The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has delivered a landmark judgment affirming the retrieval of over 40 official vehicles from the residence of former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammed Matawalle. The decision marks the conclusion of a legal battle that began in June 2023, following allegations that the former governor and members of his cabinet unlawfully retained government property after leaving office.
A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Hon. Justice A.M. Talba, unanimously dismissed Matawalle’s appeal, upholding the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, Sokoto Division. The court held that Matawalle failed to provide credible evidence to support his claim of ownership of the vehicles and ruled that the recovery process followed by the Zamfara State Government was lawful and did not infringe on his fundamental rights.
Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for Governor Dauda Lawal, stated: “This judgment reaffirms the commitment of the Zamfara State Government to accountability and the rule of law. The retrieval of these vehicles was not only lawful but necessary to protect public assets.”