The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle for “N70 billion fraud.”
The anti-graft agency also stated that a former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, who was recently arrested by commission operatives for alleged N22 billion fraud, is still detained.
Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman of the anti-graft agency, made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday, warning Nigerians not to be fooled by Matawalle’s recent outburst.
The governor made allegations against Bawa and challenged the commission to investigate members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.
But Bawa, speaking through the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, stated that the agency was not meant to respond to Matawalle, but it did so to clear the air.
“It’s intriguing that Matawalle would want to be a supervisor, telling the EFCC who to investigate.” Is this a case of a thief demanding that he not be touched until other thieves are apprehended… He is being investigated for N70 billion in fraud.
“Unfortunately, it is not within Matawalle’s purview to tell the EFCC who, when, and where to arrest. Suspects in the Commission’s custody come from various walks of life and social classes.
“Complimenting a crime qualifies you for a spot in the Commission’s detention facility.” It makes no difference if you are a priest, Imam, Governor, or minister.
“A former minister of power is currently in the custody of the EFCC on a N22 billion corruption allegation.” That conveniently did not pique Matawalle’s interest,” Nwajah explained.
