The Nigerian government has sparked controversy by paying over N2 billion in public funds into the personal bank accounts of four ex-militants during the 2025 fiscal year, a move that critics say directly contravenes national financial regulations.
A review of the federal government’s public payments portal, Govspend, has revealed that over N2 billion was paid into the private bank accounts of four former militants during the 2025 fiscal year. These payments, primarily described as “bulk stipends” for various militant camps, were authorized despite strict Nigerian financial regulations which prohibit the payment of public funds into personal accounts. Among the primary beneficiaries was ex-militant Odiki Jacob, who received approximately N228.8 million in eight installments between February and November 2025. One specific entry on April 22, 2025, noted a payment of N33.2 million for “500 delegates as approved by the administrator.”
Other high-profile recipients identified in the data include Dasimaka Adokiye Sami, who received a staggering N186.3 million in a single day for 2,802 delegates of the “Ateke camp,” and Harry Tonye Ikemenjeme, who was credited with N33.5 million. The descriptions often categorize these funds as “bulk stipends” intended for camp leaders to distribute among their members. However, Chapter Seven, Section 713 of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009 explicitly states: “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private account.” The regulation further clarifies that any officer facilitating such a payment is deemed to have done so with “fraudulent intention.”
The revelation has reignited a debate over the lack of transparency within the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). While the government continues to argue that these payments are essential for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, transparency advocates point out that such practices bypass official procurement and disbursement channels, making the funds vulnerable to diversion. The Govspend data highlights a recurring pattern of disregard for fiscal safeguards, echoing previous scandals involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. As of March 2026, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has not issued a formal statement explaining why these specific high-value transactions were permitted to bypass standard institutional banking protocols.
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