The Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog, on Monday, faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it described as the commission’s failure to act on multiple petitions and credible allegations of massive corruption involving former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The group referenced the 2023 report of the Zamfara State Transition Committee, chaired by former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar, which alleged that over ₦250 billion in state funds were misappropriated or misapplied under Matawalle’s administration between 2019 and 2023.

In a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Bello Garba Gusau, the group accused the EFCC of selective investigation and warned that such a trend could undermine the entire anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria.

Gusau said: “We are deeply concerned that despite the gravity of the findings in the transition report and multiple petitions from credible anti-corruption groups, the EFCC has remained silent and inactive on the allegations against Matawalle.”

According to the group, a forensic investigation by the EFCC is necessary to establish how the funds were expended or diverted, and whether there were violations of procurement and financial regulations.

The group reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, social justice, and good governance in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large. It urged the EFCC to act without further delay in line with its constitutional mandate.

Gusau added, “We are worried that the EFCC is yet to act on the report submitted by the Zamfara State Transition Committee set up by Governor Dauda Lawal and headed by the former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar, which revealed that over ₦250 billion of state funds were either misappropriated or misapplied by Matawalle’s government.

“A forensic investigation by EFCC will clear the air on how this huge fund was deployed or misused. The transition report also showed that several elephant projects were awarded, fully paid for but not executed, including Gusau International Cargo Airport.

“14 Local Government Lodges, renovation/rehabilitation of Zamfara State Government House, construction of the Deputy Governor’s office, Gusau Hotels and Motel, hospitals, and road constructions across the state. Most of these projects were abandoned despite adequate funds released.

“Several anti-corruption groups have equally forwarded their petitions to the EFCC with details of funds allocated to the state and demanded thorough investigation on how they were utilised or misused with a view to holding public office holders accountable, which the commission champions.

“It is reassuring that EFCC demonstrated commitment, determination, and persistence in addressing allegations of corrupt practices levelled against public officers, including the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betty Edu.

“Former House of Representatives member, Mohammed Gudaje Kazaure, was recently arrested by EFCC for receiving gifts from one Mr. Eric, a relation of the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, in addition to ₦50 million donation from the former CBN governor when fire gutted his house.

“A few months ago, Professor Usman Yusuf was arrested by EFCC for awarding a contract of ₦90 million when he was Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme without following due process.”