December 21, 2025
SUNTV Global Channel | News
A former aide to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has made grave allegations against his former principal, accusing him of colluding with elements of the Nigeria Police Force to silence critics and facilitating material support for notorious bandit leaders during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.
The allegations were made by Musa Muhammad Kamara, also known as Musa Kamarawa, who identified himself as a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Matawalle when the latter served as Zamfara State governor.
Kamara made the claims during an interview with a Hausa-language media outlet, rHi Hausa, excerpts of which have since gone viral on social media.
Matawalle, who governed Zamfara State until 2023, was appointed Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.
Alleged Use of Police as Enforcers
In the interview, Kamara alleged that Matawalle maintained a network of police officers who allegedly carried out killings and arrests at his discretion.
“He has police officers working for him who kill whomever he orders and free whomever he wants,” Kamara claimed.
Introducing himself at the start of the interview, Kamara said,
“My name is Musa Muhammad Kamara. I am a citizen of Zamfara State and a former SSA to the former governor and current Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle.”
Claims of Government Support for Bandits
Kamara further alleged that the Zamfara State Government, under Matawalle’s leadership, procured vehicles for armed bandit leaders as part of what he described as an engagement strategy.
According to him, his ordeal began in 2021 after he was invited by security operatives for questioning over claims that the state government had purchased vehicles for bandits operating in Zamfara.
He said the investigation followed public comments by a cleric, Mallam Murtala Asada, who alleged that the government supplied vehicles to bandit leaders, including Bello Turji and Halilu Sububu.
“I told them clearly that I was an SSA to the governor and that, yes, vehicles were bought and given to them,” Kamara alleged.
He further claimed that when one of the vehicles reportedly developed a fault, a replacement was procured at the request of a bandit leader.
“Halilu demanded another vehicle and the governor sent another one to him. I was the one who personally arranged another Hilux for them,” he alleged.
Oath on the Qur’an, Public Challenge
Throughout the interview, Kamara repeatedly swore by the Holy Qur’an to affirm the truthfulness of his claims, stating that he was willing to face divine punishment if he was lying.
“I swear by the Holy Qur’an that everything I am saying is the truth,” he said.
He also challenged Matawalle to publicly deny the allegations under oath.
“If Dr. Bello Matawalle says I am lying, let him swear on the Qur’an too,” Kamara added.
Alleged Persecution and Legal Ordeals
Kamara alleged that after he began speaking publicly, Matawalle allegedly collaborated with police authorities to target him.
“He was shocked when I exposed everything. Since then, he conspired with the police against me,” he claimed.
He described his encounters with law enforcement and the courts as persecution rather than genuine prosecution, alleging that cases against him were manipulated and pursued through media trials rather than evidence-backed litigation.
“They took me to court three times, but they never appeared as witnesses. All they wanted was media trial,” he said.
According to Kamara, the case eventually collapsed due to lack of evidence.
“There was no evidence, no witness, and the case was discharged,” he said.
Denies Links to Current Zamfara Government
Kamara denied claims that he still has connections with the Zamfara State Government or its current leadership, insisting he has been cut off since Matawalle left office.
“Since the day I left the Government House, I have never gone back. I have no relationship with the Zamfara State Government,” he said.
Fears for His Life
In his closing remarks, Kamara said he fears for his safety, alleging that powerful forces want him silenced.
“They do not want justice; they want to kill me and keep it silent,” he claimed.
Despite this, he said he remains resolute, framing his experience as a test of faith and survival.
“Even if they kill me, I have honour. Whatever you do in this world, you will leave it behind,” he said.
No Official Response Yet
As of the time of filing this report, Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Defence have not issued an official response to the allegations.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as reactions emerge.
