Nigerian Federal Government Directs Over N2.6 Billion in Public Funds to Private Accounts of Niger Delta Ex-Militant Leaders

Tinubu administration under fire as Govspend data reveals N2.6 billion in public funds paid directly into the private accounts of four Niger Delta ex-militants.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 12:02 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from SaharaReporters

Large Scale Disbursals Under the Presidential Amnesty Framework

The Nigerian federal government is facing renewed scrutiny over its financial conduct following revelations that more than N2.6 billion was funneled into the personal accounts of former militant commanders throughout 2025. According to data retrieved from the Govspend public payment portal, these transactions were authorized as "bulk stipends" intended for thousands of delegates under various amnesty camps. This practice persists despite long-standing Nigerian fiscal provisions and financial regulations that strictly frown upon the payment of public funds into individual private accounts, a measure designed to prevent the misappropriation of state resources.

Financial Breakdown of Individual Payouts to Camp Leaders

The data identifies several key recipients of these massive federal transfers, with Dasimaka Adokiye Sami receiving the largest share at approximately N1.465 billion over the 2025 fiscal year. Another high-profile figure, Ebikabowei Victor Ben, widely known as Boyloaf, received a total of N861.8 million in his private capacity across multiple installments. Other notable beneficiaries include Odiki Jacob, who was credited with N228.8 million, and Turu Cletus John. These payments were often categorized as "delegated stipends" approved by the program’s administrator, yet the lack of direct payment to the ultimate beneficiaries remains a point of intense administrative contention.

Persistent Breaches of National Financial Regulations

The transfer of these billions highlights a recurring disregard for the Financial Regulations of 2009, specifically Paragraph 708 and Paragraph 603(i). These rules mandate that every payment voucher must contain full particulars of services rendered and prohibit payments for services not yet performed. Current reporting suggests that the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) continues to bypass these safeguards, often making bulk payments without providing documented records of the individual delegates’ identities. This systemic lack of transparency has previously been flagged by the Auditor-General of the Federation, who exposed similar irregular withdrawals in previous fiscal cycles.