The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the national chapter of Transparency International in Nigeria, has 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 latest revelations emerge against the backdrop of CISLAC/TI Nigeria’s sustained advocacy and monitoring of the use of security votes and security intervention funds across Nigeria. 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 owned by Mr Ameh Joseph Erico, while additional billions of naira were reportedly disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.
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.
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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.
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, 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 notes that security votes and security intervention funds are public resources that must be managed transparently, responsibly, and in strict compliance with existing financial regulations. The diversion of such funds undermines public trust, weakens the fight against insecurity, and deprives citizens of essential protection and public services.
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Consequently, CISLAC/TI Nigeria calls on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the 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.
Specifically, CISLAC/TI Nigeria demands:
Beyond the Kogi case, CISLAC/TI Nigeria reiterates 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.
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CISLAC notes that in its report titled “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria,” the organisation recommended comprehensive reforms, including:
CISLAC/TI Nigeria further calls 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.
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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, characterized 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.
Signed
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
Executive Director
CISLAC/Head of Transparency International Nigeria
