The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) over the alleged mismanagement of N128 billion in public funds.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last Friday, follows findings in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s report released on September 9, 2025.
SERAP, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the legal action, recorded as FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026, aims to compel the minister and NBET to provide a full accounting of the funds. This includes information on disbursement dates, contractors or beneficiaries, and any officials who authorised the release of the money.
The organisation also called for the disclosure of the names, official positions, and offices of all public officers involved in approving or overseeing the release of the funds.
According to SERAP, the alleged financial irregularities have worsened the country’s electricity problems, including the first major grid collapse of 2026 last week, leaving millions of Nigerians without power.
SERAP emphasised that Nigerians continue to suffer the effects of corruption in the electricity sector.
“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations,” the statement read, adding that court intervention would help restore transparency and proper management of public resources.
The rights group further argued that securing a legal order would address systemic failures in the sector.
“Granting the reliefs sought would contribute to tackling corruption in the power sector and addressing the persistent breakdown of transmission lines, as well as improving access to regular and uninterrupted electricity supply,” SERAP said.
Highlighting the direct impact on citizens, SERAP noted that Nigerians are forced to pay high electricity bills despite frequent blackouts. The organisation said the lawsuit seeks to hold public officials accountable while safeguarding citizens’ right to reliable electricity.
The case relies heavily on the Auditor-General’s 2022 audited report, which revealed multiple alleged financial discrepancies in the Ministry of Power and NBET. SERAP cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution and international anti-corruption conventions, stressing that public institutions are legally obliged to prevent corruption and ensure transparency in the use of public funds.
SERAP’s legal team representing the organisation includes Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo. As of January 25, 2026, no hearing date has been fixed.
This lawsuit adds to an ongoing series of legal challenges confronting public officials and agencies over alleged mismanagement of funds in Nigeria’s electricity sector. Past SERAP cases have targeted governors and electoral bodies over unaccounted public resources, reflecting a sustained push for accountability in governance.
SERAP has urged the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling full disclosure from the Ministry of Power and NBET, framing the matter as critical, not only for financial accountability but also for the welfare of millions of Nigerians who rely on consistent electricity supply.
