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 the alleged failure to investigate claims that lawmakers pay up to ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, seeks an order of mandamus compelling both presiding officers — sued on behalf of all members of the National Assembly — to refer the allegations to relevant anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
SERAP’s legal action follows a viral video by Hon. Ibrahim Auyo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Jigawa State, who alleged that members of the National Assembly pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to have their legislative items listed.
The rights group, represented by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, also asked the court to order Akpabio and Abbas to ensure adequate protection for Auyo, whom it described as a whistle-blower deserving of protection under Article 33 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party.
According to SERAP, the bribery allegation constitutes a “grave breach of public trust and a violation of lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office.”
“Lawmakers should not give or receive bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly. The allegations of quid pro quo lawmaking undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights and make a mockery of the legislative process under Section 4 of the Constitution,” SERAP argued.
The organisation further noted that compelling the presiding officers to facilitate a transparent investigation would help restore public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce the rule of law.
“Ending the persistent allegations of corruption in the National Assembly and the prevailing culture of impunity among perpetrators is a matter of the rule of law and public interest,” SERAP stated.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
