SERAP drags Adelabu, NBET to court over alleged N128bn power funds scandal

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) over their alleged failure to account for ₦128 billion reportedly missing or diverted from the Ministry of Power and NBET.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is based on allegations contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025.

SERAP linked corruption in the power sector to Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, noting that the country experienced its first national grid collapse of 2026 last week, plunging many areas into darkness.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026, filed over the weekend, the organisation is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Mr. Adelabu and NBET to account for the alleged missing or diverted ₦128 billion.

SERAP is also seeking a court order directing the defendants to publicly disclose details of how the funds were spent, including dates of disbursement, names of beneficiaries or contractors, and their registered business names and addresses.

Additionally, the group wants the court to compel the disclosure of the full names, official positions, and offices of all public officials who authorised, approved, or participated in the release of the disputed funds.

According to SERAP, Nigerians have continued to suffer the consequences of widespread corruption in the power sector, paying exorbitant electricity bills while enduring frequent blackouts.

The organisation argued that the case raises serious issues of public interest and accountability, stressing that granting the reliefs sought would help combat corruption, reduce persistent transmission failures, and improve access to stable and uninterrupted electricity nationwide.

SERAP further maintained that the allegations outlined by the Auditor-General point to a grave breach of public trust, violations of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and international anti-corruption standards to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The suit was filed on behalf of SERAP by its legal team, comprising Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo