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| Former Zamfara Governor, Matawalle |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria, which fights corruption, has refuted reports that Bello Mattawale, the recently-departed governor of Zamfara state, is wanted.
The commission claimed it never urged the Department of State Service to arrest the former governor and reiterated that it will simply pursue the regular procedure in the case with the former governor in a statement made on Sunday and signed by the commission's Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren.
“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a report, entitled, Alleged N70b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex-Zamfara Gov, Matawalle Wanted, which appeared in the Sunday Tribune of June 18, 2023, and purports that the Commission had declared a former Zamafara State governor, Bello Matawalle wanted and requested the Department of State Service, DSS, to arrest him, anywhere he is seen”.
“Without prejudice to the case involving the former governor, the report is incorrect as the Commission has yet to declare Matawalle wanted or solicit the assistance of any Agency, including the DSS, to effect his arrest.”
The Commission stated that it has a set method for making a person sought and notifying the public of that fact, rather than using anonymous "security sources."
The ongoing conflict between the anti-graft agency and the former governor has taken a turn as a result of this event.