The Zamfara State Government has finally addressed the recent raid on the residence of former Governor Bello Matawalle, shedding light on the matter.
Earlier, police officers had conducted a raid on the Gusau residence of the former governor on Friday morning. Subsequently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara claimed that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police had also raided Matawalle’s residences in Gusau and his hometown of Maradun.
Accusing the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal of engaging in a witch-hunt, the party stated that if there were any issues against the immediate past governor, he should be charged in court.
In response, Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor, Suleiman Idris, issued a statement on Wednesday evening, clarifying the situation and revealing that government’s stolen property had been recovered during the operation.
“The Zamfara State Government has provided clarification on the operation carried out by the Nigeria Police Force, which resulted in the recovery of vehicles looted by the former State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle,” the statement read.
“In the early hours of Friday, the Nigeria Police Force stormed the residence of the former Governor, where over 40 vehicles were impounded. The police acted on a court order, and a search warrant was obtained for the operation. It should be recalled that the Zamfara State Government officially communicated to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five (5) working days.”
“We also lodged an official complaint with the Police regarding the overriding public interest in the wasteful looting of valuables, including official vehicles. Consequently, the Police sought a search warrant, which was duly granted by the court, leading to the raid on Matawalle’s residence in Gusau, Maradun Local Government, and another undisclosed hideout. In total, over 40 vehicles were recovered, including three bulletproof vehicles and eight SUVs.”
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to recovering all that belongs to the people. Our collective resolve is to rescue and rebuild Zamfara. The recovery of the proceeds of crime and public assets is a crucial part of our rescue mission.”
