The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja against Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, and Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, accusing them of failing to investigate widespread claims that some lawmakers are paying between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor bills, motions and petitions in the National Assembly.
The suit numbered FHC/L/CS/2214/2025 —asks the court to compel Akpabio and Abbas (acting not only personally but on behalf of all members of the National Assembly) to refer the allegations to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies and to ensure protection for the whistleblower, Rep. Ibrahim Auyo (APC-Jigawa), who first made the disclosures in a viral Hausa-language video.
In its submission, SERAP argues that the alleged practice of paying for legislative sponsorship is “a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers” and that it “makes a mockery of law-making and legislative powers under Section 4 of the Constitution.”
As of now, no hearing date has been set for the suit.
