The Defence Headquarters has stated that investigations into charges of banditry financing in the North-West are ongoing, Cyber Reporters report.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, confirmed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, stating that relevant authorities assigned such responsibilities thoroughly reviewed the situation.
The development follows accusations and counter-accusations over banditry sponsorship by the Minister of State for Defence and immediate past governor of Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, and his successor, Dauda Lawal.
On Tuesday, Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he was not involved in the sponsoring of bandits.
Lawal responded by promising to produce evidence against the minister, noting that he had also reported the matter to the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu.
When asked about the military’s role in the claims against the two influential Nigerians, DHQ spokesman Buba stated that the subject was being investigated.
“When you talk about what’s going on about the sponsors, I can assure you that the relevant agencies that are saddled with that responsibility are doing a good job. And sooner than later, you will hear some announcements in that regard,” he said.
Also, while addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, TYN Secretary General Yusuf Muhammad said the allegations against Matawalle were too serious to ignore and bad for the APC’s image.
“We want a thorough investigation to clear Matawalle’s name and uphold our party’s integrity. Association with individuals responsible for heinous crimes undermines our party’s values and the President’s anti-corruption agenda,” Muhammad said.
