By Abdullahi Alhassan
Kogi, Nigeria —June 9 , 2026(Series News Online)-The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has urged Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions to conduct a full investigation into alleged mismanagement of ₦36.9 billion from the Kogi State Security Operation Account over a nine-month period.
CISLAC, the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, made the demand in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, also known as Rafsanjani.
“The findings before us suggest possible large-scale abuse of public resources tied to security-related accounts in Kogi State. The revelations raise fundamental questions about transparency and accountability in the deployment of security votes,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
According to the organisation, financial intelligence reports indicate that about ₦23.7 billion from the account was transferred to Real Striker Finance Limited, a firm allegedly owned by Mr. Ameh Joseph Erico. CISLAC said additional billions were paid to various individuals and corporate bodies without documented public justification.
CISLAC listed some beneficiaries named in the transaction records to include Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited.
“Transfers to individuals and private entities within the period under review exceeded ₦12.53 billion. Such disbursements, made outside clear procurement and accountability processes, demand urgent scrutiny,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
The group noted that Real Striker Finance Limited was registered shortly after the current administration assumed office and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.
“The company received substantial transfers from the state security account and subsequently made cash withdrawals and payments to several companies and individuals,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC added that some of the entities that received funds may have connections to politically exposed persons and individuals associated with previous administrations.
“While investigations are still ongoing, the pattern of transactions points to possible diversion of funds meant for critical security operations at a time when citizens continue to face insecurity,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
The organisation argued that if substantiated by independent inquiry, the allegations reflect a disturbing trend of diverting resources intended for public safety.
“These allegations, if proven, reflect a disturbing pattern of diverting resources meant for critical security interventions while citizens grapple with persistent insecurity. Such practices erode public trust and weaken national efforts to combat crime,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC 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 initiate a comprehensive probe into all transactions linked to the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
Specifically, the group demanded a forensic audit of all inflows and outflows, an investigation into the ownership and operations of Real Striker Finance Limited, and public disclosure of the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds.
“We demand an immediate forensic investigation into all inflows and outflows from the account, a probe into Real Striker Finance Limited’s ownership and operations, and the identification and public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC also asked that any diverted public funds be recovered and that all individuals and entities found culpable be prosecuted irrespective of political affiliation. It further urged governments across the federation to institute stronger transparency mechanisms for security-related spending.
“All diverted or misappropriated public funds must be recovered, and every individual or entity found culpable must be prosecuted regardless of political status. Stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms for security expenditures are long overdue,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
The group restated its position that Nigeria’s security vote system remains one of the weakest points in public finance management due to the absence of legal frameworks, public reporting and independent oversight.
“Security votes remain one of the weakest links in public finance management. The absence of legal frameworks, public reporting requirements and independent oversight continues to enable abuse and diversion,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
Referencing its report titled “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria”, CISLAC recommended that the security vote system be abolished or restructured through legislation that mandates clear budgeting, accountability standards and independent oversight. It also proposed the creation of credible Security Trust Funds with public reporting obligations.
CISLAC called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Kogi State government officials to cooperate with investigators and uphold transparency in managing public funds. It also faulted the Kogi State House of Assembly for what it described as weak legislative oversight amid rising insecurity.
“We call 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. The Kogi State Assembly must also rise to its oversight responsibilities amid rising cases of kidnapping, killings and unrest,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor the matter and advocate for justice and accountability in the use of public resources.
“CISLAC will continue to monitor developments and advocate for accountability and justice in the management of public resources. The fight against corruption must remain non-partisan, and no public official should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of misconduct exists,” Auwal Rafsanjani said.
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