The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has thrown out former Zamfara governor Bello Matawalle’s bid to reclaim more than 40 government vehicles seized from his residence, ruling that he failed to prove ownership of the controversial fleet.
Delivering judgment in Appeal No. CS//S/2024 – Bello Muhammed Matawalle vs Nigeria Police & Others, Justice A.M. Talba on August 8, 2025, upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, which affirmed the powers of the police to investigate and recover state property unlawfully taken by the ex-governor.
The appellate court declared that Matawalle’s claim of fundamental rights violation had no merit, stressing that he could not shield himself from investigation or prosecution.
“The entire procedure followed by the Zamfara State Government in the retrieval of the stolen vehicles is in line with the law, and does not offend the fundamental rights of Bello Matawalle, as alleged,” the ruling read.
In June 2023, police stormed Matawalle’s residence after he and members of his cabinet allegedly refused to return official vehicles upon leaving office. Over 40 vehicles were recovered following a court order obtained by the Zamfara government.
Despite initially securing an interim order from the Federal High Court in Gusau directing the return of the vehicles, Matawalle’s case collapsed when the matter was transferred to the Sokoto division, which dismissed his suit in December 2023.
The latest appellate ruling now reinforces the state’s position that the vehicles were unlawfully taken and must remain in government custody.
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