FORMER AIDE TO MINISTER OF DEFENCE ACCUSES MATAWALLE OF COLLUDING WITH SECURITY FORCES, FACILITATING BANDIT DEALS
A former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has leveled explosive allegations against his former principal, claiming he colluded with security operatives to target enemies, protect allies, and facilitate dealings with notorious bandit leaders during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.
The claims were made by Musa Muhammad Kamara, also known as Musa Kamarawa, in an interview with Hausa-language platform rHi Hausa, excerpts of which have circulated widely on social media.
Kamara, who served as Matawalle’s SSA during his governorship, alleged that the minister “has police officers working for him who kill whomever he orders and spare whomever he chooses.”
He claimed his troubles began in 2021, when he was invited by security operatives over allegations that the Zamfara State Government had procured vehicles for bandit leaders, including Bello Turji and Halilu Sububu.
“They heard that a cleric, Mallam Murtala Asada, said that the government bought vehicles for these bandits,” Kamara said. He added that he personally confirmed to security officials that vehicles were indeed procured for bandit leaders as part of a government engagement strategy at the time.
Kamara also alleged that he facilitated the provision of another Hilux vehicle for Halilu Sububu after the first broke down, stating that criminal gangs operated with near-total impunity under Matawalle’s governorship.
“Since these activities were openly discussed within government circles at the time, it is frustrating to see them now being recast as criminal conspiracies for political purposes,” he added, swearing by the Holy Qur’an to affirm the truthfulness of his statements and challenging Matawalle to deny the claims under oath.
He further accused Matawalle of colluding with the Nigeria Police Force to target him after he began speaking out. “He was surprised when I exposed everything and asked why I would expose what is between him and me. Since then, he conspired with the police. They have turned everything against me,” Kamara alleged.
Kamara claimed that his encounters with the courts were persecutory, not judicial, noting that security officials who could testify did not appear in court and that media trials were being orchestrated against him.
He also denied any ongoing relationship with the Zamfara State Government, insisting he has been shut out since Matawalle left office. “By Allah, since leaving the Government House, I have had no connection with Dauda or the Zamfara State Government,” he stated.
Kamara described his legal battles as manipulated to protect powerful interests, alleging that Matawalle later used federal institutions to quietly terminate one of the cases against him, which was eventually dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Despite the resolution of the cases, Kamara said he continues to fear for his life, claiming that “powerful forces still want me silenced permanently.” He concluded the interview by framing his ordeal as a lesson in survival, faith, and resilience, asserting that even if he were killed, his honour and truth would remain.
“I have seen the impossible become possible. I have learned the education of life; enough for living in this world,” Kamara said.
