CISLAC, TI ask EFCC, others to probe alleged diversion of N36.9bn Kogi security fund

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the national chapter of Transparency International in Nigeria, on Monday expressed grave concern over disturbing financial intelligence findings indicating possible large-scale diversion, misappropriation, and abuse of public funds linked to the management of security-related accounts in Kogi State.

The CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Ibrahim Rafisanjani, who stated this via a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, also emphasised the urgency for effective monitoring of the use of security votes and security intervention funds across Nigeria.

He said: “For over a decade, CISLAC/TI has tracked the administration of security votes at federal and state levels and consistently raised concerns over the absence of transparency, accountability, and oversight mechanisms governing these expenditures.

“Our findings over the years have revealed systemic vulnerabilities that have enabled the diversion and misappropriation of public resources under the guise of security spending.

“Information available to CISLAC/TI Nigeria reveals that an account identified as the Kogi State Security Operation Account reportedly received over ₦36.9 billion within a nine-month period from Kogi State Government SRA.

“Preliminary findings further indicate that approximately ₦23.7 billion was transferred to a finance company known as Real Striker Finance Limited, while additional billions of naira were reportedly disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.”

According to him, the “beneficiaries identified in the financial records include individuals and companies such as Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others.

“Available records suggest that transfers to individuals and private entities exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.

“Of particular concern are reports that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the election of the current administration and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to former Governor Yahaya Bello.

“The company reportedly received substantial transfers from the state security account and subsequently disbursed significant sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to several companies and individuals.

“Further findings indicate that some of the entities that received funds may have connections to politically exposed persons and individuals linked to previous administrations.

“While investigations remain ongoing, these transactions raise serious concerns regarding the management and accountability of public funds earmarked for security purposes,” he stressed.

According to him, these allegations, if established through an independent investigation, point to a disturbing pattern of possible misuse of public resources intended for critical security interventions at a time when citizens continue to face severe security challenges.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of security-related expenditures, he assured that CISLAC/TI Nigeria will continue to monitor and investigate allegations of abuse, diversion, and misappropriation of security funds across states of the federation and expose practices that undermine public trust and good governance.

CISLAC/TI Nigeria helmsman noted that security votes and security intervention funds are public resources that must be managed transparently, responsibly, and in strict compliance with existing financial regulations.

Comrade Rafisanjani maintained that the diversion of such funds undermines public trust, weakens the fight against insecurity, and deprives citizens of essential protection and public services.

Consequently, CISLAC/TI Nigeria called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into all transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account and all related beneficiary accounts.

To this end, CISLAC/TI Nigeria called for an “immediate forensic investigation into the inflows and outflows of the Kogi State Security Operation Account.

“Investigation of Real Striker Finance Limited, its ownership structure, operations, and all transactions linked to the company.

“Identification and public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries of the funds. Recovery of any public funds found to have been diverted, misappropriated, or unlawfully obtained.

CISLAC also called for the prosecution of all individuals and entities found culpable, regardless of political status or affiliation, and for strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms governing security-related expenditures across all states of the federation.

Beyond the Kogi case, CISLAC/TI Nigeria reiterated its longstanding position that the current security vote system remains one of the weakest links in Nigeria’s public finance management architecture.

Despite the enormous resources allocated annually under security votes, the absence of legal frameworks, public reporting requirements, and independent oversight has created opportunities for abuse and diversion.

CISLAC helmsman noted that in its report titled “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes fuel corruption in Nigeria,” the organisation recommended comprehensive reforms, including the abolition or fundamental restructuring of the security vote system through legislation that establishes clear budgeting procedures, expenditure criteria, transparency standards, and accountability mechanisms for all security-related spending.

Comrade Rafisanjani further called for the establishment of independent oversight structures for confidential security expenditures, including legislative and audit review mechanisms that balance national security concerns with public accountability.

Increased public awareness and engagement on the risks associated with opaque security spending and the need for reforms that prioritise transparency and effectiveness.

Support for credible and transparent Security Trust Funds as transitional mechanisms to replace discretionary security votes, with clear governance structures, independent audits, and public reporting obligations.

CISLAC/TI Nigeria further called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and all relevant officials of the Kogi State Government to fully cooperate with investigators and provide complete transparency regarding the management of public funds under their administration.

“This further exposes the incapacitation of the State Assembly to conduct effective oversight on public spending, especially as it relates to the security challenges that have become worrisome in Kogi State, characterised by almost daily kidnappings, killings, and perpetual unrest.

“The fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and consistent. No public official, past or present, should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of financial misconduct exists. Nigerians deserve accountability, particularly where resources earmarked for security and public welfare are concerned.

“CISLAC/TI Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and advocate for full accountability, transparency, and justice in the management of public resources.

“The Kogi allegations underscore the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s security funding architecture and ensure that public resources serve the public interest rather than private enrichment,” Comrade Rafisanjani assured.