SERAP Threatens AGF With Lawsuit For Not Enforcing N6trn NDDC Judgment

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accoruntability Project (SERAP) has threatened legal action against the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over what it described as his failure to enforce a court judgment on the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In a letter dated December 13, 2025, the organisation called on Fagbemi to immediately implement a judgment delivered on November 10, 2025, by Justice Gladys Olotu in a Freedom of Information suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1360/2021.

A statement on Sunday and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the court ordered Fagbemi and President Bola Tinubu to “widely publish the names of those indicted in the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion meant to implement the abandoned 13,777 projects and in the running of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2000 and 2019.”

The court also directed the authorities to publish “the NDDC forensic audit report submitted to the federal government on September 2, 2021.”

SERAP stated that the continued failure to give effect to the judgment “makes a mockery of the country’s legal and judicial processes and the rule of law.”

The organisation referenced Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that court judgments “shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons,” noting that refusal to comply amounts to a grave violation of constitutional provisions.

It warned that persistent non-compliance could attract personal liability for both the Attorney General and the President.

“The continuing failure to immediately obey Justice Olotu’s judgment exposes responsible officials to contempt proceedings, including personal liability,” the letter read.

SERAP stressed that the Attorney General, in his capacity as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, is constitutionally obligated to defend the rule of law, ensure obedience to court orders, and act in the public interest.

“Justice Olotu’s judgment is not advisory; it is final, binding, and immediately enforceable against you and President Tinubu,” the organisation stated.

It further argued that ignoring the judgment fuels corruption and impunity across ministries, departments, and agencies, while also weakening Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.

SERAP demanded compliance within seven days of receipt of the letter, cautioning that failure to act would leave it with no option but to initiate contempt proceedings.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you to compel you to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law,” it added.