The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has revealed that it is investigating the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, over the theft of more than N70 billion from the state.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, said this on Thursday while addressing journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
This announcement is coming days after Matawale reportedly tried to preempt the investigation by publicly accusing the anti-graft authority of bias and corruption.
Matawalle said the EFCC should also probe people working with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), including federal cabinet ministers.
The anti-graft office has been accused of being too timid to go after people loyal to the president, and Matawalle recently attacked Buhari as disloyal to the All Progressive Congress, and responsible for the party’s shortcomings in some states during the last elections.
The EFCC has rejected allegations of bias in its prosecution of corruption cases, saying Matawalle has been out to distract the agency from its activities.
Matawalle was also on air recently to appeal to the president not to grant the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, any leave until the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is settled in office.
Details later…
