SERAP Sues Senate President and Speaker Over Alleged ₦3m “Bribe-for-Bills” Scandal
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted legal proceedings against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over their alleged failure to investigate claims that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.
The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, names Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas as defendants in their personal capacities and as representatives of all members of the National Assembly.
The action follows a viral video in which Hon. Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives (APC, Jigawa), alleged that legislators are compelled to pay substantial sums before presenting bills or motions. According to him, the practice has been entrenched since his election in 2015, with payments ranging from ₦1m to ₦3m.
Reliefs Sought by SERAP in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP seeks:
1. An order of mandamus compelling Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to refer the allegations of “₦3m Bribe-for-Bills” to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
2. An order of mandamus directing them to take all necessary measures to protect Hon. Ibrahim Auyo as a whistleblower, in line with Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party.
SERAP’s Arguments
– The allegations constitute a grave breach of public trust and a violation of lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office.
– Bribery should never influence the exercise of legislative duties or the functioning of the National Assembly.
– The practice undermines Nigerians’ democratic rights and makes a mockery of the legislative powers under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
– The allegations amount to violations of both the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under international anti-corruption instruments, including the UN Convention against Corruption.
– Directing an investigation would strengthen the rule of law, restore public trust in democratic institutions, and reinforce accountability in the legislature.
SERAP insists that the National Assembly must function as an accountable legislative body that protects the public interest, not one tainted by allegations of bribery and quid pro quo lawmaking.
The organisation further argues that ending the culture of impunity surrounding corruption in the legislature is a matter of constitutional duty, rule of law, and public interest.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
