Appeal court upholds seizure of 40 vehicles from Matawalle, dismisses ownership claims

The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has affirmed a Federal High Court ruling that dismissed the case brought by former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle, over the seizure of official vehicles he took after losing the 2023 elections.

In June 2023, police raided Matawalle’s residence following reports that he had refused to return the vehicles to the incoming administration.

According to Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, a three-member panel of justices led by A.M. Talba, on August 8, unanimously rejected Matawalle’s appeal.

The court held that the vehicles were not his personal property and that he had failed to provide credible proof of ownership.

It further ruled that his claim of a breach of fundamental rights had no legal basis.

“However, all attempts to recover these vehicles were unsuccessful, prompting the Zamfara State Government to seek a court order. After the order was issued, police recovered over 40 vehicles,” the statement read.

“After the vehicles were recovered, Bello Matawalle approached the Federal High Court in Gusau and the court granted an order that the cars be returned to him.

“Additionally, he filed a separate suit at the same court, seeking to enforce his fundamental right to own property, including the vehicles in question.

“The Zamfara State Government requested the transfer of the case to the Sokoto division of the Federal High Court.

“The Federal High Court of Nigeria, Sokoto Judicial Division, dismissed the matter in December 2023 and refused to grant any of the reliefs sought by Bello Matawalle. As a result, the vehicles are still considered the property of the Zamfara State Government.Travel packages to Nigeria.

“Not satisfied with the Federal High Court’s judgement, Bello Matawalle approached the Appeal Court.

“⁠The Appeal Court last Friday upheld the entirety of the judgement of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, affirming that the police have the power to investigate allegations of the commission of a crime upon receipt of a complaint.

“It added that the entire procedure followed by the State Government in the retrieval of the stolen vehicles is in line with the law, as such, does not offend the fundamental right of Bello Matawalle, as alleged, and thus cannot shield him from investigation and prosecution.”