Banditry Allegations: Court Approves Lawsuit to Urge FG to Investigate Former Governor Matawalle

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a lawsuit aimed at compelling the Federal Government to investigate alleged connections between Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, and bandit operations in Zamfara State.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, was filed by Abubakar Dahiru, a human rights activist from Zamfara. The defendants listed are President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police.

The plaintiff, represented by counsel Mr. Ojonimi Apeh, is seeking a court declaration that President Tinubu must instruct the Inspector General of Police to investigate banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara, particularly concerning allegations involving Minister Matawalle, to ensure public safety in the state. Additionally, the plaintiff requests a court order requiring the President to direct the Inspector General to conduct this investigation, emphasizing the need to secure and restore safety in Zamfara.

Furthermore, the plaintiff seeks a declaration affirming that, under Section 215(3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) and other relevant laws, the President has the authority to direct the Inspector General regarding public safety and order in any part of the country.

In a 22-paragraph statement of claim submitted to the court, the plaintiff highlighted the current surge of armed banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara, asserting that these issues escalated significantly between 2019 and 2023 during Matawalle’s tenure as governor.

The plaintiff contends that armed banditry and kidnapping have left many people in Zamfara orphaned, widowed, homeless, and starving due to the actions of criminals who inflict harm, extort money, and commit various forms of violence and emotional trauma.

He also referenced a recent interview with Governor Dauda Lawal aired on TVC Television on September 18, 2024, in which Lawal accused Matawalle of collaborating with kidnappers and bandits in Zamfara.

Moreover, the plaintiff cited an article by Umoru Faruk Salifu published in the 21st Century Chronicles on September 22, 2024, which alleged that Matawalle has sponsored bandits, provided vehicles for them, sabotaged law enforcement efforts, and granted amnesty to terrorists.

The plaintiff also mentioned another article by Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia, detailing multiple allegations of Matawalle’s involvement in banditry and kidnappings in the state.

Despite these serious accusations against Matawalle, the plaintiff claims there have been no governmental efforts to investigate the matter, even as banditry and kidnapping continue to plague Zamfara, affecting its citizens.

As of now, the court has not scheduled a hearing date for the case.