By DAYO ADESULU
Former Zamfara SSA Makes Explosive Claims Against Minister of State for Defence
Fresh controversy has erupted around Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, following grave allegations from a former Senior Special Assistant in his administration, Musa Muhammad Kamara. The ex-aide claims the former Zamfara governor bought vehicles for notorious armed bandit leaders, distributed cash to terrorist groups, and shielded a captured terror kingpin from law enforcement.
The allegations, which Kamara made in Hausa through a widely circulated video obtained by SaharaReporters, have stirred renewed public debate over the alleged complicity of political leaders in Zamfara’s decade-long security crisis. Kamara insisted that ongoing conversations in the media “are not false,” adding that he personally handled many of the transactions being discussed.
Vehicles Allegedly Bought for Top Bandit Commanders
According to Kamara, the accusations currently circulating across different platforms reflect events he witnessed firsthand during Matawalle’s tenure as governor. He alleged that vehicles and cash were supplied to infamous terror commanders such as Kachalla Halilu, Bello Turji, and Ado Aleru—names closely linked to widespread killings, mass abductions, and destruction across the North-West.
“There is a clip where it was said that vehicles were bought. Wallahi, Summan Tallahi, Billahi, vehicles were bought and distributed,” he alleged. “Vehicles were given to Kachalla Halilu, Turji, and Ado Aleru. Those motorcycles were truly bought and given out.”
Kamara claimed he was directly involved in procurement and delivery, stating that the orders came from the highest levels of government at the time. He noted that these actions were carried out under the guise of peace negotiations but ended up strengthening the bandits’ firepower.
₦42 Million Cash Allegedly Shared Across 14 LGAs
The former aide further alleged that huge sums were paid to bandit groups under a so-called “settlement” arrangement. He said each of Zamfara’s 14 local government areas received ₦3 million, totaling ₦42 million.
He insisted the funds passed through his account and were part of a broader payoff system meant to appease armed groups. “Each local government received its amount. The money was also given to the youths,” he said.
His claims add fuel to persistent allegations that politicians in Zamfara sponsored or paid violent groups in the hope of securing fragile truces or political advantage.
How Terror Commander Haru Dole Was Allegedly Hidden After Arrest
One of the most disturbing allegations involves terror kingpin Haru Dole, reportedly in possession of “over 500 AK-47 rifles.” Kamara said the bandit leader was arrested by security operatives at a hospital in Gusau and transported to Abuja for interrogation.
However, he alleged that Matawalle secretly intervened through his aide, Dr. Bashir Maru, to retrieve and hide the suspect. “Haru Dole was arrested and taken to Abuja. From SCS, he was handed over to Illa Muradi’s office. Matawalle sent his aide to take the man and hide him, and that was done,” he claimed.
If proven, the allegation suggests a serious compromise of national security operations during Matawalle’s time as governor.
House Allegedly Bought and Renovated for Bello Turji
Kamara also claimed he personally handled the purchase and renovation of a house allegedly gifted to bandit warlord Bello Turji. He described the building as an abandoned property in Fakai town that he was instructed to acquire and complete before handing it over.
“A house was bought. I was the one who bought it. It was completed and handed over,” he said.
₦88 Million Meant for Sallah Cows Allegedly Diverted
Another claim involved funds meant for cows to be shared during Sallah celebrations. Kamara said he received ₦88 million to purchase cows for distribution across the state. While the cows were delivered, he confirmed that many were later diverted or stolen.
“These things truly happened,” he insisted, recalling how some cattle owners tracked their missing animals to government distribution points.
Former Aide Says He Will Testify in Court
Kamara appealed to whistleblower Mala Murtala Bello Assada—who first raised the corruption concerns—to stand with him as a primary witness. He vowed to testify in court and present evidence that he claims will shock the public.
“I will speak the truth. What I know, even what Malam Murtala does not know. I swear by Allah, I will reveal them in court,” he said, noting that justice for the people of Zamfara demands full exposure.
As the allegations intensify, Nigerians await official responses from Matawalle and federal authorities.
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