The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over the failure to enforce a court judgment linked to the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a letter dated December 13, 2025, SERAP urged the Attorney General to immediately implement a Federal High Court judgment delivered on November 10, 2025, by Justice Gladys Olotu in a Freedom of Information (FOI) suit.
The judgment ordered the Federal Government to publicly disclose the names of individuals indicted in the alleged diversion of ₦6 trillion earmarked for 13,777 abandoned NDDC projects between 2000 and 2019.
It also directed the publication of the NDDC forensic audit report submitted to the government on September 2, 2021.
According to a statement released on Sunday and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the continued failure to enforce the ruling undermines the rule of law and weakens public confidence in the judicial system.
“The judgment is final, binding and immediately enforceable. Failure to comply makes a mockery of Nigeria’s legal and judicial processes,” SERAP stated.
The organisation cited Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates all authorities and persons to enforce court judgments, warning that non-compliance constitutes a serious constitutional breach.
SERAP further warned that the Attorney General and other responsible officials could face personal liability if the judgment continues to be ignored.
“The persistent refusal to obey the court order exposes those concerned to contempt proceedings, including personal consequences,” the letter said.
The group stressed that, as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, the Attorney General has a constitutional duty to uphold court decisions, protect the public interest and ensure accountability in governance.
SERAP added that failure to act would further entrench corruption and impunity within ministries, departments and agencies, while also breaching Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The organisation gave the Attorney General a seven-day ultimatum to comply with the judgment or face legal action aimed at compelling obedience to the court order.
“If we do not hear from you within seven days of the receipt of this letter, SERAP will pursue contempt proceedings to ensure compliance with the Constitution and the rule of law,” the group warned.
