The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, over their alleged failure to investigate claims that lawmakers pay as much as N3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.

The lawsuit, numbered FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, was filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja. SERAP said it took the legal action following a viral video in which a House of Representatives member, Hon. Ibrahim Auyo (APC–Jigawa), alleged that legislators pay between ₦1 million and N3 million to introduce bills and motions.

In the suit, SERAP urged the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Senator Akpabio and Speaker Abbas to refer the bribery allegations to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for thorough investigation and possible prosecution of any lawmakers involved.

The group also asked the court to compel the National Assembly leadership to take all necessary steps to protect Hon. Auyo, whom it described as a whistleblower, from any form of retaliation or intimidation.

According to the organisation, the alleged “N3m Bribe-for-Bills” practice constitutes a serious violation of public trust, the lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office, and Nigeria’s international anti-corruption obligations.

SERAP argued that: “Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions or bills at the National Assembly. Bribery should never influence legislative duties or the running of the parliament.”

The rights group added that such practices undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights and make a mockery of the legislature’s role under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In a statement signed by SERAP’s legal team, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo — the group maintained that compelling the leadership of the National Assembly to act would restore public confidence in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.

SERAP further stated that Nigeria’s commitment under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) requires all public institutions, including the National Assembly, to prevent and punish all forms of corruption.

“Ensuring the investigation of the alleged N3m bribe-for-bills and prosecution of those involved will improve transparency and accountability in the National Assembly,” the group said.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the case.