Court Order: SERAP Calls on Tinubu, AGF Fagbemi to Release Names of Officials Implicated in N6 Trillion NDDC Scandal

Published

7 months ago

December 14, 2025

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Court Order: SERAP Calls on Tinubu, AGF Fagbemi to Release Names of Officials Implicated in N6 Trillion NDDC Scandal—-The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to promptly enforce a court judgment directing him and President Bola Tinubu to release the names of individuals indicted in the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion.

The funds were reportedly intended for the execution of 13,777 abandoned projects and the operational activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2000 and 2019.

The judgment was delivered on Monday, November 10, by Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, following a Freedom of Information suit (No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1360/2021) instituted by SERAP.

The court also directed Mr. Fagbemi and the President to publish and make publicly accessible the NDDC forensic audit report submitted to the federal government on September 2, 2021.

In the letter dated December 13, 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The continuing failure and/or refusal to publicly acknowledge the judgment and immediately enforce it make a mockery of the country’s legal and judicial processes and the rule of law.

“Section 287(1) of the Nigeria Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that the decisions of Nigerian courts ‘shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons.’ This constitutional provision admits no exception and leaves no ambiguity.”

According to SERAP, “the ongoing failure and/or refusal to enforce the judgment is a fundamental breach of both the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and a direct assault on the rule of law.”

The letter read in part: “The continuing failure to immediately obey Justice Olotu’s judgment exposes responsible officials to contempt proceedings, including personal liability.

“Obeying the judgment would reinforce the primacy of the Nigerian Constitution, and the country’s international obligations and show respect for the rule of law.

“It is unacceptable for the Attorney General of the Federation and the government under which you serve to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. Obeying the court judgment would go a long way in protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems.”

SERAP urged the Attorney General and President Bola Tinubu to promptly implement the court judgment, stressing that compliance would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to ending longstanding corruption and restoring public trust.

The group noted that immediate enforcement would reinforce transparency and accountability in managing Nigeria’s wealth and resources, including the NDDC.

SERAP cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986), which affirmed that the government is bound by the law and that failure to obey court orders undermines the rule of law and risks disorder.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter,” it said.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you to compel you to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law.”

SERAP highlighted that Justice Olotu’s judgment classified the NDDC forensic audit report and the names of those indicted as public records under Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act.

The court ruled that the information is not exempt under Sections 11–19, as it pertains to the management of public funds.

The judgment further stated that the refusal of the President and Attorney General to publish the report or act on its findings, despite SERAP’s formal demand, constitutes a breach of their statutory duties under the Freedom of Information Act, Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, and Nigeria’s international obligations on transparency and accountability.

“SERAP notes the recent public commitments by president Tinubu to ‘improve the welfare of the Niger Delta region and address the challenges facing the region.’ Immediately enforcing the NDDC judgment would ensure the fulfillment of these commitments,” it said.

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JUST IN: After 56 Days in Captivity, Ogbomoso Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom, Presidency Confirms

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2026

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JUST IN: After 56 Days in Captivity, Ogbomoso Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom, Presidency Confirms—-The Nigerian Presidency has confirmed that all pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations by security agencies.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday via his official X account, stating that the victims had been successfully rescued after spending weeks in captivity.

The mass abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men riding motorcycles and dressed in military camouflage stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attackers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, firing gunshots to create panic before whisking away dozens of pupils and teachers.

Among those kidnapped were children as young as two years old, alongside at least seven teachers, in one of the most shocking school abductions recorded in Nigeria’s southwest region.

The assailants reportedly marched their captives into the forests surrounding Old Oyo National Park, an area increasingly associated with the activities of armed criminal groups. The incident triggered widespread fear across affected communities, forcing schools to close indefinitely as worried parents withdrew their children from classrooms.

The abduction sparked national outrage, with civil society organizations, activists, celebrities, and concerned citizens demanding urgent intervention from authorities. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) also declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, insisting on stronger security measures to protect schools and educational workers.

In response, a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, police personnel, and local hunters was launched. Security operatives reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a series of confrontations as efforts intensified to secure the safe return of the victims.

The successful rescue marks the end of a traumatic ordeal that gripped Oyo State and drew attention to the persistent threat of school abductions in parts of the country. Families, community leaders, and education stakeholders have welcomed the development, while calls continue for improved security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Presidency has yet to release full details of the rescue operation, but the announcement has brought relief to families and communities who endured weeks of uncertainty following the abduction.

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Argentina Stun Egypt with Three-Goal Blitz, Messi Leads Heroic Comeback

Published

3 days ago

July 7, 2026

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Argentina Stun Egypt with Three-Goal Blitz, Messi Leads Heroic Comeback—-The defending champions looked destined for elimination after falling 2-0 behind to Egypt, but Lionel Messi inspired a breathtaking late comeback as Argentina scored three goals in the final 11 minutes to win 3-2 and keep their World Cup title defence alive.

Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in an unforgettable Round of 16 clash and book their place in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi once again proved the difference, scoring the equaliser after earlier missing a penalty before Enzo Fernández completed the remarkable turnaround in stoppage time.

The reigning world champions dominated possession from the opening whistle but were stunned in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim rose above Lisandro Martínez to power home a header from Marwan Attia’s corner. Argentina had the perfect opportunity to respond six minutes later after Nicolás Tagliafico won a penalty, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly to deny Messi from the spot—his second penalty miss of the tournament. Shobeir continued his outstanding performance before halftime, producing excellent saves to frustrate Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez as Egypt carried a 1-0 lead into the break.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half, only for Mostafa Zico’s effort to be ruled out following a VAR review. The Pharaohs refused to be discouraged, however, and eventually found a second goal in the 67th minute when Zico finished a swift counterattack after brilliant work from Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan, leaving Argentina facing a shock World Cup exit.

With time running out, Lionel Scaloni’s side mounted an extraordinary fightback. Cristian Romero sparked hope in the 79th minute, rising unmarked to head home Messi’s inviting free-kick. Four minutes later, Messi redeemed his earlier penalty miss by firing a powerful effort that clipped the goalkeeper’s gloves before crashing in off the underside of the crossbar to level the score at 2-2 and ignite wild celebrations among the Argentina supporters.

As extra time loomed, Argentina completed the impossible. Deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area where Enzo Fernández arrived to guide a composed header into the bottom corner, sealing a sensational 3-2 victory and one of the greatest comeback wins in World Cup knockout history.

The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive and sends them into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia. For Egypt, it was a devastating end to a superb performance, having come within minutes of eliminating the defending champions before Argentina’s late surge turned the match on its head.

Messi’s goal not only rescued Argentina but also added another chapter to his extraordinary World Cup legacy. Despite the missed penalty, the 39-year-old captain delivered when his nation needed him most, inspiring a comeback that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 tournament.

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