The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged diversion and misuse of over ₦36.9 billion from the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
In a statement signed by CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as disturbing financial intelligence reports pointing to possible large-scale misappropriation of public funds meant for security interventions in the state.
According to CISLAC, preliminary findings showed that the Kogi State Security Operation Account reportedly received over ₦36.9 billion within nine months from the Kogi State Government SRA, with about ₦23.7 billion allegedly transferred to Real Striker Finance Limited, a finance company reportedly owned by Mr. Ameh Joseph Erico.
The organisation alleged that several billions of naira were also transferred to individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification. Among the beneficiaries named in the records are Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited.
CISLAC further claimed that transfers to private individuals and entities exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.
The anti-corruption group raised concerns over reports that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the election of the current administration in Kogi State and allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former security adviser to former Governor Yahaya Bello.
It stated that the company reportedly received substantial transfers from the state security account and later disbursed large sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to other individuals and firms.
CISLAC said the allegations, if confirmed through independent investigation, would indicate a troubling pattern of misuse of public resources earmarked for security at a time when residents continue to grapple with kidnappings, killings, and insecurity in Kogi State.
The organisation called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, and other relevant agencies to launch a comprehensive probe into all transactions linked to the security account.
CISLAC specifically demanded a forensic audit of the account, investigation into the ownership and operations of Real Striker Finance Limited, identification and public disclosure of all beneficiaries, recovery of diverted funds, and prosecution of all persons found culpable regardless of political affiliation.
The organisation also 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 due to the absence of transparency, public reporting, and independent oversight.
It called for reforms, including restructuring or abolishing the security vote system, establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, and adoption of transparent security trust funds with public accountability measures.
CISLAC further urged Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and relevant state officials to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure transparency in the management of public funds.
The organisation maintained that the fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and insisted that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny where credible allegations of financial misconduct exist.