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SERAP drags Akpabio to court over budget padding

Published

2 years ago

April 7, 2024

Senator Ahmed Ningi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio

SERAP drags Akpabio to court over budget padding

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over “the failure to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningi who blew the whistle on the allegations.”

Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of Nigeria’s Senate.

It would be recalled that whistleblower Ningi last month was suspended for three months over his allegations that the 2024 budget was padded by over N3 trillion and that the country is operating two budgets.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.”

SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to immediately take steps to ensure the reinstatement of whistleblower Abdul Ningi who was suspended from the Senate over his allegations that the lawmakers padded the 2024 budget by irregularly inserting projects worth N3.7 trillion.”

SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to put in place transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the trillions of Naira budgeted for constituency projects are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

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In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Granting this application would serve the public interest, encourage whistleblowers to speak up, improve public services, and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.”

SERAP is arguing that, “Directing Mr Akpabio to refer these allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies and to reinstate whistleblower Abdul Ningi would be entirely consistent and compatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The allegations by Senator Ningi amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and democratic accountability in the Senate in particular and the country as a whole.”

According to SERAP, “Suspension of Senator Ningi by the Senate followed a seriously flawed process and it amounts to retaliation.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Senator Ningi’s status as a whistleblower is not diminished even if the perceived threat to the public interest has not materialised, since he would seem to have reasonable grounds to believe in the accuracy of the allegations of budget padding and corruption in the Senate.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “It is in the public interest and the interest of justice to grant this application. No whistleblower should ever be penalised simply for making a public interest disclosure.”

“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies would help to address the lingering problem of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects.”

“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would also ensure probity and accountability in the budget process.”

“Investigating and prosecuting the allegations of budget padding and corruption would end the impunity of perpetrators. It would build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.”

“Years of allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services.”

“Allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have also continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens in several communities and the public interest.”

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“Combating budget padding would improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of ministries, departments and agencies to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”

“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

“Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the National Assembly including the Senate to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”

“Section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution and sections 13 and 18 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act constrain the ability of the National Assembly to unilaterally insert its own allocations in the budget without following the due process of law.”

“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.”

“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the National Assembly including the Senate to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”

“Article 33 of the Convention requires government institutions including the Senate to ensure the protection of whistleblowers against any unjustified treatment. Granting this application would ensure that these commitments are fully upheld and respected.”

“Senator Ningi is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Senator Ningi is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on alleged budget padding and corruption in the Senate in the context of carrying out his work as Senator.”

“According to our information, Senator Abdul Ningi, the former Chairperson of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), recently told BBC Hausa that the lawmakers sought the service of a private auditor and discovered irregularities in the budget.”

“Senator Ningi reportedly said, ‘For example, we had a budget of N28 trillion but after our thorough checks, we found out that it was a budget of N25 trillion. How and where did we get the additional N3 trillion from, what are we spending it for?.’”

“According to BudgIT, a total of 7,447 projects culminating in N2.24tn were indiscriminately inserted in the 2024 budget by the National Assembly. 281 projects worth N491bn, and 3,706 projects within the range of N100–500m, worth 759bn were inserted in the budget.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

SERAP drags Akpabio to court over budget padding

Sun

Related Topics:Akpabio EFCC Featured ICPC SERAP

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BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos State deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat

BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat

BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/A4bRwBXauM

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The endorsement was made on Monday at the Lagos House, Marina, during a meeting that brought together key political stakeholders and members of the state executive council.

The development signals an early alignment within Lagos political leadership as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, particularly within the ruling party structure in the state.

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Although full details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed, sources indicate that the governor’s endorsement reflects continuity in governance and ongoing confidence in his deputy’s role in the current administration.

In recent weeks, Hamzat has reportedly been engaging in consultative visits with political leaders, party stakeholders, and community representatives across Lagos State, strengthening his visibility within the state’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.

Political analysts say the endorsement could significantly shape internal party dynamics, given Lagos State’s history of structured succession planning and strong influence within national politics.

Observers also note that such early positioning often plays a key role in consolidating support within party ranks, particularly in a politically strategic state like Lagos.

The ruling party has yet to issue a formal statewide statement detailing the broader implications of the endorsement, but political discussions around the 2027 governorship race have already begun gaining momentum.

Further developments are expected as political consultations continue across various levels of government and party structures in the state.

Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Hamzat for 2027 Lagos Governorship Race at Lagos House

BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/FCv8SZqqTn

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026

BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

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Sowore Confronts Malami in Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari…’

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN

Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’

A dramatic moment unfolded on Monday at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja when former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, confronted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, during ongoing proceedings involving multiple legal disputes.

The encounter, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, showed Sowore directly addressing Malami inside the court premises, linking his current legal challenges to actions taken during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Malami is currently facing charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), including allegations of money laundering, unlawful possession of firearms, and alleged unlawful acquisition of assets. He is also challenging interim forfeiture orders placed on some of his properties.

During the encounter, Sowore told the former minister:
“You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari, you were bragging. We warned you then that there was failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you.”

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The exchange drew the attention of lawyers, court officials, and observers present in the courtroom, with some reportedly reacting with subdued laughter as the tense but brief interaction unfolded.

Sowore also attempted to further engage Malami politically, offering him a symbolic orange beret associated with his “Revolution Now” movement, which calls for systemic political and governance reforms in Nigeria.

“I want to give you my cap. This is a revolutionary cap,” he said.

Despite the confrontation, Sowore acknowledged Malami’s composure during the moment, while reiterating his broader criticism of Nigeria’s political and justice system.

“At least I’m glad that you are strong. We are not all on the same side. Even the oppressors are oppressing you now… no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you,” he added.

In response, Malami maintained a calm posture and reaffirmed his confidence in the judicial process, stating that he remains committed to attending court proceedings and defending himself against the allegations.

“I can never be down. I have been attending all my court sittings. I will keep attending. And I remain strong,” he said.

The incident has since triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating both the propriety of the courtroom exchange and the broader political tensions surrounding Malami’s ongoing legal battles.

Observers say the episode highlights the increasingly public intersection between courtroom proceedings, political activism, and social media-driven political commentary in Nigeria.

Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’

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Nigerians Risk Visa Denials Over Overstay Violations, US Warns

Published

16 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

US Embassy in Nigeria

Nigerians Risk Visa Denials Over Overstay Violations, US Warns

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reiterated its warning that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could have far-reaching consequences, not only for offenders but also for other applicants seeking entry into the United States.

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the mission stressed that strict adherence to U.S. immigration rules is essential to maintaining fair and open access for legitimate travellers from Nigeria.

According to the advisory, when individuals overstay their visas or violate entry conditions, it can negatively impact how applicants from the same country are assessed, potentially leading to stricter scrutiny, delays, or visa denials.

“Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens,” the mission stated. “Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly.”

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The warning aligns with long-standing U.S. immigration policies enforced by the U.S. Department of State, which tracks entry and exit records of foreign visitors. Travellers who remain in the U.S. beyond their authorised period—typically indicated on their I-94 admission record—may face penalties such as visa cancellation, ineligibility for future visas, or multi-year re-entry bans, depending on the duration of the overstay.

The mission noted that thousands of Nigerians travel annually to the United States for education, business, tourism, and family visits, and urged all visitors to comply fully with the conditions of their visas throughout their stay.

It also raised concerns about visa fraud and misuse of travel documents, warning that such practices undermine the integrity of the system and could further affect legitimate applicants.

To curb abuse, the mission encouraged members of the public with credible information about visa fraud to report through its consular fraud prevention channels, including dedicated email contacts for Abuja and Lagos.

Officials emphasised that maintaining high compliance rates among travellers helps preserve Nigeria’s standing in global mobility assessments and supports smoother visa processing for genuine applicants.

The U.S. Mission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, legal, and orderly travel between Nigeria and the United States, while ensuring that those who follow the rules are not disadvantaged by violations committed by others.