Lawsuit Seeks Investigation of Nigerian Minister’s Alleged Ties to Banditry

A lawsuit seeking to compel the Nigerian Federal Government to investigate allegations linking the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to banditry in Zamfara State has been approved by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit, filed by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, aims to probe Matawalle’s alleged involvement in the operations of bandits during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.

The lawsuit lists President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively. Dahiru is asking the court to declare that President Tinubu must direct the IGP to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State, with a specific focus on allegations surrounding Matawalle’s role in the crisis.

During Matawalle’s tenure as governor, armed banditry escalated to unprecedented levels, leaving thousands of citizens in Zamfara State displaced, orphaned, or widowed due to the violence. The plaintiff claims that Matawalle provided vehicles to bandits, sabotaged law enforcement efforts, and granted amnesty to terrorists, citing interviews and articles that support these allegations.

Despite the seriousness of these allegations, the government has made no attempt to investigate Matawalle, while banditry continues to plague Zamfara State. The lawsuit seeks to hold Matawalle accountable for his alleged actions and to ensure that those responsible for the violence and suffering in the state are brought to justice.

The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the governance of Nigeria and the treatment of human rights in the country.