The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the seizure of over 40 official vehicles from former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, dismissing his appeal challenging the action.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on August 8, 2025, Justice A.M. Talba ruled that Matawalle failed to provide credible evidence to prove ownership of the vehicles recovered from his residence in June 2023, shortly after he left office.
The vehicles were taken by the police following a court order obtained by the Zamfara State Government, after Matawalle and members of his cabinet allegedly moved them out before handing over.
According to the judgment, Matawalle’s right to own property was not violated, as the police acted within their constitutional powers to investigate suspected crimes.
“The entire procedure followed by the State Government in the retrieval of the vehicles is in line with the law and cannot shield him from investigation or prosecution,” the court held.
The Zamfara government had earlier given Matawalle and his deputy five days to return the vehicles voluntarily, but the order was ignored. Although he secured an interim ruling from the Federal High Court in Gusau for their return, the case was later transferred to Sokoto, where his suit was dismissed in December 2023.
With the appeal now dismissed, the lower court’s ruling stands, affirming the legality of the seizure.
