Civil Society Groups Allege Misuse of ₦36.9bn Kogi Security Votes

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the alleged diversion and misappropriation of ₦36.9 billion from the Kogi State Security Operation Account.

This is contained in a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria.

According to CISLAC/TI Nigeria, financial intelligence findings suggest possible large-scale abuse of public funds linked to the management of security-related accounts in the state within a nine-month period. The organisation said the revelations raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of security votes.

CISLAC stated that about ₦23.7 billion from the account was allegedly transferred to Real Striker Finance Limited, a company owned by Mr. Ameh Joseph Erico. It added that additional billions were disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.

The group identified beneficiaries in the financial records as Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others. Transfers to individuals and private entities during the period reportedly exceeded ₦12.53 billion.

CISLAC noted that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the current administration took office and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.

“It said the company received substantial transfers from the state security account and subsequently made cash withdrawals and transfers to several companies and individuals.

The organisation added that some of the entities that received funds may have connections to politically exposed persons and individuals linked to previous administrations. It stressed that while investigations remain ongoing, the transactions point to possible misuse of funds earmarked for security purposes.

CISLAC/TI Nigeria argued that the allegations, if proven through an independent investigation, reflect a disturbing pattern of diverting resources meant for critical security interventions at a time when citizens face persistent insecurity. The group said the development undermines public trust and weakens the fight against insecurity.

The organisation called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to launch a comprehensive investigation into all transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account and related beneficiary accounts.

Specifically, CISLAC demanded an immediate forensic investigation into inflows and outflows from the account, and a probe into Real Striker Finance Limited’s ownership, operations, and transactions. It also requested the identification and public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries of the funds.

Other demands include the recovery of any diverted or misappropriated public funds, and the prosecution of all individuals and entities found culpable regardless of political status or affiliation. CISLAC also urged stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms for security-related expenditures across states.

The group reiterated its longstanding position that Nigeria’s security vote system remains one of the weakest links in public finance management. It cited the absence of legal frameworks, public reporting requirements, and independent oversight as factors enabling abuse and diversion.

Referencing its report _“Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria”_, CISLAC recommended abolishing or restructuring the security vote system through legislation that sets clear budgeting procedures and accountability standards. It also proposed independent oversight structures and credible Security Trust Funds with public reporting obligations.

CISLAC called on 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. It also criticised the Kogi State Assembly for what it described as ineffective oversight amid rising kidnappings, killings, and unrest in the state.

The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments and advocate for accountability and justice in the management of public resources. It stressed that the fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of misconduct exists.