The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the Federal High Court’s ruling dismissing Bello Matawalle’s claim over 40 official vehicles seized from his residence after he left office as Zamfara governor in 2023.
The court held that Matawalle failed to prove ownership and affirmed that the police acted within the law in retrieving the vehicles.
It added that the process followed by the state government was lawful and did not violate his fundamental rights.
The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the Federal High Court’s dismissal of former Zamfara governor and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle’s appeal over 40 official vehicles recovered from his residence after he left office in May 2023.
A statement by Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said a three-member panel led by Justice A.M. Talba, on August 8, 2025, affirmed that the police had the right to investigate the matter.
According to him, the court held that “Matawalle failed to adduce credible evidence to support his claim of ownership of the 40 vehicles… and thus lacks justification to allege that his fundamental right to own property has been breached.”
He added: “The entire procedure followed by the State Government in the retrieval of the stolen vehicles is in line with the law… and thus cannot shield him from investigation and prosecution.”
In other news….. The Anambra State Police Command has responded to a viral video showing a young woman narrating the gruesome murder of her brother by suspected kidnappers.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a “cruel and barbaric act.”
“The CP has expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Amansea and has instructed the State Intelligence Department to locate the survivor and support the ongoing investigation,” Ikenga said.
He further called on residents to stay calm, remain vigilant, and assist authorities by providing reliable information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.
The police reiterated their determination to combat kidnapping and violent crimes in Anambra State, assuring citizens that safeguarding lives and property continues to be a top priority.
“The Command is unwavering in its fight against criminal activities and will ensure that anyone involved in such heinous acts is brought to justice,” the statement concluded.
