The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has asked anti-corruption agencies to immediately investigate the alleged diversion and mismanagement of N36.9 billion from security-related accounts in Kogi State.
In a statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Abuja by the executive director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC expressed concern over financial intelligence findings suggesting possible large-scale diversion, abuse and misappropriation of public funds earmarked for security operations in the state.
According to the organisation, records available to it indicate that an account identified as the Kogi State Security Operation Account received over N36.9 billion within nine-month from the Kogi State Government’s State Revenue Account (SRA).
The group alleged that preliminary findings showed that approximately N23.7 billion was transferred to a company, while several other billions of naira were disbursed to individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.
CISLAC further listed other beneficiaries identified in the financial records of the transactions.
The organisation claimed that transfers to private individuals and entities exceeded N12.53 billion during the period under review.
Of particular concern, according to CISLAC, are reports that a finance firm was established shortly after the election of the current administration and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons.
The organisation also alleged that the company received substantial transfers from the state security account before disbursing significant sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to several companies 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 at a time when citizens continue to face severe security challenges,” CISLAC stated.
Consequently, CISLAC called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other relevant agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into all transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account and related beneficiary accounts.
Among its demands are a forensic audit of the account, investigation of the finance company and its ownership structure, identification and public disclosure of ultimate beneficiaries, recovery of any diverted funds, and prosecution of all individuals or entities found culpable regardless of political affiliation.
Beyond the Kogi allegations, CISLAC renewed its criticism of Nigeria’s security vote system, describing it as one of the weakest aspects of the country’s public finance management framework.
The organisation argued that the absence of legal frameworks, public reporting requirements, and independent oversight has created opportunities for abuse despite the huge sums allocated annually to security votes.
Citing its report titled “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria,” CISLAC reiterated its call for comprehensive reforms, including the abolition or restructuring of the security vote system, the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, and the creation of transparent Security Trust Funds as alternatives to discretionary security spending.
The group also urged Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and relevant state officials to cooperate fully with investigators and provide complete transparency regarding the management of public funds.
According to CISLAC, the allegations further expose the inability of the State Assembly to effectively oversee public spending despite worsening insecurity in the state, marked by recurring kidnappings, killings, and unrest.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the organisation stressed that the fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of financial misconduct exists.
CISLAC said it would continue to monitor developments and advocate for transparency, accountability, and justice in the management of public resources, adding that the Kogi allegations underscore the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s security funding architecture.
