By Peter Omopo
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for allegedly failing to investigate claims that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
The suit, numbered FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo. The organisation is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Akpabio and Abbas to refer the allegations to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
The case stems from a viral video featuring Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), who alleged that lawmakers pay bribes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦3 million to have their legislative proposals entertained.
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP described the allegations as a “grave violation of public trust and constitutional oath of office” by lawmakers.
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly,” the statement read. “Bribery should never influence legislative duties or the running of the National Assembly. These quid pro quo practices undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights.”
The group is also seeking a court order directing the National Assembly leadership to protect Ibrahim Auyo, describing him as a whistleblower under Article 33 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Quoting Auyo’s disclosure, SERAP said:
“Since I was elected in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass. Even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million to present it. And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the entire 360 members of the House.”
SERAP argued that such practices “make a mockery of lawmaking” and erode public confidence in democratic governance.
“The National Assembly must serve as a transparent and accountable institution that protects the public interest rather than enabling corruption,” the organisation added.
The case is expected to test the legislature’s commitment to internal accountability, coming amid public concerns over transparency in the country’s lawmaking process.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing.
