Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given the leadership of the National Assembly a seven-day ultimatum to recover and return to the public treasury all monies, allowances and benefits derived from the N110 billion vehicle procurement and support allowance schemes declared unlawful by the Federal High Court, warning that failure to comply would trigger legal action to compel restitution in the public interest.
In a letter dated June 20, 2026, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, SERAP demanded that all 469 lawmakers who benefited from the expenditure refund the sums they received, citing a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos on May 6, 2026. The ruling, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, declared unlawful the National Assembly's controversial spending of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members.
Justice Bogoro held that the expenditure breached the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, constitutional obligations and the principles of transparency, accountability and value for money. The court found that the spending was tainted by self‑dealing, conflict of interest and a failure to prioritise the national interest, noting that lawmakers approved funds from which they directly benefited. "The procurement is arbitrary, disproportionate and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards," the judge held, adding that the absence of demonstrable due process rendered the expenditure unlawful. She further held that the doctrine of separation of powers could not be used to shield illegality, stressing that constitutional accountability applies to all arms of government without exception. "In light of Nigeria's worsening economic hardship, the allocation of N110 billion for lawmakers' personal benefit demonstrates a failure to prioritise citizens' welfare," the court stated.
SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, who signed the letter, argued that although the judgment did not expressly order a refund of the N110 billion, it provided a compelling factual and legal basis for restitution when read together with the Nigerian Constitution, anti‑corruption legislation and Nigeria's international human rights obligations. "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 letter read in part.
The organisation urged the National Assembly to immediately establish effective mechanisms to ensure that all future procurements and expenditure of public funds comply strictly with due process requirements and are guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and value for money. It also called for the institutionalisation of public hearings on the lawmakers' budget during every budget cycle and the proactive publication of the National Assembly's detailed budgetary and expenditure information to enhance transparency and strengthen public confidence.
SERAP warned that allowing beneficiaries of the unlawful expenditure to retain the benefits would undermine public trust and constitutional principles. "No public official should be permitted to retain benefits obtained through conduct that has been judicially determined to be unlawful and unconstitutional. Restitution is necessary to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust, and ensure accountability for violations of constitutional and statutory duties," the organisation stated.
The anti‑corruption group gave the National Assembly leadership seven days from the receipt and publication of the letter to comply, warning that it would take all appropriate legal actions against the lawmakers and the National Assembly to secure the recovery and return of the unlawfully expended N110 billion if its recommendations were not implemented. "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 N110 billion in the public interest and in accordance with the rule of law," the letter stated.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) praised the judgment, describing it as a significant reinforcement of the principle that public office cannot be used for personal enrichment amid widespread economic hardship. The ruling has been hailed by civil society organisations as a major victory for accountability and good governance, though its practical enforcement remains uncertain given that the funds have already been spent. The National Assembly has yet to issue an official response to SERAP's demands as of Sunday, June 21, 2026.
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