The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), seeking accountability over the alleged disappearance or diversion of ₦128 billion in public funds.
SERAP disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The group linked corruption in the power sector to Nigeria’s recurring electricity grid collapses, noting that the country last week experienced its first grid failure of 2026, plunging millions into darkness.
According to SERAP, the allegations are contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the Minister of Power and NBET to account for the allegedly missing or diverted ₦128 billion from the Ministry of Power and NBET.
The group is also asking the court to order the defendants to disclose the full names, official designations, and offices of all public officers who authorised, approved, or participated in the release of the disputed funds.
“Nigerians continue to pay the price for widespread and grand corruption in the power sector,” SERAP said. “There is a compelling public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations.”
The organisation argued that granting the reliefs sought would help curb corruption in the electricity sector, address persistent transmission failures, and improve access to regular and uninterrupted power supply.
“Ordinary Nigerians remain trapped in darkness, yet are still forced to pay outrageous electricity bills,” the statement said.
SERAP said the allegations point to serious breaches of public trust, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and international anti-corruption standards.
Citing the Auditor-General’s 2022 audited report, SERAP said the Ministry of Power failed to account for over ₦4.4 billion (₦4,404,647,938.53) transferred to the Mambilla, Zungeru, and Kashimbilla project accounts, with no evidence of how the funds were spent.
The Auditor-General reportedly warned that the funds “may have been diverted” and recommended their recovery and remittance to the treasury.
The report also queried payments of over ₦95.4 billion (₦95,415,183,701.83) made by the ministry to contractors for various projects, noting that there were no supporting documents or evidence that the projects existed or were executed.
Again, the Auditor-General expressed concern that the funds may have been diverted and called for their recovery.
SERAP said holding those responsible to account would strike a blow against impunity and help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s power sector.
