The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International (TI), has called for investigation into the alleged diversion and misappropriation of ₦36.9 billion from the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, on Monday in Abuja.
CISLAC said available financial intelligence indicated that the account reportedly received over ₦36.9 billion within a nine-month period from the Kogi State Government’s State Reserve Account (SRA).
According to the organisation, preliminary findings showed that about ₦23.7 billion was allegedly transferred to a finance company, Real Striker Finance Limited.
While several billions of naira were also disbursed to individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.
It listed some of the beneficiaries identified in the records as Abdullahi Omonale, Peter Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Ltd.
CISLAC alleged that transfers to private individuals and companies exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.
The group further expressed concern over reports that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the election of the current administration.
It added that was allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello.
It further alleged that the company received substantial transfers from the security account and subsequently made large cash withdrawals and transfers to several 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,” CISLAC said.
The organisation noted that the allegations emerged amid its long-standing advocacy for transparency and accountability in the management of security votes and intervention funds across Nigeria.
It said the current security vote system remained vulnerable to abuse due to weak oversight, lack of transparency, and absence of public reporting mechanisms.
CISLAC called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC);
Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other anti-corruption agencies to launch a comprehensive probe into all transactions linked to the account.
The group specifically demanded a forensic investigation into the inflows and outflows of the Kogi State Security Operation Account, investigation of Real Striker Finance Limited and its ownership structure.
The public disclosure of all beneficiaries, recovery of diverted funds, and prosecution of all culpable persons.
It also urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo and officials of the Kogi State Government to cooperate fully with investigators and provide transparency regarding the management of public funds.
CISLAC further criticised the state assembly for what it described as ineffective oversight of public spending, especially amid worsening insecurity in Kogi State.
The organisation reiterated its recommendation for the abolition or restructuring of the security vote system through legislation that would ensure transparency, independent oversight, and accountability in security-related spending.
“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,” the statement added.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA