By Halimah Olamide
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has challenged the Governor of Zamfara Bello Matawalle to provide evidence of his allegations that it’s boss, AbdulRasheed Bawa, demanded a sum of $2m from him.
NPO Reported on Friday that Matawalle had granted an interview on BBC Hausa Service where he said that Bawa is corrupt adding that the EFCC boss asked him to pay him $2m bribe.
In a statement titled “Matawalle’s $2m Hoax: EFCC Will Not Bandy Words With Suspects” the commission said the governor was just making wild claims without any substance.
“Matawalle $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.” The commission stated that Matawalle’s recourse to mudslinging wa a symptom 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.”
The Commission also said it wished to alert Nigerians 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.”