CISLAC Demands Probe of Alleged ₦36.9bn Diversion from Kogi Security Fund

By KEMI KASUMU

CISLAC also raised concerns about the ownership and background of Real Striker Finance Limited, alleging that the company was established shortly after the election of the current administration and may be linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged diversion and mismanagement of ₦36.9 billion from a security-related account in Kogi State.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the organisation said it was alarmed by financial intelligence reports suggesting large-scale diversion, misappropriation and abuse of public funds linked to the Kogi State Security Operation Account.

CISLAC said the account reportedly received over ₦36.9 billion within a nine-month period from the Kogi State Government. According to preliminary findings cited by the group, about ₦23.7 billion was allegedly transferred to Real Striker Finance Limited, a company reportedly owned by Ameh Joseph Erico. The group further alleged that additional billions were disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.

Among the beneficiaries identified in financial records referenced by CISLAC are Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited. The organisation claimed that transfers to individuals and private entities exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.

CISLAC also raised concerns about the ownership and background of Real Striker Finance Limited, alleging that the company was established shortly after the election of the current administration and may be linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello. It claimed the firm received substantial transfers from the security account and subsequently disbursed large sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to other companies and individuals.

While noting that investigations are ongoing, the group said the transactions raise serious questions about accountability in the management of public funds allocated for security at a time when residents face persistent insecurity.

CISLAC 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 launch a comprehensive probe into all transactions linked to the Kogi State Security Operation Account.

Specifically, the organisation demanded a forensic audit of the account’s inflows and outflows; a full investigation into Real Striker Finance Limited and its ownership structure; public disclosure of all beneficiaries; recovery of any diverted funds; and prosecution of any individuals or entities found culpable, regardless of political affiliation.

Beyond the Kogi case, CISLAC reiterated its longstanding criticism of Nigeria’s security vote system, describing it as one of the weakest aspects of the country’s public finance management framework. The group said the lack of clear legal frameworks, transparency requirements and independent oversight has created opportunities for abuse.

It referenced its report, “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria,” which recommends reforms including restructuring or abolishing the security vote system, establishing independent oversight mechanisms, and promoting greater transparency in security-related expenditures.

CISLAC also urged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and officials of the Kogi State Government to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure transparency in the management of public funds.

The organisation stressed that the fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny where credible allegations of financial misconduct arise.

CISLAC said it would continue to monitor developments and advocate for accountability, transparency and reforms in Nigeria’s security funding architecture.