The cloud of suspicion around the country’s Minister of State for Defence’s link to terrorists has swirled again as a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to him when he was governor in Zamfara State, Musa Muhammad Kamara, has levelled extraordinary allegations against him, accusing him of funding and arming known bandit and terror leaders during his tenure as governor.
The claims, made in a widely circulated video obtained by an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, have triggered fresh controversy and intense debate across political and security circles.
Kamara said the now-minister bought vehicles and distributed cash to notorious armed group leaders, including Kachalla Halilu, Bello Turji, and Ado Aleru, alleging he directly handled some of the payments and distribution. “Wallahi, Summan Tallahi Billahi — vehicles were bought and given out,” Kamara said in Hausa in the video, insisting the media allegations are “not false.”
According to the ex-aide, millions of naira were quietly distributed to bandit groups across all 14 local government areas of Zamfara State. Kamara claimed records showing ₦3 million disbursed to each area — amounting to ₦42 million — passed through his account as part of these “settlements.”
Allegations of Shielding Arrested Bandit Leader
Kamara also accused Matawalle of intervening after the arrest of a notorious bandit leader Haru Dole, whom he said had “over 500 AK-47 rifles.” He claimed security operatives initially arrested Dole at a hospital in Gusau and took him to Abuja, but Matawalle allegedly sent an aide to “hide” him.
In another serious claim, Kamara said he was involved in purchasing and renovating a house that was allegedly handed to bandit commander Bello Turji in Fakai town. He also said he managed ₦88 million supposedly earmarked for Sallah cattle distribution, alleging some cows were stolen or diverted after being delivered on his instruction.
Kamara concluded by urging whistleblower Murtala Bello Assada — whose own defamation petition and threats have made headlines — to support him as a primary witness if the matter goes to court, stating he has evidence to reveal more about the alleged transactions.
The explosive allegations have drawn sharp rebuttals. The Zamfara Youth Network dismissed previous claims of Matawalle’s links to bandits as “recycled lies”, insisting that security agencies investigated and dismissed similar stories years ago and emphasised that many bandit leaders named are already neutralised. They described the Sahara Reporters narrative as an attempt by political opponents to undermine peace achievements in the state.
National figures have also weighed in. Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode defended Matawalle, calling the banditry accusations part of a “vicious media campaign” aimed at discrediting the minister and warning that such narratives threaten national security. He praised Matawalle’s efforts in tackling insecurity in the North-West and urged Nigerians to dismiss the allegations.
While the new allegations focus on events during Matawalle’s governorship, they come amid longstanding political tensions in Zamfara. Previous claims by current Governor Dauda Lawal and others have also accused Matawalle of links to banditry and financial misconduct, prompting calls from some APC youths for the minister to step down pending investigation.
Matawalle has repeatedly denied past accusations, challenging accusers to swear by the Qur’an that the claims are true, a stance highlighted in prior media exchanges.
As of this report, there has been no official response from Matawalle or the Ministry of Defence addressing Kamara’s latest accusations. Legal analysts say any court action or formal investigation could have significant political ramifications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
