metro

Matawalle accuses security agents of looting wives’, children’s belongings

Published

3 years ago

June 11, 2023

Ex-Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle

Matawalle accuses security agents of looting wives’, children’s belongings

The immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has reacted to the Friday invasion of his two private houses by security agents to remove vehicles.

Matawalle who spoke to BBC Hausa service in an interview on Saturday morning accused the security agents of looting the personal belongings of his wives and children, including clothing materials.

He maintained that he was not issued with the copy of the court order which allowed the security agents to invade his houses as claimed by his successor, Dauda Lawal.

He described the action of the security agents as a breach of his fundamental rights, especially the right of privacy.

Matawalle explained that majority of the vehicles taken away by the security agencies from his two houses in Gusau and Maradun were procured by him before he became a governor.

He also alleged that the security agents went beyond vehicle recovery and picked up valuables and belongings of his wives and family members.

He also alleged that the security operatives moved away the matrimonial facilities he secured for the scheduled wedding of his daughters.

READ ALSO:

Reacting to the claim by the security agents that 40 vehicles were recovered from his houses, Matawalle said, “The security agents should display the 40 vehicles for the public judgment. Anybody who knows Bello Matawalle will believe that I have been in car business ever since I became the governor of Zamfara State.”

“I have been in car business for a long period of time and most of the vehicles the security personnel impounded from my two houses are those that I bought from America long before I became a governor.

“The vehicles they impounded at Maradun were those donated to me by well-wishers and were all branded with my images and that of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But surprisingly, they said that the vehicles belong to the state government.”

He expressed disgust over the action, saying, “I have never seen the worst scenario like what happened in my residences last Friday.”

The former governor said he was in Abuja and nobody called to notify him that his attention was needed in relation to the issue. “But all I heard was that the security agents invaded my private residences as if there is no law and order in Nigeria,” he lamented.

He described the incident as a complete drama and lack of the fear of God. He said it was beyond the recovery of vehicles, adding that, “The security agents went as far as impounding some items belonging to my family.”

He charged his successor to face the problems affecting the state. “He should not create another problem by fighting me since he knows that I also have supporters who will not fold their hands and allow me to be humiliated,” he added.

Matawalle said he would not ask the security agents or the state government to return the vehicles, concluding, ‘I will however follow an appropriate channel as stipulated by the law.”

Matawalle accuses security agents of looting wives’, children’s belongings

platinumpost

Related Topics:Featured Matawalle Zamfara

Up Next

10 unforgivable sins committed by Emefiele

Don't Miss

It’s ethnic cleansing – Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo condemns Emefiele’s suspension

metro

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

Published

12 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, an Islamic cleric accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government, before the court on February 18, 2026. The order follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of the cleric challenging the legality of his detention.

Justice Peter Lifu emphasised that in a democratic society, all security and intelligence agencies are subordinate to civil authority, noting that every citizen is entitled to protection under Sections 36(1), (5), and (6) of the 1999 Constitution. He also reminded authorities that Nigeria’s commitments to international human rights conventions require strict adherence to lawful detention procedures.

READ ALSO:

The suit, filed by Sheikh Zaria’s legal team led by Sunusi Musa (SAN), Abdul Aliyu (SAN), and Mohammed Sheriff, names the DIA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc as respondents. The lawyers are seeking either the cleric’s release or an explanation for his continued detention.

During Thursday’s hearing, DIA counsel I.O. Odom Esq informed the court that the cleric was being held on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, but could not provide a valid detention order. The EFCC’s counsel, M.C. Odimbaiwe Esq, supported this position. Justice Lifu adjourned the matter and set February 18 for the DIA to produce Sheikh Zaria or justify his detention, warning that failure to do so could influence the outcome of the rights enforcement case.

Family sources linked Sheikh Zaria’s detention to an ₦2 million gift sent to the cleric’s account by an adherent connected to a suspect in the broader coup allegation. Since December 11, 2025, the cleric has reportedly been held in “safe custody” without access to family or associates, prompting his lawyers to argue that his fundamental rights have been violated.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about civil liberties, human rights, and lawful detention in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile national security investigations. The court’s ruling will be closely watched as it addresses the balance between state security and individual rights.

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

metro

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Published

12 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government following the formal end of the controversial Monday sit‑at‑home directive across the South‑East region.

In a statement issued on Friday by his legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho applauded Kanu for suspending the weekly protest, which had disrupted economic and social activities in the region for over five years. The directive, first introduced in August 2021, led to periodic shutdowns of markets, offices, schools, and transport services, severely affecting local businesses and daily life.

Describing the suspension as a “thoughtful and necessary” step, Igboho noted that ending the sit‑at‑home signals a shift toward constructive engagement and could help restore stability and economic normalcy in the South‑East. He said the move represents the conclusion of a five-year period of economic disruption that has hampered growth and development in the region.

READ ALSO:

Beyond applauding the abolition of the civil disobedience measure, Igboho urged Kanu to adopt a conciliatory approach, opening channels for mediation and negotiation with the Federal Government. He emphasised that sustained dialogue could help break the deadlock surrounding Kanu’s legal battle and potentially pave the way for a political resolution to longstanding grievances.

Igboho also warned that those who profit from the destabilisation and violence in the South‑East should desist, highlighting the importance of peace for the economic recovery and prosperity of the region and the nation at large.

“This is a critical moment for the South‑East. True progress depends on dialogue, compromise, and the willingness of all parties to engage constructively,” the statement read. Igboho’s remarks reflect a growing call among activists and stakeholders for peaceful resolution and collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.

The end of the Monday sit‑at‑home has been welcomed by several civil society groups and business leaders, who view it as a key step toward restoring normalcy, resuming commerce, and promoting social cohesion in the South‑East.

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

metro

EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

Published

13 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

The suspects were arrested following a viral video circulated on social media where they were seen cleaning mucus from their noses using N500 Naira notes

EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspects in Maiduguri, Borno State, over alleged naira mutilation following a viral social media video showing them misusing the Nigerian currency.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects — Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad, and Bashir Musa — were apprehended by operatives of the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate.

READ ALSO:

According to the commission, the trio was seen in a widely circulated video cleaning mucus from their noses using ₦500 naira notes, an act described as abuse and defacement of the national currency.

The statement said the suspects were traced and arrested within the Maiduguri metropolis shortly after the video surfaced online and triggered public reactions.

They are currently being held at the EFCC’s Maiduguri detention facility while investigations continue. The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, abuse, defacement, spraying, or improper handling of the naira constitutes an offence punishable under Nigerian law. The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on cases involving naira abuse and currency mutilation across the country.

The latest arrest underscores the agency’s renewed enforcement drive aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender.