Court dismisses EFCC’s move to seize Gov Matawalle’s properties

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking to confiscate six choice properties in Abuja linked to Governor Bello Matawale of Zamfara State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo yesterday held that the application could not be brought against the governor due to the provision of section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999. 

• Why FG released 101 `Boko Haram’ suspects from Kirikiri
• Why FG released 101 `Boko Haram’ suspects from Kirikiri

The court further held that the EFCC lacked the power to initiate any criminal proceeding against the governor while he was still in office.

The anti-graft agency had listed the properties as plots 1327, Zone A05, 2934, 730, and plot 2804B, both located at Zone A06, Cadastral Zone, Maitama District; and 729, Idu Industrial Layout and Plot 575 BOO in Kubwa District.

The EFCC further alleged that the governor moved about N2.1billion from the state’s Ministry of Finance to the Directorate of Investment and Business under his office and used some companies and bureau de change (BDC) to launder the money.