By Paul Ebi
A former Senior Special Assistant in the Zamfara State Government, Musa Muhammad Kamara, has levelled sweeping allegations against Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, accusing him of funding bandit groups, distributing vehicles to terror leaders, and shielding a notorious commander after his arrest.
Matawalle, who served as governor from 2019 to 2023, was appointed Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.
Kamara made the claims in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, where he spoke in Hausa and insisted that the allegations currently circulating in the media about the former governor “are not false.”
According to him, he personally participated in some of the transactions being discussed publicly.
“Vehicles Were Bought and Given to Bandit Leaders”
Kamara alleged that vehicles and motorcycles were purchased on the former governor’s instructions and directly handed over to wanted terror leaders including Kachalla Halilu, Bello Turji, and Ado Aleru.
> “Wallahi… vehicles were bought and distributed. Vehicles were given to Kachalla Halilu, Turji, Ado Aleru; those motorcycles were truly bought and given out,”
Kamara claimed.
He further asserted that significant cash payments were disbursed to bandit networks across the 14 local government areas of the state, saying each LGA allegedly received ₦3 million
> “When the money was added, it totalled ₦42 million and entered my account as settlement,” he said.
How a Terror Commander Was Allegedly Hidden After Arrest
Kamara also recounted an incident involving Haru Dole, a notorious bandit commander reportedly in possession of more than 500 AK-47 rifles.
He claimed Dole was arrested in a Gusau hospital by security operatives and taken to Abuja, but was later shielded from prosecution.
> “Matawalle sent his aide, Dr. Bashir Maru, to the hospital to take the man and hide him, and that was done,”
Kamara alleged.
“I Bought the House Given to Turji”
Kamara said he facilitated the purchase of a house allegedly gifted to terror kingpin Bello Turji.
> “Billahi… a house was bought. I was the one who bought it… it was completed and handed over,”
he stated.
₦88 Million for Sallah Cows Allegedly Diverted
He also claimed he was entrusted with ₦88 million to purchase cows for Sallah distribution but said many of the cows were later stolen, diverted, or reallocated for other purposes.
Kamara detailed how the cows were tracked by their original owners, leading to disputes that he said were escalated to the former governor.
“I Will Go to Court; I Have Evidence”
Kamara repeated that he would testify under oath and provide evidence in court.
> “I swear by Allah’s law, there are things people do not know, and I will reveal them in court,”he vowed.
He appealed to whistleblower Malam Murtala Bello Assada—who allegedly faces threats and petitions for speaking out—to stand with him as a key witness.
No Official Response Yet
As of the time of this report, Dr. Bello Matawalle has not publicly responded to the allegations. The claims remain unverified, and no law-enforcement agency has issued an official statement regarding Kamara’s accusations.
