SERAP Demands Probe Into ₦3m Bribery Allegations In N’Assembly
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to refer fresh allegations of bribery in the National Assembly to anti-graft agencies for investigation.
The call followed claims by Ibrahim Auyo, a lawmaker representing Jigawa State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), who, in a viral video, alleged that members pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million before they can present bills, motions, or petitions at plenary.
In an open letter dated August 16, 2025, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and released on Sunday, SERAP insisted that the leadership of the National Assembly must identify anyone involved in the alleged bribery scandal and ensure that proceeds of such corrupt practices are recovered.
The group further called for protection of Auyo as a whistleblower, warning that the allegations, if left unchecked, would make a mockery of legislative duties and violate public trust.
SERAP stated, “The allegations that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills and proposals at the National Assembly are a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.
“Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or running of the National Assembly.”
SERAP maintained that “the allegations that lawmakers are paying up to ₦3 million as bribes in exchange for presenting motions and bills make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
The group warned that if the National Assembly leadership fails to act within seven days, it would consider legal actions to compel compliance “in the public interest.”
It added, “Referring the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions.”
Auyo had alleged that “you have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million to present [a bill].
“And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
