Gusau, Nigeria — August 16, 2025 | The Federal High Court has upheld the Zamfara State Government’s recovery of more than 40 official vehicles from former Governor Bello Matawalle, declaring the assets as public property that cannot be converted into private possessions.
The judgment followed a suit challenging the state government’s retrieval of the vehicles allegedly taken away by the former governor after his tenure. In its ruling, the court affirmed that since the vehicles were procured with state funds, they must remain in government custody for official use.
Matawalle had rejected the allegations, claiming that due process was not observed in the recovery process. However, the court dismissed his objection, siding with the government’s position that the assets belong to the state and must be returned.
Officials of the Zamfara State Government welcomed the verdict, describing it as a significant victory for transparency and accountability in governance.
Legal analysts believe the ruling could set a precedent for similar cases across Nigeria, strengthening efforts by states to recover public assets allegedly diverted by former political office holders.