The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has affirmed the Federal High Court’s judgment ordering the recovery of over 40 official vehicles from the residence of former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle.
Delivering the ruling on August 8, 2025, a three-member panel led by Justice A.M. Talba dismissed Matawalle’s appeal, holding that he failed to provide credible evidence proving ownership of the vehicles.
The case originated from a June 2023 raid on Matawalle’s residence after he allegedly refused to return government vehicles to the new administration of Governor Dauda Lawal. Following failed demands for their return, the Zamfara State Government secured a court order, leading to the recovery of the vehicles.
Matawalle challenged the action at the Federal High Court in Gusau, claiming his fundamental right to own property was violated and seeking an order for the vehicles to be returned. The matter was later transferred to the Federal High Court in Sokoto, which dismissed his claims in December 2023.
In its latest decision, the appellate court ruled that the police acted lawfully in investigating the matter and that the Zamfara State Government followed due process in recovering the vehicles. It further held that the seizure did not breach Matawalle’s fundamental rights and could not shield him from investigation or possible prosecution.
