A former aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has accused his former principal of colluding with security operatives to eliminate perceived enemies, protect allies, and facilitate dealings with notorious bandit leaders during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.
Naijaonpoint reports that Matawalle served as Zamfara governor until 2023 and was appointed Minister of State for Defence by Bola Tinubu in August 2023.
The allegations were made by Musa Muhammad Kamara, also known as Musa Kamarawa, during an interview with Hausa-language media platform rHi Hausa.
Kamara identified himself as a former Senior Special Assistant to Matawalle when the latter was governor of Zamfara State.
“My name is Musa Muhammad Kamara. I am a citizen of Zamfara State and a former SSA to the former governor of Zamfara and now Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle,” he said.
Kamara alleged that Matawalle worked with police officers to eliminate those he considered enemies while shielding others.
“He has police officers working for him who kill whomever he orders and spare whomever he chooses,” Kamara claimed.
According to Kamara, his problems began in 2021 when he was invited by security operatives over allegations that the Zamfara State Government procured vehicles for bandits.
He said the claims followed remarks allegedly made by a cleric, Mallam Murtala Asada, that government officials bought vehicles for bandit leaders such as Bello Turji and Halilu Sububu.
“I explained to them that I’m SSA to the Governor and indeed the governor bought vehicles and gave it to them,” Kamara alleged, describing it as part of an engagement strategy at the time.
He further claimed that when one of the vehicles developed a fault, another was procured.
“I was the one that got them another Hilux,” he said.
Throughout the interview, Kamara repeatedly swore by the Holy Qur’an to affirm his claims and challenged Matawalle to publicly deny the allegations under oath.
“I swear by the Holy Qur’an that I’m speaking the truth,” he said, adding that Matawalle should also swear on the Qur’an if the claims were false.
Kamara further alleged that after he began speaking publicly, Matawalle colluded with elements of the Nigeria Police Force to target him.
“He conspired with the police… they sent them on errands to kill whoever he wants to kill and free whoever he wants to be free,” Kamara claimed.
He alleged that cases brought against him amounted to “media trials,” saying prosecutors repeatedly failed to produce witnesses in court.
Addressing speculation that he still has links with the Zamfara State Government or its current leadership, Kamara denied any such relationship.
“Since the day I left the Government House when Matawalle was governor, I have not gone back,” he said, adding that he has no connection with the present administration.
Kamara also alleged that Matawalle later used federal institutions to quietly terminate a case against him.
He claimed the matter was transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja and eventually collapsed due to lack of evidence.
“There was no evidence, no witness, and the case was discharged,” he said.
Despite the case being struck out, Kamara said he still fears for his safety, alleging that powerful interests want him silenced.
“They do not want justice; they only want, at any time, to kill me and keep it silent,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Matawalle has not publicly responded to the allegations.