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SERAP Sues Akpabio, Abbas Over Alleged ₦3 Million ‘Bribe-For-Bills’ Scandal
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over their alleged failure to investigate claims that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/2214/2025 filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Akpabio and Abbas — sued on behalf of all National Assembly members, to refer the bribery allegations to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
The lawsuit followed viral claims made by Ibrahim Auyo, a House of Representatives member representing Jigawa State (APC), who alleged that lawmakers pay millions to have their bills or motions considered.
Auyo said in a video recorded in Hausa, “Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass. And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for.
You have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million to present it. And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”
“Bribery Undermines Democracy” — SERAP
In its filing, SERAP described the alleged practice as “a grave violation of public trust and the constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.”
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly. Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or the running of the National Assembly,” the organisation argued.
The rights group noted that such conduct undermines the legislative powers granted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
SERAP is also seeking an order of mandamus to compel Akpabio and Abbas to protect Ibrahim Auyo as a whistleblower under Article 33 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
SEERAP stated, “Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on the alleged ₦3m Bribe-for-Bills at the National Assembly.
Directing and compelling Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to ensure proper investigation would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”
The organisation, represented by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, insisted that the National Assembly must act as “a proper and accountable legislative body that represents and protects the public interest.”
The statement read, “These allegations have exposed how lawmakers are abusing their entrusted positions to deny Nigerians of their constitutional and democratic rights.
Ensuring the investigation of the alleged ₦3m Bribe-for-Bills and prosecution of suspected perpetrators would improve transparency and accountability in the National Assembly and build trust in democratic institutions.”
According to the group, the bribery allegations amount to a breach of Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates public institutions to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Nigeria has also made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to prevent and combat corruption including bribery. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected,” SERAP argued.
It further stated that failure to act would entrench a “culture of impunity” in the legislature and weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The bribery claim surfaced in late October after Rep. Auyo’s video circulated on social media, sparking public outrage. In the footage, the lawmaker alleged that bills and motions were being “commercialized” and that no lawmaker could move a bill without financial inducements.
Neither Akpabio nor Abbas has publicly responded to the allegations, and no formal investigation has been announced by the National Assembly.
The case, which seeks to hold the National Assembly leadership accountable for transparency and ethical governance, is yet to be assigned a hearing date.
His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, has announced the date for Eid al-Fitr in Nigeria.
The Emir, who is the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, has not reported the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal, 1447AH, today, Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan .
This was contained in a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Daular Usmaniyya , signed by the Wazir of Sokoto and Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of the Sultan’s Palace, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The statement stated that the Sultan’s Palace Moon Sighting Committee had not received any reliable reports of moon sightings from anywhere in Nigeria. According to this information, Thursday, March 19, will be the day to complete the 30th day of Ramadan.
The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day of the lesser Sallah, i.e. the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH.
He urged Muslims to use this time of Eid al-Fitr to pray for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The statement said: “His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, and Chairman, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has received the moon sighting report, which showed that the crescent moon was not sighted today, Wednesday.
“Accordingly, he declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as 1 Shawwal 1447AH (the Day of the Small Prayer). He also congratulated the Nigerian Muslim community on the occasion, and wished them the guidance and blessings of God.”
“He also called for continued prayers for peace, progress, and development of the country . He also wished Muslims a peaceful and prosperous Eid. May Allah (SWT) accept our acts of worship, amen.”
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri approves ₦19.6 billion Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Yola The Adamawa State government says the hospital aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Adamawa State Fintiri explains that the facility will serve as a training center and improve healthcare services in the North-East.
Yola, Adamawa State – Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the construction of a state-of-the-art Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Yola. The proposed Mother and Child Specialist Hospital will cost the state ₦19.6 billion, and it’s expected to be completed within 52 weeks. The landmark project is designed to significantly strengthen maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services across the state.
The project aligns with Governor Fintiri’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The hospital will also improve access to quality healthcare and position Adamawa as a referral hub for specialized medical services in the North-East region.
As reported by Daily Trust, the hospital will be equipped with modern medical technology and specialized units when completed.
The state governor explained that the hospital capable units to handle high-risk pregnancies, neonatal intensive care, pediatric emergencies, and other complex medical cases affecting women and children. Mother and Child Specialist Hospital will also serve as a training and research centre for healthcare professionals.
It will help to strengthen capacity and improve the quality of medical services within the state’s health sector. It will offer other healthcare services like advanced diagnostic and laboratory services, fully equipped operating theatres, intensive care units, emergency response facilities, and modern inpatient wards designed to provide quality care for patients.
Recall that Fintiri’s administration executed over 100 infrastructural, educational, health, and social projects across Adamawa state, transforming both urban centres and rural communities. The administration completed major road networks, flyovers, and township roads, including the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Flyover, Yola, and the Nyibango-Yolde Pate Road in Yola South.
Over 100 new primary health care centres were built, while hospitals such as Numan General Hospital and Specialist Hospital, Yola, underwent comprehensive development and modernisation.
King Charles III ceremonially welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at Windsor Castle on Wednesday in the first state visit by the leader of Africa’s most populous nation in nearly four decades.
Tinubu has made less formal visits to Britain several times in his tenure, and the two countries remain major partners in trade, aid and defence. London is also home to a massive Nigerian diaspora.
King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted the president and his wife in Windsor, west of London, on a sunny afternoon as artillery fired Salutes
The Nigerian president and his wife earlier chatted with heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife Catherine at a hotel in Windsor.
The party then rode in carriages to the historic Windsor Castle, followed by cavalry in red and gold livery.
These include a Yoruba beaded throne presented to Queen Elizabeth II during an official visit in 1965.
They were also to view photographs of a Yoruba woman known as Sarah Forbes Bonetta, who became a protegee of Queen Victoria after being captured as a slave and taken to Britain by a naval captain.
In the evening, Charles and Tinubu were set to give speeches at a lavish state banquet.
‘Renewed chapter’
Nigeria’s presidency said the visit signalled a “renewed chapter” and reflected a shared commitment to “advancing trade and strengthening diplomatic ties”.
Calling the visit “historic”, London announced Nigerian companies, including banks, are expanding operations and creating hundreds of jobs in Britain, strengthening it as a global hub for African business.
Likely on the agenda are issues ranging from major Nigerian port renovations backed by Britain as well as trade, which reached £8.1 billion ($11 billion) in the year to September 2025, an 11.4 per cent year-on-year increase.
On Thursday, Tinubu is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as well as members of the Nigerian community abroad, according to the official schedule.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, a Christian pastor, is set to preach at London’s Lambeth Palace — the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury — on Thursday and meet representatives of the Church of England.
The last Nigerian state visit to the UK took place in 1989, although Tinubu was received by Charles in September 2024.
Before the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022, Charles also visited Nigeria four times as Prince of Wales.
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