The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, dismissing an appeal filed by former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, challenging the recovery of over 40 official vehicles seized from his residence after his defeat in the 2023 general elections.
Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, had allegedly refused to hand over the vehicles to his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, prompting the state government to seek a court order for their retrieval.
In June 2023, police operatives stormed Matawalle’s residence and recovered the vehicles after he failed to return them despite being given a five-day ultimatum.
The Court of Appeal affirmed the Federal High Court’s decision, stating that Matawalle failed to provide credible evidence to prove his ownership of the vehicles, which are considered official assets belonging to the state.
The appellate court also ruled that the procedure followed by the state government in retrieving the vehicles was in line with the law and did not violate Matawalle’s fundamental rights .
The court’s decision means the vehicles will remain the property of the Zamfara State Government.
The ruling highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, particularly in the management of public assets.
