Court Sets August 30 for Verdict in Matawalle’s Suit Against EFCC.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja has announced that the verdict in the case brought by former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle against ongoing investigations will be delivered on August 30,

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The amended originating summons, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/753/2023, lists the State Security Service, Nigeria Police Force, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Immigration Services, and the Attorney General of the Federation as the first to sixth defendants respectively.

Matawalle, who has also been appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu, filed the suit seeking a court declaration on the judgments delivered by Justice Aminu Aliyu on May 31, 2023, in Suit No: FHC/GS/CS/30/2021. He asserts that the fourth defendant, EFCC, lacks the authority to conduct investigations or prefer charges against him, his family, associates, and contractors related to funds of the Zamfara State Government.

The former governor also invokes sections of the Zamfara State Anti-Corruption Law No. 12, 2021, to assert that only the Zamfara State Anti-Corruption Commission can investigate alleged corrupt practices during his tenure.

Matawalle’s counsel, Kehinde Akinlolu (SAN), argues that the allegations against his client are false and fabricated. He emphasizes that all contracts during Matawalle’s tenure were executed with due process and meticulously documented.

He further contends that unless restrained, the defendants could infringe upon Matawalle’s right to a fair hearing and enforce actions in breach of the Zamfara State Anti-Corruption Law.

Legal representatives for the first and fourth defendants presented their arguments during the proceedings. The counsel for the first defendant requested the striking out of the State Security Service’s name from the suit. In contrast, the counsel for the fourth defendant moved to dismiss the case, citing constitutional and merit-related grounds.

The court also noted the absence of legal representation for the third and sixth defendants. A representative for the fifth defendant presented an oral application, highlighting the Immigration Act 2015’s provision for prohibiting the departure of individuals subject to court orders.

In anticipation of the forthcoming judgment, the presiding judge, Ahmed Mohammed, has reserved the final decision until August 30, 2023.

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