CISLAC Demands Probe of Alleged N36.9bn Kogi Security Fund Diversion

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged diversion and mismanagement of N36.9 billion drawn from a security-related account in Kogi State, urging anti-corruption agencies to trace, recover and prosecute those found culpable.

CISLAC said financial intelligence available to it indicated possible large-scale irregularities in the management of the Kogi State Security Operation Account, raising concerns over transparency in the handling of funds earmarked for security operations.

In a statement by its Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the organisation said the findings pointed to a pattern of questionable transactions involving both corporate entities and individuals.

According to CISLAC, the security account reportedly received over N36.9 billion within a nine-month period, with preliminary analysis suggesting that about N23.7 billion was transferred to a finance company, Real Striker Finance Limited, while additional funds were disbursed to various beneficiaries without clear public justification.

The group further disclosed that transactions linked to private individuals and companies amounted to over N12.53 billion during the period under review.

Among the beneficiaries listed in the records cited by CISLAC were Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others.

The organisation also raised concerns over the reported ownership structure and timing of incorporation of Real Striker Finance Limited, which it alleged was established shortly after the emergence of the current administration in Kogi State and linked to politically exposed persons.

It further alleged that the company received significant inflows from the security account and subsequently carried out large cash withdrawals and transfers to multiple entities and individuals.

While stressing that the claims remain subject to verification, CISLAC warned that the pattern of transactions raised serious accountability questions regarding the use of public funds designated for security purposes.

“These allegations, if established through 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 organisation said.

CISLAC noted that the alleged diversion of security funds, if confirmed, would undermine public trust, weaken security responses, and deprive citizens of essential protection in a period of heightened insecurity.

Consequently, the organisation called 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 agencies to immediately launch a full-scale investigation into the account and associated transactions.

It specifically demanded a forensic audit of all inflows and outflows, a detailed investigation into Real Striker Finance Limited and its ownership structure, the identification and public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries, and the recovery of any funds found to have been improperly diverted.

CISLAC also called for the prosecution of all individuals and entities implicated, regardless of political affiliation or status, and urged stronger oversight mechanisms for security-related expenditures across the country.

The organisation further reiterated its long-standing position that Nigeria’s security vote system remains highly vulnerable to abuse due to weak transparency and oversight structures.

It urged the Kogi State Government and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure openness in the handling of public funds under their administration.

CISLAC maintained that accountability in the management of public resources is essential to restoring trust in governance, particularly at a time when insecurity continues to pose serious challenges in many parts of the country.