By: Sunday Ameh
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas over allegations that lawmakers are required to 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, Abuja, is also brought against Akpabio and Abbas on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.
The legal action followed a viral video by Hon. Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State, who alleged that legislators pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to have legislative items presented on the floor.
In suit number FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, SERAP is asking the court to compel both presiding officers to refer the allegations to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for thorough investigation and possible prosecution of offenders.
SERAP is also seeking an order mandating the National Assembly leadership to provide protection for Auyo, who acted as a whistleblower by publicly exposing the alleged bribery practice.
“The allegations of ‘₦3m Bribe-for-Bills’ at the National Assembly are a grave violation of public trust and the constitutional oath of office by lawmakers,” SERAP stated in its filings. “Bribery should never influence legislative duties or the running of the National Assembly.”
The organisation further stressed that the claims undermine the spirit of section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, which vests lawmakers with the mandate to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the country.
SERAP’s legal team — led by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo — argued that compelling the Senate President and the Speaker to ensure proper investigation of the allegation would strengthen democratic institutions and reinforce accountability and public trust.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
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