The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to immediately enforce a Federal High Court judgment ordering the publication of the names of individuals indicted in the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The funds, intended for 13,777 abandoned projects and the operations of the NDDC between 2000 and 2019, were highlighted in a forensic audit report submitted to the federal government on September 2, 2021. Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on November 10, 2025, following a Freedom of Information suit filed by SERAP (No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1360/2021).
In a letter dated December 13, 2025, SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare criticized the failure to comply with the court ruling, describing it as a “fundamental breach of the Nigerian Constitution” and a direct assault on the rule of law. The organization warned that continued refusal to enforce the judgment could lead to contempt proceedings against responsible officials.
The court classified the NDDC forensic audit report and the names of those indicted as public records under the Freedom of Information Act, stating that they are not exempt as they relate to the management of public funds. SERAP emphasized that immediate enforcement would promote transparency, accountability, and public trust, and align with President Tinubu’s commitments to improving the welfare of the Niger Delta region.
SERAP further cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986), affirming that government officials are legally bound to comply with court orders, with failure to do so undermining the rule of law.
The organization requested that the recommended measures be taken within seven days of the receipt of its letter, warning that failure to act may compel legal action to uphold the Constitution.
