SERAP Drags Akpabio, Abbas to Court over Alleged N3m ‘Bribe-for-Bill’ Scandal

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted legal action against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over their alleged refusal to investigate claims that federal lawmakers pay as much as ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, names both presiding officers as defendants on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.

The legal action followed a viral video in which a lawmaker from Jigawa State, Ibrahim Auyo, claimed that legislators were compelled to part with between ₦1 million and ₦3 million before their bills or motions could be entertained in the chambers.

In the originating summons, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to compel Akpabio and Abbas to refer the allegations to the appropriate anti-graft agencies for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution of anyone found culpable. The group also urged the court to order both leaders to provide whistleblower protection for Auyo.

“The allegations of ₦3 million bribe-for-bills at the National Assembly constitute a grave breach of public trust and a violation of lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office,” SERAP argued. “Bribery should play no role in legislative functions or in the operations of the National Assembly.”

The organisation maintained that the alleged “quid pro quo” arrangement in the legislative process erodes public confidence, undermines constitutional democracy, and violates Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants the legislature its powers.

According to SERAP, the purported bribery scandal also breaches Nigeria’s anti-corruption statutes and contravenes the country’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Filed on behalf of the organisation by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, the suit stressed that compelling both presiding officers to act transparently would reinforce public faith in democratic institutions and promote accountability within the legislature.

“The National Assembly ought to be a model of transparency and integrity,” SERAP stated. “It should lead by example in combating corruption, not become a breeding ground for unethical practices.”

The organisation further described Hon. Auyo as a whistleblower deserving of full protection under Article 33 of the UNCAC and urged the authorities to guarantee his safety.

SERAP warned that unless the alleged culture of corruption and impunity within the legislature is decisively addressed, Nigeria’s democracy would remain fragile and citizens’ confidence in governance continually eroded.

“Upholding transparency and ensuring that all those involved face justice will go a long way in restoring the credibility of the National Assembly,” the group added.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the case.