A former senior aide to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has levelled explosive accusations against his ex-principal, alleging misuse of police operatives, complicity with armed bandit groups, and personal targeting by security forces following his decision to go public.
In an interview that has since circulated widely on social media, Musa Muhammad Kamara who served as a Senior Special Assistant to Matawalle during the latter’s tenure as Governor of Zamfara State, claimed that the minister maintained a group of police officers who would carry out extrajudicial killings or grant impunity based on his personal directives. Kamara told the Hausa-language rHi Hausa platform that “he has police officers working for him who kill whomever he orders and spare whomever he chooses,” adding that his own legal troubles began after he exposed what he said were controversial ties and transactions.
Kamara’s allegations go further. He claimed that while serving under Matawalle, he was involved in procuring vehicles for notorious bandit leaders such as Bello Turji and Halilu Sububu as part of government engagement strategies aimed at reducing violence in rural areas. He said such deals were openly discussed internally, but became politically criminalised only after he broke ranks and spoke publicly. Kamara insisted he facilitated the acquisition of Hilux pickups for bandit leaders at the governor’s direction, and alleged that after he began to expose these matters, security agencies were turned against him.
Kamara also accused Matawalle of colluding with police to target him personally once he began speaking out. According to him, legal cases against him have repeatedly been manipulated, drawing out proceedings and abandoning evidence, which he describes as a pattern of persecution rather than legitimate prosecution. He challenges the minister to publicly deny his claims under oath.
The allegations come amid broader controversy over Matawalle’s record and reputation. Earlier media reports have highlighted accusations from various quarters including claims that vehicles and cash were distributed to bandit commanders under his watch in Zamfara although those accused have categorically denied wrongdoing. In a separate account, outlaw Bello Turji acknowledged meeting Matawalle during a peace dialogue but denied receiving cash, insisting that reports about him accepting money were unfounded. That narrative was echoed by supporters who argue the former aide’s statements may be part of politically motivated attacks rather than substantiated facts.
Supporters of Matawalle have come to his defence. Student and youth bodies, such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have dismissed banditry allegations as politically driven blackmail and defended the minister’s record, calling the claims “unfounded” and urging national unity over insecurity issues.
Public reaction to the ex-aide’s allegations has been deeply divided. Critics of the government view Kamara’s testimony as confirmation of systemic problems in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity — where political actors allegedly forge alliances with armed groups for influence. Meanwhile, defenders of Matawalle and government spokespeople describe such claims as part of smear campaigns intended to undermine efforts at national security and stability.
No independent investigation has verified Kamara’s specific claims. As of this report, neither Matawalle nor the Ministry of Defence has issued an official response to these latest allegations. The unfolding controversy highlights the sensitive interplay between political power, security enforcement, and public trust in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against banditry and violent insurgencies.
Published by Dalena Reporters.