No Court Okayed Banditry Suit Against Matawalle – Shinkafi

Shinkafi strongly denies that any court has okayed a lawsuit probing Matawalle for alleged connections to banditry.

Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, has responded to reports that the court has approved a lawsuit aimed at compelling the federal government to investigate former Governor Bello Matawalle.

Over the weekend, it was reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a lawsuit aimed at compelling the federal government to investigate allegations connecting Matawalle to banditry in Zamfara State.

The lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, lists President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as defendants in that order. It was reportedly initiated by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru.

In a statement made on Sunday, Shinkafi noted that although a case was filed at the Federal High Court in question, it has yet to be assigned to any judge and has neither been mentioned nor heard or decided by the court.

Therefore, Shinkafi asserted that it was incorrect to claim the “Court approved” the suit.

Shinkafi, a former aide to Matawalle, stated that Professor Kabir Danladi once remarked: “A case filed is not the same as a case heard, and a case heard is not resolved until the court’s judgment. The presumption of innocence applies to all defendants.”

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Section 36(5) of the amended 1999 Constitution states that anyone accused of a criminal offense is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

In the determination of a person’s civil rights and obligations, including any inquiry or decision made by or against any government or authority, they are entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other legally established tribunal that ensures its independence and impartiality.

Shinkafi pointed out that the story was incomplete because it neglected to include details such as the court proceedings, the official enrollment of a court order approving this suit, and other key information like the judge’s name, court number, and defendants’ counsel.

He urges the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the National Media Complaint Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the story.

“The Defence Headquarters and other security agencies are already investigating the sponsors of banditry in the North West. We have full confidence that Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, will be cleared of these frivolous, spurious, unfounded, and broad allegations made by unsuccessful politicians who feel threatened by his increasing reputation as an exceptional minister in the Federal Republic and a loyal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“It is clear that the allegations and lawsuit were orchestrated by his political adversaries within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the aim of having him removed in Mr. President’s upcoming Independence Day cabinet reshuffle. There’s no doubt that President Tinubu recognizes their political machinations and will not dismiss his exceptional minister to satisfy opponents whose excessive ambitions hindered national progress during PDP’s tenure from 1999 to 2015.”

“It’s time to end media trials and propaganda against highly regarded public officials such as Matawalle.”

“We respectfully call upon the Honourable Minister to stay dedicated in pursuing a strong, vibrant, united, progressive, equitable, and just democratic nation.”