Demands EFCC Probe
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over the management of security funds in Kogi State, alleging that transfers exceeding ₦12.53 billion were made to individuals and private entities during the period under review.
The organisation said the transactions raise serious questions about the management and accountability of funds meant to strengthen security interventions in the state, particularly at a time when residents continue to grapple with significant security challenges.
CISLAC/TI Nigeria listed Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others, as beneficiaries of transactions identified during its review.
Of particular concern, the organisation said, was Real Striker Finance Limited, which it alleged was established shortly after the election of the current administration and linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
According to CISLAC/TI Nigeria, the company allegedly received substantial transfers from the state security account before disbursing significant sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to various companies and individuals.
“Available records suggest that transfers to individuals and private entities exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review,” the organisation said.
It further alleged that some of the entities that received funds from the account may have links to politically exposed persons and individuals connected with previous administrations.
CISLAC/TI Nigeria, however, stressed that its investigations were still ongoing and that the transactions constituted concerns requiring independent scrutiny rather than conclusive proof of wrongdoing.
“While investigations remain ongoing, these transactions raise serious concerns regarding the management and accountability of public funds earmarked for security purposes,” it said.
The organisation warned that if established through an independent investigation, the allegations could point to a disturbing pattern of possible misuse of public resources intended for critical security interventions.
It said the alleged diversion of security funds was particularly troubling because such resources were meant to address threats affecting the lives and property of citizens.
‘Security funds cannot become private resources’
CISLAC/TI Nigeria maintained that security votes and other security intervention funds are public resources and must therefore be subjected to transparency, accountability and existing financial regulations.
It warned that the diversion or misuse of such funds could undermine public confidence in government, weaken security responses and deprive citizens of essential protection and public services.
The organisation said it would continue monitoring and investigating allegations involving security-related expenditure across states of the federation.
It 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 relevant law-enforcement agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
CISLAC/TI Nigeria also urged the agencies to examine related beneficiary accounts to determine the ultimate recipients and purposes of the funds.
The organisation said an independent investigation was necessary to establish whether the transactions complied with financial regulations and whether public funds designated for security were used for their intended purposes.
The allegations, if substantiated, could raise broader questions about the transparency of security financing in Kogi State and the effectiveness of existing safeguards designed to prevent the misuse of public resources.