Tinubu Must Suspend Matawalle Now, Says Lawyer Over Alleged Bandit Connections

Prominent Nigerian political figures speaking about MAtawalle and bandit connections.

Tinubu and Matawalle

Tinubu Must Suspend Matawalle Now, Says Lawyer Over Alleged Bandit Connections

Lawyer Urges Tinubu to Immediately Suspend Matawalle Amid Allegations of Bandit Ties

In a highly charged appeal that has reignited debate around national security, constitutional lawyer and human rights activist Hamza N. Dantani has renewed calls for President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, citing alleged connections to bandit leaders and activities that have devastated large swathes of Northern Nigeria. The call has triggered widespread political and public discussion, aligning with recent events that have further politicised the administration’s handling of insecurity. [Source]

Dantani framed the alleged linkages as a grave national security concern that cannot be overlooked while communities continue to suffer kidnappings, attacks, and economic ruin due to banditry and terrorism. He noted that persistent allegations stemming from Matawalle’s tenure as Governor of Zamfara State and now as Defence Minister demand urgent attention, rather than dismissal or quiet resolution. [Source]

Allegations from Former Aide: Vehicles, Rustled Cattle, and Communications

A former senior aide to Matawalle publicly alleged that the minister maintained direct communication with notorious bandit commanders during his governorship (2019–2023) and after his appointment to the federal cabinet. According to the whistleblower, these relationships allegedly extended beyond negotiation and purported peace efforts; they included logistical support, material transfers, and direct communication channels. [Source]

Government vehicles — including 36 brand‑new Hilux pickup trucks — were allegedly given to bandit leaders such as Bello Turji. [Source]
Rustled cattle were reportedly purchased from bandit groups at discounted rates. [Source]
Political meetings with armed commanders allegedly took place in the Government House. [Source]

The ex‑aide also alleged ongoing WhatsApp communication between Matawalle and bandit operatives even after assuming the defence portfolio. If true, such contacts could suggest a troubling flow of information between the state and outlawed networks. [Source]

Cleric’s Accusations and Visual Claims

Adding weight to the controversy, Sheikh Murtala Asada, an Islamic cleric from Sokoto State, claimed that Matawalle purchased and distributed vehicles to terror leaders. This included assertions that 34 new Hilux trucks were supplied to individuals like Alilu Sububu, Ado Alero, and Bello Turji. [Source]

The cleric argued that material support allegedly funded by public resources undermined security efforts. Though Matawalle denied these accusations, they lingered in public discourse and fuelled demands for transparency. Video content shared online, including a YouTube video allegedly showing a bandit leader claiming sponsorship from high‑level officials, intensified public debate.

Defence Ministry Response and Government Position

Spokespeople for both the Defence Ministry and the Presidency reiterated that Matawalle’s position stands. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information to President Tinubu, stated that accusations were investigated and found to lack evidence, describing them as politically motivated. [Source]

Matawalle himself denied any improper association with bandits and challenged critics to provide clear evidence. Independent monitors such as the Independent Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (IHRMGN) reportedly cleared him of any direct link to banditry. [Source]

Political and Regional Responses

Civil society organisations and regional coalitions have taken positions on both sides of the debate. The Northern Youth Development Association of Nigeria dismissed suggestions that Matawalle was being sued over banditry links, calling such reports baseless. Conversely, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) urged a National Assembly-led investigation into alleged links between Matawalle and bandit leaders. [Source]

State Government Accusations and Counterclaims

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State publicly accused Matawalle of involvement in banditry during his governorship, challenging him to resign. Matawalle denied the accusations, asserting that his administration tackled banditry head-on and that allegations were politically driven. [Source]

Current Security Challenges and Matawalle’s Policy Role

Nigeria continues to face multifaceted security challenges, including banditry in the Northwest, terrorism in the Northeast, and widespread kidnappings. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fight these threats. Matawalle himself has urged the military to pursue bandits with greater resolve. [Source]

Recently, President Tinubu directed Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee rescue efforts following the abduction of schoolgirls, indicating continued trust in the minister’s frontline security role. [Source]

The Larger Context of Insecurity in Nigeria

Security remains Nigeria’s top concern. Allegations of collusion with bandits strike at the heart of public expectations for defence officials. For context on Matawalle’s public profile and controversies, see his Wikipedia page: Bello Matawalle – Biography and Controversy Summary.

Implications for Governance and Trust

Calls for suspension emphasise that public confidence requires clear action. Retaining a minister under scrutiny may weaken trust in the government’s security efforts. Conversely, defenders argue that action should only follow verified evidence to avoid political bias.

What Comes Next?

Independent Investigation: Multi-agency probe could examine allegations thoroughly.
Judicial Review: Courts may adjudicate claims if formal complaints arise.
Political Oversight: Legislative committees could hold hearings to balance security and accountability.
Public Opinion: Media coverage and civil society input may influence government response.