The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for allegedly failing to investigate claims that lawmakers pay as much as ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, was filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Akpabio and Abbas were named as defendants on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.
The case follows a viral video in which Ibrahim Auyo, a lawmaker from Jigawa State, alleged that legislators pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to have their bills or motions introduced.
In its application, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling Akpabio and Abbas to refer the allegations to relevant anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution. The group is also asking the court to direct both presiding officers to take steps to protect Auyo as a whistleblower.
“The allegations of ₦3 million bribes for bills at the National Assembly represent a grave violation of public trust and lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office,” SERAP stated. “No legislator should have to pay bribes to perform legislative duties. Bribery must never influence the exercise of parliamentary responsibilities.”
SERAP argued that the alleged “quid pro quo” arrangement undermines democratic governance and erodes the legislative authority granted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The group described the reported practice as a breach of the Constitution, Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws, and international obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.
The suit, filed by SERAP’s lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, further contends that compelling Akpabio and Abbas to ensure an independent probe “would build public trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”
“The National Assembly should be an accountable institution that protects the public interest and promotes transparency in cases of corruption, including the alleged ₦3 million Bribe-for-Bills,” SERAP added.
The group also emphasized that Auyo qualifies as a whistleblower under Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, urging authorities to guarantee his safety following his disclosures.
SERAP maintained that addressing the alleged culture of corruption and impunity in the legislature is vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“Investigating and prosecuting those responsible would improve transparency and restore public confidence in democratic governance,” it said, noting that Section 15(5) of the Constitution requires all public institutions, including the National Assembly, to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
In the viral video, Auyo lamented the high costs of legislative processes, saying: “Since I was elected in 2015, no one has given me a bill to pass. You have to pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present one, and even after that, you must lobby all 360 members to support it.”
SERAP suggested that similar practices may also occur in the Senate.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing.
