SERAP Drags Power Minister, NBET to Court Over Alleged N128bn Power Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) over their alleged failure to account for N128 billion in public funds.

The suit, filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja, was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

According to the statement, the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026, was instituted last Friday and is based on allegations contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s report published on September 9, 2025.

In the action, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling the Minister of Power and NBET to account for what it described as “missing or diverted” N128bn allegedly traced to the Ministry of Power and NBET. The organisation is also seeking a court order directing the defendants to publicly disclose how the funds were spent, including dates of disbursement and the identities of beneficiaries or contractors involved.

SERAP further wants the court to mandate the disclosure of the names, official positions and offices of all public officials who authorised, approved or were otherwise involved in the release of the disputed funds.

The organisation said Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of corruption in the electricity sector, particularly in the face of persistent grid collapses and unreliable power supply.

“There is a clear public interest in ensuring accountability and justice over these serious allegations,” SERAP stated, arguing that the reliefs sought would help address deep-rooted problems in the power sector.

According to the group, compelling transparency would contribute to curbing corruption, reducing frequent transmission failures and improving access to stable and uninterrupted electricity nationwide.

SERAP also warned that corruption has worsened the hardship faced by electricity consumers, noting that many Nigerians remain without power while still being burdened with exorbitant electricity bills.

The suit was filed by SERAP’s legal team, comprising Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, and is anchored on findings from the Auditor-General’s 2022 audited report, which allegedly highlighted several financial irregularities involving the Ministry of Power and NBET.

SERAP cited relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and international anti-corruption treaties, insisting that public institutions are legally obligated to uphold transparency, accountability and the eradication of corruption.

No hearing date has been fixed for the matter.