Concerns Raised Over Alleged Diversion of Security Funds in Kogi State
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) and Transparency International (TI) Nigeria have voiced serious concerns regarding a financial intelligence report that indicates an alleged diversion of approximately N36.9 billion from security-related accounts in Kogi State.
These organizations have long championed transparency and accountability in how security funds are managed in Nigeria, lending their oversight and advocacy expertise to the issue for many years.
Awwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, stated that their efforts over the past decade have focused on scrutinizing the administration of security votes at both the federal and state levels.
Rafsanjani noted that repeated assessments reveal significant flaws in the oversight frameworks governing security expenditures, which create openings for the misuse of public funds meant for critical interventions.
“For more than a decade, we have highlighted the pervasive lack of transparency, accountability, and effective oversight in the management of these security-related funds,” he emphasized.
The organizations reported findings showing that the Kogi State Security Operations Account received over N36.9 billion from the State Revenue Account within just nine months. Alarmingly, substantial portions of these funds were subsequently transferred to various accounts supposedly linked to private companies.
In light of these revelations, CISLAC and TI Nigeria are urgently calling for a thorough forensic investigation by relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies into both the inflows and outflows of these accounts.
They have specifically requested an inquiry into Real Striker Finance Limited, including an examination of its ownership structure, business operations, and all transactions that may be related. Furthermore, the organizations insist on the identification and public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries of these funds, along with recovering any public resources deemed illegally diverted and prosecuting those found culpable, irrespective of their political connections.
Both CISLAC and Transparency International Nigeria have emphasized that the obscure nature of security votes erodes public trust and hampers anti-corruption efforts. They advocate for enhanced frameworks that ensure transparency and accountability govern security spending throughout Nigeria.
Rafsanjani reiterated the pressing need for accountability in the management of security funds, underscoring that it is crucial for ensuring that resources designated for public safety are utilized effectively and genuinely benefit the populace. As of the time of this report, the Kogi State government had yet to provide an official response to these allegations.
