The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The suit concerns allegations that lawmakers pay up to ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
Akpabio and Abbas are sued for themselves and on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.
The suit followed a viral video by Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives (APC, Jigawa). He alleged that members pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present legislative items.
In suit number FHC/L/CS/2214/2025 filed last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP made its request clear.
It asked the court to compel Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to refer the allegations to relevant anti-corruption agencies.
The group demanded an investigation and prosecution of the alleged “₦3m Bribe-for-Bills” scandal at the National Assembly.
SERAP also requested the court to order both leaders to protect the whistleblower, Hon. Ibrahim Auyo, who exposed the alleged bribery.
The organisation argued that the allegations represent a serious breach of public trust and lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office.
It added that lawmakers should never pay bribes to present motions or bills in the National Assembly. It stressed that bribery should not influence legislative duties or the functioning of the National Assembly.
According to the civic group, allegations of lawmakers paying ₦3 million for motions and bills mock the lawmaking process. The group said it undermines legislative powers granted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The suit filed by SERAP’s lawyers—Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo—emphasized the need for accountability.
They said compelling Akpabio and Abbas to ensure a proper investigation would build public trust and strengthen the rule of law.
