Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over allegations of missing and unaccounted-for oil revenues and funds budgeted for refinery repairs between 2020 and 2021. The allegations are based on the 2021 report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). SERAP is seeking a court order to compel President Tinubu to investigate these allegations and direct anti-corruption agencies to probe corruption involving relevant entities. Additionally, SERAP is urging that any recovered proceeds of corruption be used for the well-being of Nigerians. The organization argues that these allegations of corruption undermine the country’s economic development and erode public trust.
The lawsuit filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against President Bola Tinubu seeks an order of mandamus to compel the President to establish mechanisms for accountability and transparency in the oil sector. SERAP argues that the Nigerian Constitution, along with international conventions and agreements, imposes legal obligations on the government to prevent and investigate corruption in the management of public funds. The lawsuit cites specific instances of alleged misappropriation and calls for thorough investigation and recovery of any missing funds. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, is also named as a respondent in the suit. A hearing date has not yet been set.