Police Storm Former Zamfara Gov. Matawalle Residence

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

The Nigerian Police Force has conducted a raid at the Maradun residence of Bello Matawalle, the former governor of the state of Zamfara, on Friday June 9.

This development followed an accusation that Matawalle was taking government vehicles from the Government House before the new governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, assumed control of the state.

Recall, the new state governor, Mr. Lawal asserted during a radio interview with Vision FM in Gusau, the state capital, that his predecessor had sold every piece of official property, including the refrigerators, televisions, and vehicles, from the Government House.

However, on Friday, police officers barged into Matawalle’s home in search of the vehicles.

However, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, a friend of Matawalle, responded to the news by calling the raid inappropriate.

The APC leader requested that the Inspector General of Police should summon his men to attention.

“Bello Matawalle, my brother and the former governor of Zamfara state, had his Maradun residence invaded by police this morning. They said they were looking for automobiles. They claimed to be acting on the instructions of the new Governor but did not possess a search warrant, arrest warrant, or court order. This must change. It is blamed for being both lawless and vindictive. I request that the IGP order the involved officers to report. In Asiwaju’s Nigeria, it is forbidden to abuse power and to persecute political rivals and opponents” Femi Fani-Kayode wrote.

As of the time of this report, there was no official statement from the former governor Matawalle.