By John Umeh
The Court of Appeal has upheld the decision ordering the retrieval of over 40 government vehicles from former Zamfara State Governor and immediate past Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle. The ruling marks a significant victory for the state government in its ongoing efforts to recover assets allegedly taken away by the ex-governor after leaving office.
The appellate court, sitting in Sokoto, affirmed the earlier judgment that mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Zamfara State Government to take possession of the official vehicles traced to Matawalle. The vehicles in question, which include luxury SUVs and utility cars, were said to have been removed from government premises in the final days of Matawalle’s administration in 2023.
Delivering the judgment, the panel of justices ruled that the vehicles were public assets and should not have been retained by the former governor after the expiration of his tenure. The court dismissed Matawalle’s appeal, describing his claims of personal ownership as “unsubstantiated and inconsistent with public service regulations.”
The Zamfara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, had earlier initiated moves to recover the vehicles as part of its broader campaign to track and reclaim state assets allegedly misappropriated by previous officials. Governor Lawal hailed the judgment, noting that it reinforces the principle of accountability in governance.
“The ruling of the Court of Appeal is a win for the people of Zamfara State,” Governor Lawal stated in a press release. “It sends a clear message that public resources are meant for public service and cannot be converted for personal use by any individual, no matter how highly placed.”
On the other hand, sources close to Matawalle hinted that the former minister may explore further legal options, including an appeal to the Supreme Court. They maintained that some of the vehicles in contention were acquired personally and not through government channels.
The case has drawn wide public attention, given Matawalle’s high political profile as both a former state chief executive and a recently departed minister in the Federal Executive Council. Analysts see the development as part of a growing trend of Nigerian courts backing asset recovery drives by state and federal governments against former officeholders.
With the appellate court’s affirmation, security agencies and the Zamfara government are now expected to enforce the order and take full custody of the recovered vehicles.
