The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a lawsuit pursuing the forfeiture of properties linked to Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.
The Governor, who has been under investigation by the agency for alleged money laundering, allegedly purchased the multi-billion naira properties in Abuja with funds linked to the state’s treasury.
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As contained in a lawsuit, EFCC claimed that the properties were acquired by Matawalle since his assumption of office in 2019.
“That sometime in October, 2021, the applicant received intelligence from a patriotic Nigerian in the alias name of Yaro, who informed the former, that the present Governor of Zamfara State. Dr Bello Matawale, has been using State funds to acquire several properties worth billions of Naira in Abuja,” the lawsuit read partly.
The properties in question include; Plot No. 729 Idu industrial Layout, Abuja, 2 Plot No. 1327. Cadastral Zone A05. (Wikki Spring Street), Moltama Abuja, Plot No. 2934 Cadastral Zone A06. (ikogosi Spring Close), Maitama, Abuja, Plot No. 730. Cadastral Zone A06. (Panama Street), Maitama, Abuja, Plot No. 28048, Cadastral Zone A06 (Ganges Street). Off Alvan Ikoku Street, Maitama, Abuja as well as Plot No. 515, Cadastral Zone B00, Kukwaba District, Abuja.
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According to EFCC, it wrote letters dated March 1, 2022 to the occupants of the properties to kindly appear for an interview with the Head of Operations at its Headquarters in Abuja but the invitation was not honoured.
“That the applicant wrote letters dated 1 March, 2022. to the occupants of the properties to kindly appear for an interview with the Head of Operations at its Headquarters in Abuja. (Copies of the letters are herein attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 2 (a)-(f))
“That none of the occupants of the properties honoured the invitation of the Applicant even though the letters were duly acknowledged by the residence on the properties.
“That between October 2020 and December 2020, the Ministry of Finance. Zamfara State, transferred a total sum of N2, 117.751.000.00 (Two Billion. One Hundred and Seventeen Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty One Naira) into the Zenith Bank account number 1017028409 of The Directorate of Investment and Business,” the suit added.
Hafsah Muhammed Ibrahim, from Bauchi State, is a literary enthusiast and an advocate for women’s rights. As the Editor and Lead Podcaster at WikkiTimes, she draws on her background in Sociology and Education to create compelling narratives that amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
An avid Scrabble player and tea enthusiast, Hafsah blends her passion for storytelling with a strong commitment to driving social change.
