Fresh controversy has emerged surrounding Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, following allegations by a United States lawmaker that he attempted to bribe American officials to suppress criticism of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Kimberly Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives and Chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), made the claims in a widely circulated video, alleging that inducements were offered to influence international opinion.
Daniels claimed that an unnamed U.S. lawmaker was approached with financial incentives to publicly defend Matawalle and counter her criticisms regarding violence in parts of Nigeria.
“If the allegations are untrue, why attempt to pay someone to speak on your behalf?” she questioned, while also stating that she had faced pressure and attempts to discredit her findings.
While emphasising that Matawalle remains presumed innocent, Daniels called for an independent investigation into the allegations, framing her intervention as advocacy for communities affected by insecurity.
Efforts to reach the minister through the Ministry of Defence’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The claims follow an earlier report released by Daniels on April 14, 2026, highlighting escalating violence in states such as Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa, and questioning what she described as a gap between official assurances and realities on the ground.
The report also raised concerns about leadership within the defence ministry and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate reforms, including a possible review of Matawalle’s position and a transparent probe into the allegations.
Observers say the development could heighten international scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of its security challenges, particularly in regions affected by recurring attacks.