Matawalle's $2m Bribe Hoax: EFCC Will Not Bandy Words with Suspect

The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by Bello Muhammed Matawalle, governor of Zamfara State, where he allegedly made wild bribery allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa

Matawalle's recourse to mudslinging is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws. But despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the Commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.

If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans - provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.

Again, the Commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29.

The Commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice.

Recall that on Friday, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State accused the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, of demanding $2 million bribe from him.

He made the allegation amid the growing rift between him and the anti-graft agency. In a statement released on Wednesday, May 19, Governor Matawalle called for Bawa’s resignation and accused him of engaging his office to carry out corrupt practices.

Responding, EFCC Chairman in an interview with BBC Hause, said he had nothing to hide and asked Matawalle to petition appropriate authorities if he had any evidence against him.

In a fresh interview with BBC Hausa on Friday May 19, Governor Matawalle alleged that the antigraft boss had at some time asked him for a bribe of $2 million.