SERAP has urged the National Assembly to refund and restitute N110 billion spent on lawmakers’ vehicles and support allowances after a Federal High Court ruled the expenditure unlawful.

Key Points

• SERAP has demanded the recovery of N110 billion spent on lawmakers’ vehicles and support allowances.

• A Federal High Court in Lagos held that the expenditure breached procurement laws and constitutional obligations.

• The spending involved N40 billion for lawmakers’ vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances.

• SERAP warned it may return to court if its recommendations are not implemented within seven days.

SERAP Demands Recovery of N110bn from Lawmakers After Court Judgment

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to refund and restitute N110 billion allegedly spent on lawmakers’ vehicles and support allowances following a judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The anti-corruption organisation said the court’s findings provide sufficient legal grounds for the recovery of public funds and the reversal of benefits derived from what it described as unlawful expenditure.

What the Court Ruled

The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, found that the spending of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected legislators breached procurement laws, constitutional obligations and public trust.

According to SERAP, the judgment established that the expenditure involved self-dealing, conflict of interest and a failure to prioritise the national interest.

The organisation argued that the ruling requires public institutions to remedy the consequences of the unlawful spending.

Breakdown of the N110 Billion Spending

Lawmakers’ Vehicles

• Amount: N40 billion

• Purpose: Purchase of 465 vehicles for lawmakers

Support Allowances

• Amount: N70 billion

• Purpose: Support allowances for newly elected lawmakers

Total Expenditure

• N110 billion

SERAP Calls for Full Restitution

In a letter dated June 20, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to immediately comply with the implications of the judgment.

The organisation said there must be consequences for the lawmakers’ failure to comply with constitutional and statutory obligations.

SERAP maintained that allowing lawmakers to retain benefits derived from expenditure declared unlawful would undermine public trust and weaken democratic accountability.

According to the group, restitution is necessary to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability in the management of public resources.

SERAP Wants More Transparency in Legislative Spending

Beyond the recovery of funds, SERAP called on the National Assembly to institutionalise public hearings on its budget during every budget cycle.

The organisation also urged lawmakers to proactively publish detailed budgetary and expenditure information to improve transparency and public confidence.

According to SERAP, open scrutiny of legislative spending is essential to ensuring accountability and meaningful public participation in governance.

SERAP Threatens Fresh Legal Action

SERAP warned that it could return to court if the National Assembly fails to act on its recommendations within seven days.

The organisation argued that although the court did not expressly order a refund of the N110 billion, the judgment, when considered alongside constitutional provisions and anti-corruption laws, provides a compelling basis for recovery.

SERAP said public institutions are constitutionally obligated to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power wherever evidence of unlawful expenditure exists.

Why This Matters

The controversy has renewed debate over transparency and accountability in the management of public funds by government institutions.

Political analysts say the case could:

• increase public scrutiny of legislative spending;

• trigger demands for greater budget transparency;

• strengthen calls for accountability in public procurement;

• influence future reforms in the management of National Assembly finances.

The case also raises broader questions about how public institutions should respond when courts find that public funds were spent unlawfully.

Quick Facts

Organisation: Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)

Amount in Dispute: N110 billion

Vehicles Expenditure: N40 billion

Support Allowances: N70 billion

Court: Federal High Court, Lagos

Judge: Justice Yellim Bogoro

Case Number: FHC/L/CS/1606/2023

Timeline Given by SERAP: Seven days

Timeline of Events

2023: Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 is filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

June 2026: Justice Yellim Bogoro rules that the expenditure breached procurement laws and constitutional obligations.

June 20, 2026: SERAP writes to the National Assembly demanding restitution and recovery of the funds.

Within Seven Days: SERAP says it may initiate further legal action if no steps are taken.

What Happens Next?

Attention will now shift to the response of the National Assembly leadership and whether mechanisms will be established to recover the disputed funds.

The case is also expected to intensify public debate over accountability, procurement practices and transparency in the management of public resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money does SERAP want recovered?

SERAP is seeking the recovery and restitution of N110 billion.

What was the money used for?

The funds comprised N40 billion for the purchase of lawmakers’ vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances.

Did the court order a refund?

The judgment did not expressly order a refund, but SERAP says the ruling provides sufficient legal grounds for recovery.

What will happen if the National Assembly fails to act?

SERAP says it may institute fresh legal proceedings to secure the recovery of the funds.