Kimberly Daniels Accuses Nigeria’s Matawalle of Alleged Bribery Attempt

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle

Kimberly Daniels Accuses Nigeria’s Matawalle of Alleged Bribery Attempt

A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has accused Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of allegedly attempting to influence a US official with money in a bid to counter findings contained in a controversial international security report.

Daniels, a Democrat representing Florida’s District 14 and chairperson of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), made the allegation in a video posted on her verified Facebook page, which has since circulated widely across social media platforms.

Allegation linked to UN-WCD report on Nigeria security

Daniels said the alleged inducement was connected to a report issued by the UN-WCD, which raised concerns about insecurity in Nigeria and alleged attacks on Christian communities in parts of the country.

She claimed the report, which called for greater scrutiny of Nigeria’s security leadership, triggered attempts to influence public perception and counter its findings in the United States.

The report reportedly referenced violent incidents in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna, and questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security response in addressing ongoing attacks.

Claims of financial inducement to US official

In the viral video, Daniels alleged that a US elected official was approached with a financial offer to publicly oppose the report and defend Nigeria’s defence establishment.

“A US elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN-WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” she said.

She did not provide documentary proof in her public statement but insisted that she had seen communications and materials she described as evidence of a coordinated effort, including drafted statements and promotional content.

Alleged pressure campaign after report release

Daniels further alleged that following the release of the UN-WCD report, she faced pressure from individuals she linked to Nigerian authorities. She claimed these actions were aimed at discrediting her findings and influencing US political discourse.

She also alleged that an unnamed American legislator was encouraged to publicly challenge her position and support Nigeria’s defence leadership, describing the alleged move as an attempt to divide US lawmakers.

Calls for review of Nigeria’s defence leadership

The US lawmaker had previously urged President Bola Tinubu to consider the removal of Matawalle, citing concerns raised in the UN-WCD report regarding insecurity in several Nigerian states.

She said her position was based on findings related to attacks in parts of northern and central Nigeria and called for stronger accountability within Nigeria’s security structure.

Nigerian government response awaited

As of the time of filing this report, Bello Matawalle has not publicly responded to the allegations. There has also been no independent verification of the claims made by Daniels, and the Nigerian government has not issued an official statement on the matter.

Broader security and diplomatic implications

The allegations come amid ongoing international debate over Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly reports of violence in rural communities and concerns about insurgency and armed attacks.

While Nigerian authorities maintain that security forces are actively addressing threats across the country, the latest claims have added a diplomatic dimension to the broader conversation on Nigeria security situation and international perceptions.

Analysts say such allegations, if unproven, risk heightening diplomatic sensitivity between Nigeria and international stakeholders, especially regarding narratives on human rights and internal security.

For now, the controversy remains unresolved, pending responses from Nigerian officials and further clarification from involved parties.