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SERAP Challenges National Assembly Over N18.6 Billion Project Funds

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
SERAP files a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and the National Assembly Service Commission over alleged mismanagement of N18.6 billion meant for the NASC office complex.

SERAP Takes Legal Action Over Alleged Fund Mismanagement

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) over alleged discrepancies in the handling of N18.6 billion allocated for the construction of the NASC office complex.

The case arises from findings in the 2022 annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published in September 2025, which flagged irregular payments and possible contract inflation.

Allegations and Audit Findings

According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report revealed that over N11.6 billion was paid to an unnamed construction firm within a 24-month period, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

The organization further alleged that the contract value was inflated by N6.9 billion, suggesting gross financial mismanagement and potential abuse of public funds.

SERAP’s Legal Demands

In its suit, SERAP is seeking a court order compelling Akpabio, Abbas, and the NASC to:

  • Provide a detailed account of how the N18.6 billion was utilized.
  • Disclose the identity of the construction company awarded the contract.
  • Release all relevant project documents, including assessment reports, bid details, contract agreements, and Federal Executive Council approvals.

SERAP argues that public access to this information is a constitutional right and a critical step toward transparency in the management of national resources.

Breach of Public Trust and Anti-Corruption Standards

The organization contends that the alleged mishandling of funds violates constitutional principles, breaches public trust, and contravenes international anti-corruption standards to which Nigeria is a signatory.

SERAP emphasized that Nigerians have a right to know how public funds are spent, particularly in projects financed by taxpayers.

The group stated that transparency and accountability are essential to strengthening democratic institutions and preventing systemic corruption.

Background and Previous Warnings

This legal action follows SERAP’s October 2025 public call urging Akpabio and Abbas to address concerns over the alleged missing funds.

The organization’s persistence underscores its commitment to promoting accountability, preventing corruption, and ensuring responsible management of public resources in Nigeria.

The case adds to a growing list of transparency-related lawsuits filed by SERAP against government institutions, reflecting its ongoing campaign for fiscal responsibility and open governanceSEO Title:
SERAPNASCFundsCase2025: SERAP Sues National Assembly Over N18.6 Billion Project Fund Irregularities

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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