Kogi: CISLAC/TI demands probe of alleged security fund diversion

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International (TI), has called for an immediate investigation into alleged large-scale diversion of public funds linked to security-related accounts in Kogi State.

The International rights body cited financial intelligence findings that point to a possible misappropriation exceeding ₦36.9 billion.

According to Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, the Kogi State Security Operation Account received over ₦36.9 billion within nine months from the Kogi State Government SRA.

Of that sum, approximately ₦23.7 billion was allegedly transferred to a finance company, Real Striker Finance Limited, owned by one Ameh Joseph Erico.

Additional billions were reportedly disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.

Other identified beneficiaries included Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited. Rafsanjani said transfers to individuals and private entities reportedly exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.

He raised particular concern over Real Striker Finance Limited, which he said was established shortly after the current administration came to power and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.

The company reportedly received substantial transfers from the state security account before disbursing significant sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to other companies and individuals.“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,” Rafsanjani said.

He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation.

His specific demands include a forensic audit of all transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account, investigation of Real Striker Finance Limited, public disclosure of all fund beneficiaries, recovery of any diverted funds, and prosecution of culpable individuals regardless of political affiliation.

Rafsanjani also called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and relevant Kogi State Government officials to fully cooperate with investigators and provide complete transparency on the management of public funds.

He further criticised the Kogi State House of Assembly for what he described as an inability to conduct effective oversight on public spending, noting that the state has been plagued by “almost daily kidnappings, killings, and perpetual unrest”.

The CISLAC chief also renewed his push for systemic reform of Nigeria’s security vote architecture, which he described as “one of the weakest links in Nigeria’s public finance management”.

Recommendations from CISLAC’s earlier report: “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria,” include legislation to establish clear budgeting and transparency standards for security spending, independent oversight structures, and the replacement of discretionary security votes with transparent Security Trust Funds.

“No public official, past or present, should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of financial misconduct exists,” Rafsanjani said, adding: “Nigerians deserve accountability, particularly where resources earmarked for security and public welfare are concerned.”

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