Former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has alleged that certain politicians are attempting to remove the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, through a fabricated Federal High Court suit.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Shinkafi described the suit as a desperate attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s image and discredit him.

According to him, court records indicate that the suit lacks a judge’s assignment, casting doubts on its legitimacy.

He noted that the suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, accuses Matawalle of involvement in banditry.

However, Shinkafi, who also serves as the Executive Director of Patriots for Peace and Social Development, claimed the court has not assigned, heard, or determined the suit.

He explained that the suit is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage Matawalle’s reputation, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which presumes innocence until proven guilty.

He further added that the Defence Headquarters and security agencies are investigating banditry sponsorship in the North West.

Shinkafi called for an investigation into the source of the misleading reports and urged media regulatory bodies to impose sanctions.

He sought accountability from the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and National Media Complaints Commission.

He stated, “A case filed is not a case heard, and a case heard is not a case determined until the pronouncement of the court. Every person charged with a criminal offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“They want to oust the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, through a fabricated Federal High Court suit. We have no doubt that the Honourable Minister will be exonerated.“It is evident that the allegations and suit were fabricated by his political opponents, hoping he would be dropped in the proposed cabinet reshuffle. Matawalle’s towering influence in Zamfara State politics is astonishing, hence the plot to pull him down by all means.

“Specifically, his rising profile as an outstanding minister of the Federal Republic and a loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intimidates these failed politicians.

“It is time to stop media trials and propaganda against highly esteemed public office holders like Matawalle. We urge the Honourable Minister to remain focused in the quest for a strong, unified, progressive, equitable, and just democratic nation.”