In a shocking revelation, Musa Muhammad Kamara, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) in the Zamfara State Government, has accused Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence and former governor of Zamfara State, of using his position to fund armed bandits, sheltering a captured terrorist leader, and even purchasing vehicles for notorious criminals.

Matawalle was appointed as Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023. Kamara, speaking in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, detailed the alleged transactions during Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara State.

Alleged Funding and Support for Terrorists

Kamara claims that Matawalle purchased vehicles and distributed them to several terror commanders, including Kachalla Halilu, Bello Turji, and Ado Aleru, well-known bandit leaders in the region. According to Kamara, the vehicles were specifically bought under the former governor’s instructions and delivered to the wanted bandits.

“Vehicles were bought and distributed. Vehicles were given to Kachalla Halilu, Turji, Ado Aleru… those motorcycles were truly bought and given out,” Kamara said in the video.

He also added that large sums of money were allegedly given to these bandit groups across 14 local governments in Zamfara State. Kamara claims he personally handled the distribution of funds, which totaled ₦42 million, with each local government receiving ₦3 million.

Hiding an Arrested Terrorist Leader

In another disturbing claim, Kamara accused Matawalle of personally orchestrating the hiding of Haru Dole, a notorious terror leader known to have over 500 AK-47 rifles. Kamara said that after Haru Dole was arrested by security operatives at the Gusau Hospital, he was taken to Abuja. However, he alleged that Matawalle sent an aide, Dr. Bashir Maru, to the hospital to retrieve Haru Dole and hide him.

“Matawalle sent his aide, Dr. Bashir Maru, to the hospital to take the man and hide him, and that was done,” Kamara alleged.

Alleged Purchase of a House for Bandit Leader Turji

Kamara also claimed that he was involved in the purchase and renovation of a house given to Bello Turji, another infamous terror kingpin. He described how the house, which was initially abandoned, was purchased, completed, and handed over to Turji.

“I was the one who bought the house. The house was bought, completed, and handed over,” Kamara stated.

Mismanagement of Funds Meant for Cows

Kamara further revealed that he was entrusted with ₦88 million intended for the purchase of cows to be distributed to residents during Sallah celebrations. However, he claimed that many of the cows were stolen or diverted.

“I was given ₦88 million to buy cows… The cows were bought and delivered, but many were later stolen or diverted,” Kamara explained.

Appeal for Justice

Kamara has called on Malam Murtala Bello Assada, a whistleblower who has also been threatened due to his allegations against Matawalle, to stand with him as a primary witness in court. He emphasized that the truth must be revealed, stating he will present evidence in court to substantiate his claims.

“I will go to court and I will speak the truth… I will reveal them in court,” Kamara vowed.

Implications of the Allegations

These allegations come at a time when Nigeria is struggling to combat terrorism and armed banditry in the northern regions. If proven true, they could have serious consequences for the Defence Minister, Matawalle, and the larger political landscape in the country.

Kamara’s claims add to the growing concerns about corruption, political patronage, and nefarious activities that fuel insecurity in Nigeria. The involvement of high-ranking officials in such illicit activities, if proven, would severely damage the credibility of the current administration.