rise of bandit activities during his tenure as Zamfara governor from 2019 to 2023.

The lawsuit, 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’s lawyer, Ojonimi Apeh, argued that President Tinubu must direct the IGP to investigate these claims, noting that the banditry crisis surged under Matawalle’s leadership.

“Thousands have been displaced, orphaned, or widowed due to escalating violence,” Dahiru lamented.

The activist cited reports accusing Matawalle of providing vehicles to bandits and undermining law enforcement operations.

Despite these serious allegations, the plaintiff claims no formal investigation has been launched against Matawalle.

The court’s decision is expected to increase pressure on the Federal Government to act on the allegations and address the ongoing insecurity in Zamfara State.