Federal High Court Abuja to Deliver Verdict on Matawalle’s Suit Against EFCC, ICPC, and Others on August 30, 2023
Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja has announced that the verdict in the legal battle involving Bello Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other entities, will be delivered on August 30, 2023.
Matawalle, who currently serves as a ministerial appointee under President Bola Tinubu, has sought to halt investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure as governor.
The lawsuit, filed as amended originating summons (FHC/ABJ/CS/753/2023), names the State Security Service, Nigeria Police Force, ICPC, EFCC, Nigerian Immigration Services, and the Attorney General of the Federation as defendants.
Matawalle’s argument hinges on a previous judgment by Justice Aminu Aliyu and the provisions of the Zamfara State Anti-Corruption Law, asserting that only the Zamfara State Anti-Corruption Commission has the authority to probe allegations of corruption during his governorship.
Kehinde Akinlolu (SAN), legal representative for Matawalle, vigorously contests the accusations against his client, deeming them as baseless and fabricated. Akinlolu maintains that all contracts awarded during Matawalle’s tenure followed proper procedures and were meticulously documented.
The court proceedings have witnessed extensive arguments from various parties, with Judge Ahmed Mohammed deferring the final judgment until August 30.
The genesis of the case traces back to allegations of corrupt practices and misappropriation of public funds during Bello Matawalle’s tenure as the Governor of Zamfara State.
Subsequently, these allegations spurred investigations by multiple government agencies, including the EFCC, leading to the ongoing legal showdown.
The anticipated verdict on August 30 is poised to bring a definitive resolution to this high-profile legal clash, offering much-awaited clarity to the complex matter.