“Refund N110bn Now”: SERAP Gives Akpabio, Abbas Seven Days Over Unlawful Cars, Allowances

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas a 7-day ultimatum to refund N110 billion spent on luxury vehicles and allowances declared unlawful by a Federal High Court.

In a letter dated June 20, 2026, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare urged the National Assembly leadership to “ensure members refund and return to public treasury all monies, allowances and benefits derived from the N110 billion vehicle procurement and support allowance schemes”.

—Court finds breach of trust—

The demand follows a judgment by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023. The court found that spending N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for new members breached procurement laws, constitutional obligations and public trust.

SERAP said the schemes were tainted by self-dealing, conflict of interest and failure to prioritise national interest. “Allowing lawmakers to retain benefits derived from unlawful and unconstitutional expenditure would undermine public confidence in democratic institutions,” the group said.

—7-day ultimatum + reforms—

SERAP asked Akpabio and Abbas to refund the N110 billion within 7 days of receipt or publication of the letter. If not, it threatened legal action to recover the funds “in the public interest and in accordance with the rule of law”.

Beyond restitution, SERAP urged the National Assembly to:

1. Establish effective mechanisms to ensure future procurements comply with due process, transparency and value for money

2. Institutionalise public hearings on the lawmakers’ budget every budget cycle

3. Proactively publish detailed National Assembly budget and expenditure information to boost public scrutiny

“No public official should retain benefits obtained through conduct judicially determined to be unlawful and unconstitutional,” SERAP said.

It stated that “Restitution is necessary to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust, and ensure accountability.”

The group cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the State to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.

It argued that while the judgment did not expressly order a refund, the Constitution, anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s international obligations provide a compelling basis for restitution.

“The National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard public resources lies at the heart of our democratic system,” SERAP added.

“The reimbursement of unlawfully obtained benefits would help restore public trust and ensure public resources serve Nigerians, not private enrichment.”