The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to investigate allegations of financial misconduct against the Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, following a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA). Matawalle stands accused of embezzling over N528 billion during his time as Governor of Zamfara State. The EFCC’s commitment came during a protest held Friday at its Abuja headquarters, where APC-YLA Convener, Mohammed Ireji, alongside other demonstrators, demanded the reopening of Matawalle’s corruption case. Ireji criticized the EFCC for delaying the probe, pointing to earlier petitions—including one from the APC Akida Forum on May 3, 2024, and another follow-up on September 30, 2024. EFCC Acting Director of Security, Idowu Adedeji, acknowledged receipt of the petition, stating, “We have received your petition and we will submit it accordingly.” Protesters urged the EFCC to take swift action, citing its successful investigations into high-profile figures such as former Minister Betta Edu, ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, and ex-Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku. The accusations against Matawalle include the diversion of N290 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), N133 billion from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), and an unaccounted-for N105 billion loan obtained during his tenure. Ireji stressed that these allegations were grounded in verifiable data, not speculation. “We are here today to formally request that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reopen the investigation into the corruption allegations against Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the State Minister for Defense. We have gathered facts and figures regarding Bello Matawalle’s alleged embezzlement of billions of Naira,” Ireji said during the protest. The protest highlighted the growing concerns about selective justice and political interference in the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts. Ireji challenged the commission. “If all these former governors and ministers were not above the law and the EFCC, who would shield Matawalle from investigation?” he asked.