Armed security personnel raided two (2) houses belonging to the immediate former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle on Friday where over 40 government vehicles were allegedly recovered. This was made known in a statement issued on Friday by Suleiman Idris, the spokesperson of the current Governor, Dauda Lawal which stated that the raid was backed by a court order and search warrant.
The statement reads, “In the early hours of Friday, The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stormed the residence of the former Governor, where over 40 vehicles were impounded.
“The Police acted on a court order and a search warrant was obtained for the operation. Recall that the Zamfara State Government communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five (5) working days.
“We also lodged an official complaint with the Police on overriding public interest on wasteful looting of valuables including official vehicles.
“Consequently, the Police sought a search warrant which was duly given by the court and hence raided Matwalle’s residence in Gusau, Maradun Local Government and another unidentified hideout.”
The statement reaffirmed the current governor’s commitment to rescue and rebuild the state, adding that recovering the proceeds of crime and public assets is a vital part of their rescue mission.
The current Governor, Lawal, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated Matwalle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently conducted March 18 governorship election.