Rights Group Gives NASS 7 Days To Recover N110bn Declared Unlawful By Court

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, a seven-day deadline to recover and return N110 billion spent on vehicle purchases and support allowances for federal lawmakers.

In an open letter dated 20 June 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned that failure to act within seven days could lead to further legal action to recover the funds for the public treasury.

The organisation claimed that its demand is based on a recent judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which held that the expenditures breached procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and principles of public accountability.

SERAP also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that all lawmakers refund any money, allowances, or benefits received under the schemes deemed unlawful by the court.

It further claimed that N40 billion was spent on procuring 465 vehicles for legislators, while N70 billion was allocated as support allowances to newly elected members.

The organisation warned that allowing beneficiaries to retain these gains from funds that a court has declared unlawful could undermine public trust and weaken government accountability efforts.

“When a court finds that public funds were misused in violation of procurement laws and constitutional standards, the rule of law demands that such benefits be immediately reversed and fully accounted for,” SERAP stated.

Although the court did not explicitly order the refund of N110 billion, the organisation argued that the judgment provides sufficient legal grounds for restitution under the Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and Nigeria’s international commitments.

Aside from demanding refunds, SERAP called on the National Assembly to implement stronger safeguards against future violations.

It also demanded transparent procurement systems, public disclosure of budget and spending records, and regular public hearings on the legislature’s budget during every appropriation cycle.

SERAP maintained that Justice Bogoro’s ruling raised concerns about self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and disregard for value-for-money principles in the management of public resources.

“Reclaiming the N110 billion would reinforce the rule of law, prevent future misuse, and help restore public confidence in democratic institutions.

“The National Assembly cannot fully comply with the judgment while lawmakers retain benefits from unlawful conduct,” SERAP stated.

It further insisted that accountability for this expenditure is vital to protect public resources and ensure they serve the interests of Nigerians rather than private gain.