The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that it is investigating the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, over allegations of corruption, diversion of funds, and award of phantom contracts amounting to N70 billion. The announcement comes after the outgoing governor made what the commission described as ‘farcical allegations’ of corruption in assets disposal and plea bargain procedures.
EFCC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa, made this disclosure while addressing journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Nwajah also confirmed that the former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, who was recently arrested by EFCC operatives over alleged N22bn fraud, is still in detention.
The anti-graft agency, however, expressed concern over Matawalle’s recent attempt to supervise its investigation and dictate whom the commission should arrest. According to the EFCC, it does not matter whether a suspect is a governor, minister, priest, or Imam; once a crime is committed, the commission has the power to arrest, investigate, and prosecute.
The EFCC further disclosed that more than 100 companies received payment from the diverted funds, with no evidence of service rendered to the state. Some of the contractors, who were quizzed by the commission, alleged that they were compelled by the governor to convert the funds paid to them into US dollars and return the money to him through some of his commissioners.
In summary, the outgoing governor of Zamfara State is being investigated over allegations of corruption and diversion of funds while in office. EFCC’s investigation revealed that more than 100 companies received payment for contracts that were not executed, and the funds were allegedly converted into US dollars and returned to the governor through his aides.
