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BELLO MATAWALLE SHOULD STEP DOWN OR BE SUSPENDED IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOR FAIR AND PROPER INVESTIGATION:

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BELLO MATAWALLE SHOULD STEP DOWN OR BE SUSPENDED IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOR FAIR AND PROPER INVESTIGATION:

By Hamza N. Dantani Esq
Constitutional Lawyer and Rights Activist .

INTRODUCTION
Northern Nigeria continues to bleed from the scourge of banditry and terrorism. Communities are destroyed, livelihoods lost, and lives cut short. As a lawyer and human rights activist from the Northern part of the country, I have watched with deep concern this persistent insecurity that continues to devastate our region.

Against this grim background, the controversy surrounding the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, cannot be ignored, dismissed, or swept under the carpet. The allegations deserve urgent and sober national attention.

From his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State, Matawalle has been persistently accused of enabling or fraternising with bandits. These allegations were never conclusively investigated before he was appointed Minister of State for Defence under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That decision raised legitimate concerns, given the sensitivity of the office and the gravity of the accusations.

Regrettably, the allegations have not abated. Instead, they have intensified, even as banditry and terrorism continue to ravage Zamfara State and large parts of Northern Nigeria.

CLERICAL WHISTLEBLOWING AND GRAVE ALLEGATIONS
One of the most persistent voices drawing national attention to these allegations is Sheikh Murtala Asada, a cleric based in Sokoto State. The Sheikh has consistently alleged that Bello Matawalle maintained close ties with bandits while serving as governor, accusing him of colluding with, appeasing, and materially supporting armed groups responsible for mass killings, kidnappings, and displacement.

According to Sheikh Asada, Bello Matawalle allegedly distributed vehicles to bandits using public funds during his tenure as governor. He further alleged that Matawalle purchased a house for Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader designated as a terrorist, in Pakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. If true, this would amount to financing terrorism, an offence under Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Sheikh also alleged that Matawalle facilitated the release of a known bandit, Haru Dole, by dispatching his aide, Dr. Bashir Maru, to stand as surety at the Police- FIB office in Abuja, Such conduct, if established, would fall under support for a terrorist group, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Additionally, Matawalle was alleged to have officially distributed 2,000 bags of chaffs to bandits across fourteen local government areas in Zamfara State, an act that, at the very least, raises troubling questions about state policy and moral judgment in dealing with criminal elements.

Instead of publicly addressing these weighty allegations and submitting himself to scrutiny, Bello Matawalle chose to file a defamation suit against Sheikh Murtala Asada, a move widely perceived as an attempt to silence the Sheikh myrtala Asada rather than transparently clear his name. The Sheikh, however, is not alone.

INSIDER TESTIMONY BY MATAWALLE’S FORMER AIDE
More recently, a former aide to Matawalle, Musa Kamarawa, who identified himself as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA)during Matawalle’s governorship, made even graver allegations. He claimed that the minister “has police officers working for him who kill whomever he orders and spare whomever he chooses.”

Kamarawa further alleged that Matawalle colluded with security operatives to eliminate perceived enemies, protect allies, and facilitate dealings with notorious bandit leaders during his tenure as governor. In what amounts to one of the most damning aspects of his claims, Kamarawa corroborated Sheikh’s allegations and said the government of Zamfara State under Matawalle bought vehicles for Bello Turji, Halilu Sububu, and other bandits. He described it as part of the government’s “engagement strategy” at the time.

He further claimed that he personally facilitated the procurement of another Hilux vehicle for the bandit leader, adding that criminal gangs operated with impunity during that period. Kamarawa went on to challenge Matawalle to deny the allegations under oath publicly.

These are not allegations coming from political opponents alone, but from someone who claims to have had access to the inner workings of government; someone with much to lose by speaking out. Numerous citizens of Zamfara State have echoed similar concerns over the years.

Surely, it defies logic to assume that clerics, former aides, community members, and civil society voices are all engaged in a coordinated attempt to tarnish one man’s image without cause. As the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire.

BELLO TURJI, A DESIGNATED TERRORIST, DEFENDS MATAWALLE
Perhaps most disturbing is that Bello Turji himself, a known bandit kingpin, reportedly issued a public statement defending Bello Matawalle after earlier releasing a video that appeared to establish a relationship between them.

This raises a fundamental question that Nigerians deserve an answer to: Why would a government official, let alone a defence minister, have any form of relationship with a terrorist?

INSECURITY AS A HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS
The ramifications of insecurity in Northern Nigeria cannot be overstated. It is not merely a security issue; it is a human rights catastrophe. It has led to the loss of countless lives, mass displacement, collapsed local economies, food insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and the erosion of trust in state institutions.
As a human rights activist, I find this situation unacceptable.

THE CASE FOR SUSPENSION PENDING INVESTIGATION
This article does not assert that Bello Matawalle is guilty of all the allegations raised against him. He remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pursuant to section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). However, the allegations against him are grave, numerous, persistent, and increasingly corroborated by insiders. They are too serious to be ignored and too dangerous to be left uninvestigated. They warrant an independent, transparent investigation.

In the interest of national security, public confidence, and institutional integrity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should immediately suspend Bello Matawalle, or Bello Matawalles should do the honourable thing and step aside, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into these weighty allegations.

Such a suspension would not amount to a conviction. On the contrary, it would be in Matawalle’s own interest, allowing him to clear his name without the burden of office, while reassuring Nigerians that this administration is genuinely committed to tackling insecurity.

Today, many Nigerians believe that the government is merely paying lip service to the fight against insecurity. And who can blame them? You cannot convincingly wage a war against terrorism while retaining a defence minister under serious allegations of collusion with terrorists.

NOT POLITICS, BUT NATIONAL SURVIVAL
This is not a political attack, nor a sponsored campaign. It is not personal. It is a national security and human rights issue that affects us all. Rather than deploying social media influencers and TikTok defenders, Bello Matawalle should subject himself to lawful scrutiny and public accountability.

If the President, who has sworn an oath to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, fails to act, then a direct criminal complaint will be filed, inviting the court to compel a proper investigation into these allegations.
Nigeria’s security crisis demands courage, transparency, and accountability. Anything less is a betrayal of the victims whose voices have been permanently silenced by banditry and terrorism.

BELLO MATAWALLE SHOULD STEP DOWN OR BE SUSPENDED IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOR FAIR AND PROPER INVESTIGATION:

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AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

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AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

By Comrade Philip Ikodor

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation today joined the global community to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, reaffirming its commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of children across the continent.

In a statement issued to the media, the Founder and Lead, Princess Ashlee Omonegbo Momoh, said the Foundation stands firmly behind efforts to help every African child reach their full potential.

“While we celebrate the vibrancy, brilliance, and resilience of African children, we must also confront the systemic barriers that still limit their growth,” Princess Momoh stated.

Key Challenges Facing the African Child Today:

  1. Education Gaps: Millions lack access to quality education, digital literacy, and inclusive learning environments.
  2. Socio-Economic Barriers: Pervasive poverty drives child labor and denies many children basic healthcare, nutrition, and stable housing.
  3. Security and Instability: Armed conflict and community violence continue to threaten the safety, mental health, and future of children in vulnerable and military-affected communities.

AMF’s Call to Action:
To truly empower the African child, stakeholders must shift from short-term relief to sustainable, localized investment. The Foundation calls on governments, civil society, and private sector partners to collaborate in:

  1. Building safer, child-friendly communities
  2. Subsidizing healthcare and expanding access to quality education, including digital skills
  3. Creating inclusive learning spaces that protect children from conflict and displacement

“Every child deserves a secure foundation to dream, learn, and lead. At the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, we remain committed to building that foundation — together,” Princess Momoh added.

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation is a Nigeria-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing child welfare, education, and empowerment across Africa through sustainable programs, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

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A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

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A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

By: Lateef O. AREMU

Just few days into his tenure, Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has already begun to illuminate the path towards a more stable and efficient electricity supply for the nation. Sworn into office on June 9, 2026, Minister Tegbe’s initial pronouncements and decisive actions reflect a profound understanding of the sector’s complexities, a testament to his distinguished professional background, intellectual brilliance and clear demonstration of the understanding of the task ahead. The minister unlike many before him did not over simplify the task at hand. He acknowledged the challenges and meticulous outlined the approaches towards finding solutions to the problem. He is not promising immediate miracle, but steady growth and measurable efforts towards achieving the set goals.

Minister Tegbe arrives at the helm of the Power Ministry with an impressive pedigree. A former Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets at KPMG Professional Services in Nigeria and across Africa, he has a proven track record of leading major reform initiatives, developing robust governance structures, and navigating intricate regulatory frameworks. His extensive experience in advisory services, coupled with his qualifications as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), positions him uniquely to tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector.

In his inaugural engagements, Minister Tegbe wasted no time in outlining a clear vision. He pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve governance, and enhance accountabilityacross the entire electricity value chain. This emphasis on systemic improvements, rather than solely technical fixes, directly mirrors his background in advisory and governance. His insight that
many of the sector’s challenges are rooted in governance and coordination rather than purely technical issues is a direct reflection of his strategic thinking honed at KPMG, where he led advisory services focused on governance and regulatory frameworks.

One of his immediate and commendable actions was to rally Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Agencies and Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Power. During this crucial meeting, Minister Tegbe underscored the necessity of a unified and coordinated approach among all stakeholders to achieve the administration’s goals for the Power Sector. This call for synergy, urging stakeholders to operate as “one team with one mandate” is a pragmatic approach to a sector historically plagued by siloed operations and a lack of cohesive strategy. His ability to quickly identify and address this fundamental organizational challenge speaks volumes about his leadership and analytical prowess.

Furthermore, Minister Tegbe has already demonstrated a commitment to tangible results. He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for its prompt response to a recent feeder outage, which was resolved within the timeframe he directed. This swift restoration of supply, which he noted was reported directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlights his dedication to urgency and service delivery, a quality that will undoubtedly instill confidence in both the public and sector operators.

Looking ahead, the Minister disclosed plans to introduce a performance-based incentive framework across the power sector to reward productivity, innovation, and excellence. This initiative is a clear demonstration of his understanding of motivational strategies and his commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency. This is the kind of principles often championed in top-tier consulting firms like KPMG. Such a framework is designed to drive continuous improvement and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the overarching objective of enhancing electricity supply.

In just a few short days, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has not only articulated a clear vision for Nigeria’s power sector but has also initiated concrete steps towards its realization. His blend of deep technical understanding, strategic leadership, and a commitment to good governance, all honed through years of high-level advisory work, positions him as a transformative figure.

As Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe assumes the role of Nigeria’s minister of power, Nigerians can look forward to a future where the brilliance of their Minister of Power translates into a consistently brighter and more reliable electricity supply.
With Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe at the helms of affairs in the power sector in Nigeria, Nigeria can rest asuured that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”

Lateef O. AREMU (Akano Gudugba)
S3 /706D
Odo-Ada Compound,
Oke-Eleta, Ibadan
08162994660
akanoola@gmail.com

A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

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NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

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NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major financial blow to drug trafficking syndicates, raising over N6.1 billion from the auction of properties confiscated from convicted drug kingpins across the country.

The assets, which include a six-storey luxury hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, and three other high-value properties, were forfeited to the federal government following court orders obtained under Nigeria’s asset recovery laws.

The Victoria Island hotel accounted for the bulk of the proceeds, attracting a winning bid of N5.9 billion during a public auction conducted in Abuja on Monday. Altogether, four properties were successfully sold, while bids submitted for four others fell below the approved reserve prices and were consequently rejected.

The exercise marked one of the most significant asset recovery auctions conducted by the anti-narcotics agency in recent years and underscores a growing determination by authorities to target not only drug traffickers but also the wealth accumulated from illicit activities.

Announcing the results, the Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, disclosed that Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm emerged the successful bidder for the Victoria Island hotel.

Other successful bidders included FSS Limited, which secured a property in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with an offer of N219.5 million; A-BNB Global Innovations Limited, which won a block of flats in Ejigbo, Lagos, for N104 million; and Fazeen Global Link Limited, which acquired a property in Akure, Ondo State, for N29.36 million.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), declared that the auction represented more than a revenue-generating exercise, describing it as a strategic weapon in the fight against organised crime.

Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the disposal of recovered assets sends a strong signal that individuals involved in the illicit drug trade would not be allowed to retain or benefit from the proceeds of their crimes.

He noted that public auctions of forfeited assets help reinforce public trust in the justice system by demonstrating transparency and accountability in the management of recovered properties.

According to him, the agency remains committed to tracking, recovering and disposing of criminal assets in a manner that serves the public interest while strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery framework.

“We shall continue to pursue drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, recover the proceeds of crime and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he stated.

Marwa also stressed that extensive safeguards were put in place to guarantee the integrity of the process. He said all assets were professionally valued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, while auctioneers engaged for the exercise were screened and pre-qualified through procedures approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The NDLEA boss added that representatives of anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public were invited to witness the bid-opening exercise in order to ensure transparency and public confidence.

He maintained that the auction was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other relevant regulations.

Analysts say the successful sale of the forfeited properties highlights a growing shift in Nigeria’s anti-drug strategy from merely arresting traffickers to systematically dismantling the financial foundations of criminal enterprises.

For law enforcement authorities, the message is unmistakable: drug trafficking may generate vast fortunes, but those fortunes can ultimately be traced, seized and converted into public assets.

NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

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