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SERAP files suit against Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and NBET over alleged ₦128bn missing funds
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Lawsuit relies on findings in the Auditor-General’s 2022 report on the power sector
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Group seeks court orders compelling full disclosure, recovery, and accountability
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) over the alleged failure to account for ₦128 billion in public funds.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja and is based on allegations contained in the 2022 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published in September 2025.
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SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling Adelabu and NBET to account for the missing or diverted funds and to disclose details of how the money was spent, including dates of disbursement and identities of beneficiaries and contractors.
The organisation also wants the court to order the disclosure of the names and official positions of public officers involved in authorising or approving the release of the funds.
According to SERAP, the alleged financial mismanagement has contributed to persistent power failures and recent national grid collapses, forcing Nigerians to endure poor electricity supply while paying high tariffs.
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The Auditor-General’s report alleged that the Ministry of Power failed to account for several payments, including billions transferred to power project accounts, undocumented contractor payments, unapproved foreign travel expenses, and irregular advances to staff.
The report also accused NBET of irregular contract awards, unauthorised transfers to unnamed beneficiaries, undocumented payments to power companies, extra-budgetary spending, and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
SERAP argued that the allegations amount to a grave violation of public trust, constitutional provisions, and international anti-corruption standards, adding that accountability in the power sector is critical to improving electricity supply nationwide.
The organisation maintained that granting the reliefs sought would help curb corruption, recover public funds, and end impunity in the electricity sector.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
