The Office of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has dismissed allegations circulating online that he attempted to bribe a United States official, describing the claims as false, baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister’s office said it had taken note of online reports linking the allegation to a purported account by the United World Congress of Diplomats.
The statement noted that the claims were reportedly attributed to Kimberly Daniels, a United States Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 14, but insisted they lack credibility and factual basis.
It stressed that Matawalle “has never engaged in, nor would he ever condone, any act of bribery or misconduct,” adding that the allegations do not reflect his character or public record.
The office further described the reports as “baseless, misleading and a campaign of calumny,” aimed at distracting the minister from his official duties.
According to the statement, the minister remains focused on his responsibilities at the Ministry of Defence and will not be drawn into what it termed malicious propaganda.
“The Honourable Minister remains resolute and undeterred. He will not be distracted by campaigns of calumny,” the statement added.
The office urged the public to disregard the allegations, reaffirming Matawalle’s commitment to integrity, diligence and national service.