By Chimezie Godfrey
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has called for an immediate investigation into alleged irregular transactions involving more than ₦36.9 billion reportedly received through the Kogi State Security Operation Account, raising concerns over possible diversion and misappropriation of public funds.
The organisation urged anti-corruption agencies to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation into the management of the account and recover any public funds found to have been unlawfully diverted.
According to Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, the allegations emerged from financial intelligence findings indicating possible large-scale abuse of security-related funds in Kogi State.
Rafsanjani stated that the revelations reinforce long-standing concerns raised by CISLAC regarding the lack of transparency, accountability and independent oversight in the administration of security votes and security intervention funds across Nigeria.
He noted that for more than a decade, the organisation has monitored the management of security votes at both federal and state levels and consistently identified systemic weaknesses that create opportunities for financial abuse.
According to him, information available to CISLAC indicates that the Kogi State Security Operation Account reportedly received more than ₦36.9 billion within a nine-month period from the Kogi State Government’s source accounts.
Rafsanjani alleged that preliminary findings suggest that approximately ₦23.7 billion was transferred to Real Striker Finance Limited, while additional billions of naira were reportedly disbursed to individuals and corporate entities without publicly available explanations.
He said the beneficiaries identified in the financial records include individuals and companies such as Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others.
According to him, available records indicate that transfers to private individuals and companies exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.
Rafsanjani further expressed concern over reports that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the election of the current administration and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former security adviser to former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
He alleged that the company received substantial transfers from the security account and subsequently disbursed significant amounts through cash withdrawals and transfers to other entities 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 stated.
According to him, the alleged transactions raise serious questions about accountability in the management of funds earmarked for security purposes.
The CISLAC Executive Director stressed that security votes and security intervention funds are public resources that should be managed transparently and in strict compliance with financial regulations.
He warned that diversion of such funds weakens efforts to combat insecurity, undermines public trust and deprives citizens of resources intended for their protection and welfare.
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 immediately investigate all transactions linked to the Kogi State Security Operation Account and related beneficiary accounts.
According to Rafsanjani, the organisation is specifically demanding a forensic audit of the account, investigation of Real Striker Finance Limited and its ownership structure, identification and public disclosure of all beneficiaries, recovery of any diverted public funds and prosecution of all persons found culpable regardless of political affiliation or status.
He also called for stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms governing security-related expenditures across the federation.
Beyond the Kogi allegations, Rafsanjani reiterated CISLAC’s long-standing position that the current security vote system remains one of the weakest aspects of Nigeria’s public finance management framework.
He argued that the absence of legal safeguards, public reporting requirements and independent oversight has created opportunities for abuse despite the huge sums allocated annually under security votes.
According to him, CISLAC has consistently advocated reforms, including legislative restructuring of the security vote system, the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, greater public engagement on security spending and the promotion of transparent security trust funds as alternatives to discretionary security votes.
Rafsanjani also urged Ahmed Usman Ododo and relevant officials of the Kogi State Government to cooperate fully with investigators and provide complete transparency regarding the management of public funds.
He further criticised what he described as the failure of the state legislature to provide effective oversight of public spending, particularly at a time when residents continue to grapple with kidnappings, killings and other security challenges.
”The fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and consistent. No public official, past or present, should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of financial misconduct exists. Nigerians deserve accountability, particularly where resources earmarked for security and public welfare are concerned,” he said.
Rafsanjani maintained that CISLAC would continue to monitor developments surrounding the allegations and advocate transparency, accountability and reforms aimed at ensuring that public resources are used strictly in the public interest.
CISLAC Demands Probe of Alleged ₦36.9bn Kogi Security Fund Transactions
