Allegations Rock Defence Ministry as Activist Urges Tinubu to Probe Matawalle
Fresh controversy has erupted around Nigeria’s security architecture following an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging grave acts of collusion with bandits against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
In the letter, written by Abdullahi Abdullahi Shugaban Kingiya, the author says the nation is “grieving” amid persistent banditry that has devastated communities, displaced families and claimed thousands of lives across the North-West and beyond. He cites a recent video in which Musa Kamarawa, identified as a former Senior Special Adviser to Matawalle during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State, made what he described as “alarming allegations” that warrant urgent presidential intervention.
According to the claims outlined in the letter, Matawalle, while serving as governor between 2019 and 2023, allegedly intervened to secure the release of a notorious bandit apprehended with more than 500 assault rifles. The suspect was said to be linked to mass killings in several communities.
The letter further alleges that vehicles and houses were provided to prominent bandit leaders, including Ado Aleru, Bello Turji and Halilu Sububu, as part of engagements purportedly aimed at restoring peace in Zamfara State. It also claims that cattle valued at about N80 million were allegedly purchased from bandits for distribution within communities and for use during the wedding ceremony of the minister’s daughter, Rukayya.
Describing the allegations as casting “a tragic shadow” over the nation’s security institutions, the author called on President Tinubu to immediately relieve Matawalle of his duties as Minister of State for Defence and to order a “thorough, independent investigation” into the claims.
“For the sake of national honour and public trust, decisive action is required,” the letter stated, warning that continued silence could further erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to ending insecurity.
The writer also appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups and concerned citizens to amplify calls for accountability, both within Nigeria and internationally.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the Ministry of Defence had issued an official response to the allegations. Matawalle has previously defended his administration’s approach to tackling banditry in Zamfara, maintaining that engagements with armed groups were part of broader efforts to restore peace at a time when violence had overwhelmed state capacity.
The development comes amid renewed public scrutiny of Nigeria’s counter-banditry strategies, as attacks persist in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and neighbouring states, despite repeated assurances by security agencies that progress is being made.
Observers say how the Federal Government responds to the allegations could prove critical in shaping public perception of its resolve to confront insecurity and uphold accountability at the highest levels of power.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
