SERAP Gives Akpabio, Abbas 7 Days To Refund N110bn

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas a seven-day ultimatum to ensure that lawmakers refund N110bn spent on vehicle procurement and support allowances, which a Federal High Court declared unlawful.

In a letter dated June 20, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation demanded that members of the Senate and House of Representatives return to the public treasury all monies, allowances and benefits derived from the schemes.

The demand followed a judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, which held that the spending of N40bn on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70bn in support allowances for newly elected legislators violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions and public trust.

SERAP said the court’s findings established that the schemes were tainted by self-dealing, conflict of interest and a failure to prioritise the national interest.

“Flowing from Justice Bogoro’s judgment, there must be consequences and full restitution for the lawmakers’ failure to comply with their constitutional and statutory obligations, particularly in relation to the unlawful expenditure of the N110 billion, as found by the Court,” the organisation stated.

According to SERAP, allowing lawmakers to retain benefits obtained from expenditure declared unlawful would undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and run contrary to constitutional provisions aimed at curbing corruption and abuse of power.

The group argued that although the court did not expressly order the refund of the funds, the judgment, when read alongside the Constitution, anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s international obligations, provided sufficient legal basis for restitution.

SERAP warned that it would institute legal action against Akpabio, Abbas, other lawmakers and the National Assembly if the recommended measures were not implemented within seven days.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions against you, other lawmakers, and the National Assembly to secure the recovery and return of the unlawfully expended N110bn in the public interest and in accordance with the rule of law,” the letter stated.

The organisation also called on the leadership of the National Assembly to establish mechanisms that would ensure future procurements and public spending comply with due process and principles of transparency, accountability and value for money.

It further urged the National Assembly to institutionalise public hearings on its budget during every budget cycle and proactively publish detailed budgetary and expenditure information to enhance transparency and strengthen public confidence.

SERAP maintained that the reimbursement of the funds would help restore public trust, deter future abuses and ensure that public resources are deployed for the benefit of Nigerians rather than private enrichment.