A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has accused Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of attempting to suppress international scrutiny over the country’s worsening security situation.
Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives and Chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), made the allegation during a Facebook live broadcast, claiming she faced pressure after speaking out on killings in parts of Nigeria.
According to her, individuals allegedly linked to the minister sought to discredit her report and influence American officials to counter her position.
She further claimed that an unnamed US lawmaker was “persuaded” to publicly defend Nigeria’s defence leadership, adding that she received materials, including a prepared statement, which she said were part of coordinated efforts to shape the narrative.
“I am speaking on behalf of people who say they are under attack,” Daniels said, stressing that her intervention was aimed at calling for an investigation, not making outright accusations.
The lawmaker insisted she would not be intimidated, maintaining her constitutional right to speak on global human rights issues.
The controversy follows a report released by Daniels on April 14, 2026, which raised concerns over escalating violence in Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions.
The report cited attacks during the Easter period in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, while highlighting what it described as a disconnect between government assurances and realities on the ground.
It also called for a review of Nigeria’s security leadership, urging President Bola Tinubu to consider redeploying the defence minister and ordering a transparent investigation into the allegations.
Daniels said her position was based on testimonies from affected communities, members of the Nigerian diaspora, and findings from the UN-WCD’s international network.
The Nigerian government has yet to officially respond to the claims.
The Yoruba Leaders of Thought have urged Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Babajide…
Comrade Olamilekan, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, has reportedly been shot in Ile-Ife, Osun…
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Paris, France, for the second leg of his…
Powerful blocs within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, have raised concerns over the National…
Niger’s junta chief, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has appointed a new Chief of Staff of the…
The Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse and…