7 hours ago
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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, accusing them of neglecting to investigate claims that lawmakers allegedly pay between N1 million and N3 million to introduce bills, motions, or petitions at the National Assembly.
The lawsuit, filed against both leaders in their individual capacities and as representatives of all National Assembly members, follows recent allegations made by Hon. Ibrahim Auyo (APC, Jigawa).
In a viral Hausa-language video, Auyo claimed that legislators must pay substantial amounts to get their bills or motions sponsored or discussed.
Filed under suit number FHC/L/CS/2214/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to refer the bribery allegations to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
The organisation also seeks a similar court order directing the two presiding officers to ensure the safety and protection of Hon. Auyo, whom SERAP identifies as a whistleblower for exposing the alleged “N3m Bribe-for-Bills” scandal.
SERAP contends that these allegations represent a serious breach of public trust and a violation of lawmakers’ constitutional oaths of office.
According to the group, “Bribery must have no role in the legislative process or in the performance of parliamentary responsibilities.”
It further argues that the alleged “quid pro quo” culture in lawmaking severely undermines Nigerians’ democratic rights and makes a mockery of constitutional provisions, especially Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which vests lawmaking powers in the legislature.
SERAP maintains that the alleged practice also violates Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and international obligations under treaties such as the UN Convention Against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party.
The suit, prepared by SERAP’s legal team Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo states in part:
“These revelations show that lawmakers are misusing their offices to deprive citizens of their constitutional and democratic rights.
Compelling Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to ensure a transparent investigation would help restore public confidence in the legislature and reinforce the rule of law.”
The group insists that the National Assembly must serve as an accountable, transparent institution that upholds public interest and ensures integrity in governance.
According to SERAP, Hon. Ibrahim Auyo qualifies as a whistleblower protected under Article 33 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, given his disclosure made in the public interest.
The organisation adds: “Curbing persistent corruption and impunity in the National Assembly is essential for strengthening democracy and restoring faith in the rule of law. Investigating and prosecuting those implicated in the alleged ‘N3m Bribe-for-Bills’ scheme will promote transparency and accountability.”
SERAP also cited Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates all public institutions, including the legislature, to eradicate corrupt practices and abuse of power.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitments under international anti-corruption frameworks, SERAP urged both presiding officers to act decisively.
In his earlier statement, Hon. Auyo claimed that the cost of introducing bills at the National Assembly is “financially overwhelming,” noting that since his election in 2015, he has never received a free bill to sponsor. He said lawmakers are required to pay between N1 million and N3 million to present a bill and must lobby all 360 House members for approval.
SERAP believes similar unreported cases may exist in the Senate.
No date has yet been scheduled for the court hearing.
SERAP drags Akpabio, Abbas to court over alleged N3m ‘bribe-for-bills’ scandal
