EFCC Challenges Governor Matawalle To Provide Evidence Of $2m Bribe Allegation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has challenged Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, to back up his claim that the anti-graft agency demanded a $2 million bribe from him.

The EFCC had previosly disclosed that it is investigating Governor Matawalle for allegedly diverting N70 billion meant for contracts in Zamfara.

But while speaking with BBC Hausa, Governor Matawalle alleged that the EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa demanded $2 million bribe from him.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, challenged Matawalle to provide concrete evidence to support his allegations.

The anti-graft agency warned about the plans of certain politically exposed individuals involved in corruption to flee the country before May 29.

The EFCC affirmed its collaboration with international partners to thwart these escape plans and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by Bello Muhammed Matawalle, governor of Zamfara State, where he allegedly made wild bribery allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa.

“Matawalle’s recourse to mudslinging is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws. But despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the Commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.”

“If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.

“Again, the commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29.

“The commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice.”

KanyiDaily recalls that the EFCC had raised the alarm of a campaign by politically exposed persons under the commission’s investigation for alleged corrupt practices to discredit the agency and its leadership.