SERAP Demands Recovery of N110bn from Lawmakers

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Nigerian National Assembly to recover N110 billion that was allegedly unlawfully spent by lawmakers on vehicle purchases and allowances. This request follows a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Lagos, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in suit no.

FHC/L/CS/1606/2023. The court found that N40 billion was spent on 465 vehicles and N70 billion on allowances for newly elected members, which breached public procurement laws and constitutional obligations.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized the need for the National Assembly to comply with the court's judgment and establish mechanisms to ensure future expenditures adhere to due process. The organization warned that if the recovery is not initiated within a week, it would take legal action against the lawmakers.

The court's findings highlighted issues of self-dealing and conflict of interest, necessitating the reversal of benefits derived from these unlawful expenditures to restore public trust.