The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, affirming the retrieval of 40 official vehicles from the residence of former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle.

Delivering judgment on August 8, 2025, a three-member panel led by Justice A.M. Talba dismissed Matawalle’s appeal, ruling that he failed to present credible evidence proving ownership of the vehicles.

The case began in June 2023, when security operatives raided the ex-governor’s residence after he allegedly refused to return official vehicles to the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal. Despite several requests, the vehicles were not returned, prompting the Zamfara State Government to secure a court order that led to their recovery.

Matawalle challenged the move at the Federal High Court in Gusau, claiming his right to own property had been violated and demanding the vehicles be returned. The case was later transferred to Sokoto, where the court dismissed his claims in December 2023.

In its fresh ruling, the appellate court maintained that the police acted within their powers to investigate alleged crimes and that the Zamfara State Government followed due process in recovering the vehicles.

The court further held that the retrieval did not violate Matawalle’s fundamental rights and could not shield him from possible investigation or prosecution.

This judgment strengthens Governor Lawal’s stance on accountability while sending a strong signal on the handling of state assets by public officials.