The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a legal case aimed at compelling the Federal Government to investigate the alleged involvement of the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, in the activities of bandits in Zamfara State.
The lawsuit was filed by Abubakar Dahiru, a human rights activist from Zamfara, who is calling for an investigation into Matawalle's alleged connections with banditry in the state. The suit names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, respectively.
Dahiru, represented by his lawyer, Mr. Ojonimi Apeh, is asking the court to declare that President Tinubu must direct the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate the security crisis in Zamfara, with a specific focus on the alleged involvement of Matawalle. The case, filed under number FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, aims to enhance public safety and address the escalating violence in the region.
The plaintiff is also seeking a court order that mandates President Tinubu to instruct the IGP to probe Matawalle on various allegations, including claims of sponsoring bandits, providing vehicles for their use, and obstructing law enforcement during his time as Zamfara’s governor.
The accusations, based on statements from the current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and media reports, suggest that Matawalle played a role in the rise of banditry during his tenure from 2019 to 2023. The plaintiff highlighted the devastating impact of banditry in Zamfara, which has resulted in numerous deaths, mass displacement, and widespread economic hardship.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Dahiru argues that the government has yet to take steps to investigate Matawalle. He is urging the court to compel an official inquiry to uncover the truth behind these claims.
The court has yet to announce a date for the hearing.
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