CISLAC Calls for EFCC Probe Into Alleged ₦36.9bn Kogi Security Funds Mismanagement
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged diversion and mismanagement of ₦36.9 billion from the Kogi State security-related accounts, urging anti-corruption agencies to trace and recover all suspected misappropriated public funds.
In a detailed statement, CISLAC raised concerns over what it described as financial intelligence indicating large-scale irregularities in the management of the Kogi State Security Operation Account, warning that the alleged transactions reflect systemic vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s security vote framework.
According to the organisation, the account reportedly received over ₦36.9 billion within a nine-month period from state security-related funding allocations. It alleged that about ₦23.7 billion was transferred to a finance company identified as Real Striker Finance Limited, while additional billions were disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.
CISLAC further listed beneficiaries of the alleged transactions, including Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others, stating that transfers to individuals and private firms exceeded ₦12.53 billion within the period under review.
The organisation also alleged that Real Striker Finance Limited, reportedly established shortly after the election of the current administration in the state, may be linked to politically exposed persons, including a former security adviser to a past administration. It claimed that the company received substantial inflows from the security account and subsequently carried out multiple cash withdrawals and transfers to various entities.
While stressing that the allegations require independent verification, CISLAC said the pattern of transactions raises serious accountability concerns, particularly regarding funds earmarked for security operations at a time of persistent insecurity across parts of the country.
The group warned that misuse of security-related public funds undermines national security efforts, erodes public trust, and deprives citizens of critical protection services.
Consequently, 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 an immediate and comprehensive investigation into all transactions linked to the account and associated beneficiaries.
It specifically demanded a forensic audit of inflows and outflows, investigation of Real Striker Finance Limited and its ownership structure, identification and disclosure of ultimate beneficiaries, recovery of diverted funds, and prosecution of all individuals or entities found culpable regardless of status or affiliation.
CISLAC also renewed calls for far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s security vote system, describing it as structurally vulnerable to abuse due to weak oversight, lack of transparency, and absence of statutory reporting requirements.
The organisation referenced its earlier report, “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria,” in which it recommended legislative reforms, independent oversight mechanisms, and the replacement or restructuring of security votes through transparent Security Trust Funds subject to audit and public reporting.
It further urged the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to fully cooperate with investigators and ensure transparency in the handling of public resources, while also stressing the need for stronger legislative oversight of security expenditures at the state level.
CISLAC maintained that anti-corruption enforcement must remain non-partisan, insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of financial misconduct exists.
The organisation said it would continue monitoring developments and advocating reforms aimed at strengthening accountability in the management of public funds across Nigeria.
By TimesNG