Categories: News

Missing ₦57 Billion: SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Failure to Investigate Humanitarian Affairs Ministry

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu for allegedly failing to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to work with anti-corruption agencies.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the suit aims to investigate claims of over ₦57 billion in public funds being mismanaged, diverted, or stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.

The allegations are based on findings from the 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which exposed significant financial irregularities. Lateef Fagbemi has also been named as a respondent in the case.

EDITOR’S PICKS 

The suit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos under suit number FHC/L/MISC/876/2024, seeks a court order compelling President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds. SERAP also demands the prosecution of those implicated and the recovery of the missing public funds, provided there is sufficient evidence.

Presidency Obasanjo Tinubu’s Reforms

In a statement, SERAP stressed the importance of accountability, declaring, “Investigating the allegations, prosecuting those responsible, and recovering the missing ₦57 billion will send a strong message that impunity will not be tolerated.”

The group condemned the alleged misconduct as “stealing from the poor” and emphasized the need for transparency to uphold public trust.

FURTHER READING

The Auditor-General’s 2021 report detailed multiple cases of financial mismanagement within the ministry. Among the findings, over ₦54 billion earmarked for stipends for Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and trainees between August and December 2021 was reportedly unaccounted for. The report highlighted that the funds were not paid directly to beneficiaries, raising concerns about possible diversion.

In addition, over ₦2.6 billion allocated for the “home-grown school feeding program during COVID-19” was also unaccounted for, with allegations that the program was never implemented.

SERAP is calling for swift action to address the alleged irregularities, ensure accountability, and recover the funds intended to support vulnerable populations.

Click here to watch our video of the week:

James Agbenu

Share
Published by
James Agbenu

Recent Posts

National Assembly Clears JAMB Of Financial Misconduct Allegations

National Assembly clears JAMB of financial misconduct allegations. JAMB praised for prudent management of public…

16 minutes ago

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Peter Obi Urges FG to Prioritise Military Welfare

Peter Obi urges the government to prioritize military welfare. He praises the sacrifices of fallen…

30 minutes ago

Avoid These 6 Foods Completely If You Suffer From High Blood Pressure

Avoid processed and salty foods to manage high blood pressure. Sugary drinks and alcohol worsen…

33 minutes ago