Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged diversion of more than N36.9 billion from a security operations account operated by the Kogi State Government. The organization expressed grave concern over what it described as disturbing financial intelligence findings suggesting large‑scale misappropriation and abuse of public funds earmarked for security interventions in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, 2026, CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa‑Rafsanjani, said preliminary findings indicated that the account, identified as the Kogi State Security Operation Account, received over N36.9 billion within a nine‑month period from the state’s government revenue account. According to the organization, approximately N23.7 billion was allegedly transferred from the account to a finance company, Real Striker Finance Limited, while billions of naira were also reportedly disbursed to various individuals and private entities without clear public justification.
“Preliminary findings further indicate that approximately N23.7 billion was transferred to a finance company known as Real Striker Finance Limited,” the statement reads. “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. Available records suggest that transfers to individuals and private entities exceeded N12.53 billion during the period under review.”
Of particular concern, according to CISLAC, are reports that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the election of the current administration in Kogi State and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former security adviser to ex‑Governor Yahaya Bello. The organization alleged that the company received substantial transfers from the state security account and subsequently distributed significant sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to several companies and individuals, with some beneficiaries allegedly connected to politically exposed persons and individuals linked to previous administrations.
While stressing that investigations remain ongoing, CISLAC maintained that the transactions raise serious questions about accountability in the management of public funds designated for security operations. “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,” the organization warned.
CISLAC urged anti‑corruption and law enforcement agencies, including 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 linked to the security account. Among its demands, the group called for a forensic audit of all inflows and outflows from the account, investigation into the ownership and operations of Real Striker Finance Limited, public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries, recovery of any diverted funds, and prosecution of all persons found culpable regardless of their political status.
The organization also renewed its call for broader reforms of Nigeria’s security vote system, describing it as one of the weakest areas in the country’s public finance management framework due to limited transparency, the absence of legal frameworks, public reporting requirements, and independent oversight. Rafsanjani also urged the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to cooperate fully with investigators and provide transparency on the management of public funds. “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,” he said.
The allegations come at a time when residents of Kogi State continue to face kidnapping, killings, and persistent security threats, with public resources meant for security increasingly seen as diverted to private enrichment rather than public protection. As of the time of this report, the Kogi State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations, and the anti‑graft agencies had not announced any formal investigation into the matter. For millions of Nigerians who bear the brunt of insecurity and economic hardship, the CISLAC allegations represent yet another test of whether the country’s anti‑corruption institutions can deliver justice when powerful interests are implicated.
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