The Kogi State Government has rejected allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s arm of Transparency International concerning the management of the state’s Security Operations Account, describing the claims as politically motivated, speculative and completely devoid of evidence.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, told journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday, that the state government accused CISLAC of abandoning the principles of fairness, diligence and objectivity by making sweeping allegations without presenting any investigative findings, verifiable evidence or reports from any competent authority.
The government expressed concern that an organisation that claims to champion accountability would publish serious allegations while admitting that no anti-corruption agency has established wrongdoing against the Kogi State Government.
According to the statement, maintaining security requires substantial and continuous investments in intelligence gathering, operational logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance systems, mobility, community engagement and strategic support for security agencies.
The government noted that Kogi State has over the years invested heavily in strengthening its security architecture, resulting in improved intelligence gathering, enhanced operational response and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
These investments, it said, have played a significant role in making Kogi one of the safest states in the country despite its strategic position as a gateway linking Northern and Southern Nigeria.
Fanwo faulted attempts to portray transactions from a security operations account to companies, contractors and service providers as suspicious, explaining that security interventions necessarily involve the engagement of logistics providers, equipment suppliers, maintenance contractors, transport operators and other essential service providers.
“It is irresponsible to equate the existence of financial transactions with evidence of diversion. Such conclusions can only be reached through investigation, verification and due process, not through assumptions and sensational headlines,” the statement said.
The government further argued that CISLAC contradicted itself by acknowledging that the allegations remained unproven while simultaneously presenting them as established facts.
According to the statement, the publication’s timing is also noteworthy, coming at a period when political activities are beginning to gather momentum across the country.
The government observed that such periods often witness attempts by vested interests to weaponise misinformation, half-truths and manufactured controversies against governments and public officials who refuse to compromise due process for personal or political advantage.
While refraining from speculating on the sponsors of the publication, the government maintained that some individuals are uncomfortable with a system that prioritises transparency, fairness and due process over narrow personal interests.
The statement stressed that rather than accept outcomes produced by democratic institutions and credible processes, such individuals often seek alternative platforms to advance narratives aimed at distracting attention from government achievements.
The Ododo Administration highlighted what it described as significant progress in security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and investment promotion, insisting that public resources are being prudently deployed to improve the lives of citizens and strengthen public institutions.
The government said the people of Kogi State remain the ultimate witnesses to the impact of investments in security through enhanced operational capacity among security agencies, growing investor confidence and expanding economic activities across the state.
It maintained that these realities cannot be erased by politically motivated allegations.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the government welcomed lawful scrutiny of public institutions and challenged any individual or organisation with credible evidence of wrongdoing to submit such evidence to appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.
The statement assured residents that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration remains committed to prudent management of public resources, strengthening security architecture and protecting lives and property across the state.
“No amount of misinformation, speculation or politically motivated distractions will deter this administration from its responsibility to secure lives, support security agencies and deepen partnerships that guarantee peace, stability and sustainable development in Kogi State,” the statement added.
On its part, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, had raised an alarm and called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the alleged diversion and misappropriation of ₦36.9 billion from the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
The alarm was contained in a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria.
According to CISLAC/TI Nigeria, financial intelligence findings suggest possible large-scale abuse of public funds linked to the management of security-related accounts in the state within a nine-month period. The organisation said the revelations raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of security votes.
CISLAC stated that about ₦23.7 billion from the account was allegedly transferred to Real Striker Finance Limited, a company owned by Mr Ameh Joseph Erico.
It added that additional billions were disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.
The group identified beneficiaries in the financial records as Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, and G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others.
Transfers to individuals and private entities during the period reportedly exceeded ₦12.53 billion.
CISLAC noted that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the current administration took office and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former security adviser to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.
“It said the company received substantial transfers from the state security account and subsequently made cash withdrawals and transfers to several companies and individuals.
The organisation added that some of the entities that received funds may have connections to politically exposed persons and individuals linked to previous administrations.
It stressed that while investigations remain ongoing, the transactions point to possible misuse of funds earmarked for security purposes.
CISLAC/TI Nigeria argued that the allegations, if proven through an independent investigation, reflect a disturbing pattern of diverting resources meant for critical security interventions at a time when citizens face persistent insecurity.
The group said the development undermines public trust and weakens the fight against insecurity.
The organisation 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 launch a comprehensive investigation into all transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account and related beneficiary accounts.
Specifically, CISLAC demanded an immediate forensic investigation into inflows and outflows from the account and a probe into Real Striker Finance Limited’s ownership, operations, and transactions.
. It also requested the identification and public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries of the funds.
Other demands include the recovery of any diverted or misappropriated public funds and the prosecution of all individuals and entities found culpable regardless of political status or affiliation.
CISLAC also urged stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms for security-related expenditures across states.
The group reiterated its longstanding position that Nigeria’s security vote system remains one of the weakest links in public finance management. It cited the absence of legal frameworks, public reporting requirements, and independent oversight as factors enabling abuse and diversion.
Referencing its report “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria”, CISLAC recommended abolishing or restructuring the security vote system through legislation that sets clear budgeting procedures and accountability standards. It also proposed independent oversight structures and credible security trust funds with public reporting obligations.
CISLAC called 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.
It also criticised the Kogi State Assembly for what it described as ineffective oversight amid rising kidnappings, killings, and unrest in the state.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments and advocate for accountability and justice in the management of public resources.
It stressed that the fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of misconduct exists.
