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Matawalle Under Scrutiny: APC Protesters Call For DSS Investigation Into Banditry Allegations
On Tuesday, the demand for an investigation into Mohammed Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, intensified as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), organized under the APC Akida Forum, gathered at the Headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
The protesters urged the DSS to conduct an inquiry not to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation, but to protect millions of Nigerians and uphold the integrity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies, particularly the intelligence community.
By 9:30 am, the group, led by Mallam Musa Mahmud, Chairman of the APC Akida Forum, arrived at the DSS Headquarters, where they submitted a petition that was received by a senior official.
The petition stated, “As the APC Akida Forum, a socio-political pressure group based in Kaduna State, we wish to draw your attention to a pressing national issue affecting the lives of millions of Nigerians. We are deeply troubled by the allegations made by the current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, regarding his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.
“In recent interviews broadcasted nationally, Governor Lawal raised serious concerns about the issues he inherited when he took office, including allegations that Matawalle sponsored banditry and misappropriated state funds. These allegations are critical, as they strike at the core of governance, security, and the welfare of the people in Zamfara State and warrant serious consideration.
“As loyal party members, we feel compelled to call for a thorough investigation into these serious claims to protect our party’s integrity and that of our esteemed leader, the President. Ignoring these matters could damage our party and the reputation of our security agencies.
“We want to stress that these issues extend beyond politics; they touch on life and death, economic survival, and the fundamental rights of citizens in Zamfara, the North West, and Nigeria as a whole. Therefore, we appeal to the DSS, an institution that Nigerians trust as a gatekeeper, to initiate an independent investigation into the numerous allegations against Bello Matawalle.
“Our concerns as loyal party members are significant. There are serious challenges and campaigns across the nation that threaten the reputation of our leader, the President, stemming in part from the actions of Bello Matawalle. We urge the DSS to investigate not to chastise Matawalle, but to protect the lives of millions of Nigerians and preserve the integrity of the President and the intelligence community.
“We believe the DSS is uniquely positioned to recommend that the President relieve Matawalle of his duties so that he can face an investigative panel. It is crucial for Matawalle to clarify his connections to notorious individuals such as Bello Tagoji, Musa Kamarawa, and Ardon Zuru, as well as Kachalla Auwalun Daudawa, a bandit known for the abduction of Kankara students in 2020. Allegations suggest that Matawalle even purchased a house for Daudawa in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.
“In January 2023, when bandit warlord Bello Tagoji was arrested, the Commissioner of Security, DIG Mamman Tsafe, reportedly bailed him out on Matawalle’s orders. These are not mere abstract allegations; they represent real violations of the rights of Zamfara’s citizens—their rights to education, healthcare, economic security, and safety from banditry and violence.
“These concerns should resonate with any Nigerian genuinely invested in the welfare of our country and our party. The assertion that Matawalle ‘remains loyal to President Bola Tinubu and enjoys the administration’s full trust’ raises alarm. Since when has loyalty to a sitting president been a shield against accusations of association with dangerous bandits?
“Matawalle is not the only minister in our government; why does he alone face numerous allegations? Why is the senior Defence Minister, His Excellency Badaru, not facing similar accusations? Any concerned party member should be alarmed.
“The APC Akida Forum believes that where there is smoke, there is fire. To ensure transparency and accountability, we strongly urge Bello Matawalle to resign from his position and submit to a comprehensive investigation. This is essential to uphold accountability and preserve the integrity of his role as a member of the APC, the largest political party in Africa.
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
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Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.