The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged diversion and mismanagement of more than ₦36.9 billion from a Kogi State security account, raising concerns over accountability in the management of public funds earmarked for security operations.
In a statement issued by CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, the organisation said recent financial intelligence findings pointed to possible large-scale diversion, misappropriation, and abuse of public resources linked to the management of the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
According to CISLAC, the account reportedly received over ₦36.9 billion within a nine-month period from the Kogi State Government’s State Revenue Account (SRA). Preliminary findings, it said, showed that about ₦23.7 billion was transferred to a finance company, Real Striker Finance Limited, while additional billions of naira were allegedly paid to various individuals and companies without clear public justification.
The organisation identified some of the beneficiaries in the financial records as Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited. It alleged that transfers to private individuals and corporate entities exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.
CISLAC expressed particular concern over 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 Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The group further alleged that the company received substantial transfers from the state security account and subsequently disbursed large sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to several companies and individuals.
It noted that while investigations remain ongoing, the reported transactions raise serious questions about the management and accountability of public funds intended 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,” the statement said.
CISLAC argued that security votes and intervention funds are public resources that should be managed transparently and in compliance with financial regulations. It warned that diversion of such funds undermines efforts to address insecurity and erodes public trust in government institutions.
The organisation consequently called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, and other relevant agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into all transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
Among its demands are a forensic audit of the account, investigation of Real Striker Finance Limited and its ownership structure, identification and public disclosure of all beneficiaries of the funds, recovery of any misappropriated public resources, and prosecution of individuals or entities found culpable regardless of political affiliation.
Beyond the Kogi case, CISLAC renewed its criticism of Nigeria’s security vote system, describing it as one of the weakest aspects of the country’s public finance management framework due to the absence of legal safeguards, public reporting requirements, and independent oversight.
The organisation referenced its report, “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria,” which advocates the abolition or restructuring of the security vote system through legislation that would establish clear budgeting procedures, expenditure criteria, transparency standards, and accountability mechanisms.
CISLAC also called for the establishment of independent oversight structures for confidential security expenditures, increased public engagement on the risks of opaque security spending, and the strengthening of transparent Security Trust Funds as alternatives to discretionary security votes.
The group urged Ahmed Usman Ododo and relevant officials of the Kogi State Government to cooperate fully with investigators and provide complete transparency regarding the management of public funds.
It further criticised the oversight role of the Kogi State House of Assembly, alleging that its inability to effectively scrutinise public spending has contributed to accountability gaps, particularly at a time when the state faces persistent security challenges, including kidnappings, killings, and unrest.
CISLAC maintained that the fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and that no public official, past or present, should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of financial misconduct exists.
“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,” the organisation stated.
