By Peter Omopo
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) over an alleged failure to account for ₦128 billion in public funds earmarked for the power sector.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the suit—marked FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026—was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The action follows allegations contained in a report by the Auditor-General of the Federation published on September 9, 2025.
SERAP alleged that the missing or diverted funds have contributed to persistent challenges in the power sector, including frequent grid collapses. The organisation noted that Nigerians recently experienced the first national grid collapse of 2026, which plunged large parts of the country into darkness.
The rights group cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution and relevant international anti-corruption conventions, stressing that public institutions are legally obligated to uphold transparency, accountability and the eradication of corrupt practices.
According to the statement, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the Minister of Power and NBET to disclose detailed information on how the ₦128 billion was allegedly spent. This includes the dates of disbursement, the identities of beneficiaries or contractors who received the funds, as well as their registered business names and addresses.
The organisation is also asking the court to direct the defendants to disclose the full names, official designations and offices of all public officers who authorised, approved or were involved in the release of the disputed funds within the Ministry of Power and NBET.
SERAP argued that Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of what it described as widespread corruption in the electricity sector, noting that there is a strong public interest in ensuring accountability for the alleged financial irregularities.
It added that granting the reliefs sought would help curb corruption in the power sector, address the recurring breakdown of transmission infrastructure and improve access to reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply across the country.
“Ordinary Nigerians continue to pay the price for corruption in the electricity sector—remaining in darkness while being compelled to pay exorbitant electricity bills,” the organisation stated.
The suit was filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, and is based on findings from the Auditor-General’s 2022 report, which highlighted alleged financial discrepancies within the Ministry of Power and NBET.
No hearing date has been fixed for the case.
