VIDEO: Shinkafi exonerates Matawalle of banditry allegations during Zamfara governorship
The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has been formally cleared of allegations that he sponsored banditry while serving as Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.
Independent investigations conducted by federal security agencies found no evidence to support claims that had circulated in some quarters, which were described as politically motivated attempts to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. The reviews highlighted his active role in combating banditry, particularly in leading aggressive campaigns to curb the menace in the North-West.
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, former chairman of the Zamfara State Committee for the Prosecution of Armed Banditry and Other Criminal Offences, publicly defended Matawalle during an appearance on TVC News’ Politics on Sunday.
Shinkafi, a key advisor in Matawalle’s administration, described the accusations as baseless political smears and emphasised the former governor’s efforts to organise stakeholders’ meetings aimed at ending terrorism and banditry in the state.
The exoneration comes at a crucial time as banditry continues to affect neighbouring states such as Sokoto and Katsina. In his current role, Matawalle has continued to prioritise security, leading initiatives under directives from President Bola Tinubu to neutralise notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji.
These revelations reinforce Matawalle’s record as a proactive leader in the fight against organised crime and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West.
