Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza N. Dantani, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing persistent allegations of ties to bandits that threaten national security.

In a statement titled “Bello Matawalle Should Step Down Or Be Suspended In The Interest Of National Security And For Fair And Proper Investigation,” Dantani highlighted ongoing insecurity in Northern Nigeria, noting that communities continue to suffer from banditry, terrorism, and related human rights violations.

Dantani said Matawalle, during his tenure as Zamfara State governor, faced repeated accusations of colluding with armed groups—claims he said were never fully investigated before Matawalle’s appointment as Defence Minister.

The activist referenced claims from Sokoto cleric Sheikh Murtala Asada, who alleged that Matawalle maintained ties with bandits, provided material support, and even purchased assets for notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji. Additional allegations from Matawalle’s former aide, Musa Kamarawa, suggested collusion with security operatives to protect allies and target enemies, including facilitating vehicles for bandit leaders.

“These allegations are grave, persistent, and increasingly corroborated by insiders,” Dantani said, stressing they deserve urgent investigation. He criticized Matawalle’s decision to file a defamation suit against the cleric rather than address the claims.

Dantani called for Matawalle’s immediate suspension or voluntary stepping aside, stating that such a move would not imply guilt but would allow for a fair investigation and reassure Nigerians of the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

“The retention of a defence minister under these allegations undermines Nigeria’s fight against terrorism,” Dantani said, describing the issue as both a national security and human rights concern. He warned that failure to act could lead to a criminal complaint compelling judicial investigation.