SERAP Takes Akpabio, Abbas to Court for Failing to Probe Lawmakers’ ₦3m Bribe Claims

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over their alleged refusal to investigate claims that lawmakers pay as much as ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.

The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, with Akpabio and Abbas named as defendants on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.

The legal action follows a viral video featuring Jigawa lawmaker Ibrahim Auyo, who alleged that members are required to pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million before their motions or bills are introduced.

In the suit, SERAP seeks a mandamus order compelling Akpabio and Abbas to refer the bribery allegations to relevant anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution. The organisation is also asking the court to direct both presiding officers to protect Auyo as a whistleblower.

“The ₦3 million bribe-for-bills allegations represent a gross betrayal of public trust and a violation of lawmakers’ constitutional oaths,” SERAP argued. “Bribery should never influence legislative duties or the conduct of the National Assembly.”

The group noted that such “quid pro quo” practices undermine democratic rights and violate Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Nigeria’s commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption.

Filed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, the suit stresses that compelling an independent investigation would promote transparency, strengthen the rule of law, and rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.

“The National Assembly must demonstrate accountability and integrity by ensuring a transparent probe into the alleged ₦3 million bribe-for-bills,” SERAP stated, emphasizing that Auyo is entitled to whistleblower protection under Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption.

SERAP further argued that eradicating entrenched corruption and impunity within the legislature is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. It added that Section 15(5) of the Constitution mandates all public institutions, including the National Assembly, to eliminate corrupt practices and abuse of power.

Hon. Auyo, in his viral comments, lamented the financial burden associated with legislative processes, saying, “Since I was elected in 2015, I’ve never been given a bill to pass. You must pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present one, and even after that, you still have to lobby all 360 members to get support.”

SERAP suggested that similar practices might also exist in the Senate.

No date has been fixed yet for the hearing of the case.