The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court, dismissing an appeal by former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, over the retrieval of more than 40 government vehicles he took after leaving office in May 2023.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, August 8, 2025, by a three-member panel led by Justice A.M. Talba, confirmed that the vehicles remain the property of the Zamfara State Government. The court ruled that Matawalle failed to provide credible evidence proving the vehicles belonged to him personally.
Background of the Case
In June 2023, the Zamfara State Government accused the former governor and his cabinet members of carting away official vehicles before handing over power. Despite a five-day ultimatum to return them, the vehicles were not recovered, prompting the government to seek a court order.
Following the order, the police raided Matawalle’s residence and recovered over 40 official vehicles. The former governor then approached the Federal High Court in Gusau, seeking the return of the vehicles and claiming a breach of his fundamental right to own property.
The case was later transferred to the Federal High Court, Sokoto, which in December 2023 dismissed his claims and upheld the state’s right to recover the vehicles.
Appeal Court’s Decision
In the appeal (Case No. CS//S/2024 – Bello Muhammad Matawalle vs Nigeria Police & Others), the court ruled that the Nigeria Police Force has the constitutional power to investigate allegations of crime. It further held that the retrieval process carried out by the Zamfara State Government was lawful and did not infringe on Matawalle’s rights.
A statement from Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for the Zamfara State Governor, emphasized that the judgment is a victory for accountability and the rule of law.
> “The entire procedure followed by the State Government in retrieving the stolen vehicles is in line with the law. This judgment reaffirms that public property must be protected, and those who abuse public office will be held accountable,” Idris said.
The vehicles remain in the custody of the Zamfara State Government, and the ruling clears the way for further investigation and possible prosecution.
—
This rewrite boosts search engine visibility by targeting keywords such as Zamfara State Government, Bello Matawalle vehicles, Appeal Court judgment, and Nigeria Police investigation. It also improves readability and flow for online audiences.
