A civic group in Northern Nigeria, known as the Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for failing to act swiftly on corruption allegations against former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.

During a press briefing in Kaduna, CNF’s chairman, Aliyu Muhammad Sani, expressed disappointment with the EFCC’s slow response. He said the agency’s delay raises doubts about its independence and whether it’s truly committed to tackling corruption—especially when powerful politicians are involved.

According to Sani, CNF and several other civil society groups submitted petitions in May and September 2024, detailing how Matawalle allegedly misused large amounts of public funds during his time as governor from 2019 to 2023.

Sani questioned why the EFCC has moved against other ex-governors and public figures but has remained silent on Matawalle’s case. He asked if someone in power is protecting the former governor from facing justice.

The group also cited official financial records and loan documents, saying these point to major misuse of federal allocations and borrowed money, totaling hundreds of billions of naira. They called on EFCC to hold Matawalle accountable and explain how the state’s funds were spent.

Sani reminded journalists that the EFCC itself had confirmed in May 2023 that it was investigating Matawalle over alleged phantom contracts, diversion of over N70 billion, and massive corruption. However, more than a year has passed with no updates or visible progress in the case, which the CNF finds unacceptable.

The group urged the EFCC to act now and prove that no one is above the law.