Category Nigeria News

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) said it has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged failure to account for a “missing or diverted” ₦55.9 billion earmarked for election materials for the 2019 general elections.

The allegations are contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on 9 September 2025, and posted by SERAP on its official X handle on Sunday.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, filed last Friday before the Federal High Court, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to account for the funds allegedly meant for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, described the findings in the Auditor-General’s report as a “grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), and international anti-corruption standards.”

According to SERAP, INEC must demonstrate transparency and accountability to guarantee credible elections.

SERAP is also asking the court to order INEC to disclose the names of all contractors paid the ₦55.9 billion, as well as the identities of their directors and shareholders.

The group argued that “INEC must operate without corruption if the commission is to ensure free and fair elections in the country and uphold Nigerians’ right to participation.”

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

SERAP further contended that unresolved allegations of financial misconduct could undermine future elections, insisting that perpetrators, including contractors allegedly involved, must be prosecuted and any proceeds of corruption fully recovered.

“INEC cannot properly carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities to conduct free and fair elections if it continues to fail to uphold the basic principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” SERAP said.

The organisation also warned that allegations of corruption in the procurement of election materials directly threaten Nigerians’ right to participate in elections that are “free, fair, transparent and credible.”

SERAP cited the Auditor-General’s report, which stated that INEC “irregularly paid” over ₦5.3 billion to a contractor for the supply of smart card readers for the 2019 elections without approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence of supplies.

Although INEC reportedly claimed the procurement fell under national security exemptions, the Auditor-General rejected the explanation as “alien to the Procurement Act” and insisted that a Certificate of No Objection from the BPP was required, expressing concern that the funds “may have been diverted.”

The audit report also alleged that INEC paid over ₦4.5 billion to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without documentary evidence of supply, approvals, or proof of contractors’ eligibility, including tax and pension clearance certificates.

READ ALSO: 2026 Budget: FG To Spend ₦1.096trn On Capital Electricity Projects

Further allegations include questionable payments of over ₦331 million under “doubtful circumstances,” failure to deduct and remit more than ₦2.1 billion in stamp duties, non-retirement of over ₦630 million in cash advances to staff, and the award of contracts exceeding ₦41 billion for election materials without due process or proof of contractors’ competence.

The Auditor-General also queried the irregular award of a ₦297 million contract for the supply of four Toyota Land Cruisers, noting that market surveys showed the vehicles did not exceed ₦50 million each at the time, despite INEC’s claim of paying ₦74 million per unit.

Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband,  Ivara Esege, have asked a private hospital in Lagos, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, to produce within seven days complete medical records and evidence preservation in relation to the tragic death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

The demand was made through a letter, dated January 10, 2026, from a top-tier law firm, Pinheiro LP, and signed by the Founding Partner, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).

In the four-page letter, the hospital was accused of “prima facie breaches of the duty of care” in the treatment of the child on January 6-7, 2026.

The child, born on March 25, 2024, died on January 7, 2026, during medical procedures at the hospital.

The letter addressed to the Medical Director of the hospital, Tosin Majekodunmi, stated that the child was referred from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for various procedures, including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, PICC line insertion, and lumbar puncture, in preparation for transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where a specialist team was awaiting.

READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Probes Alleged Negligence In Death Of Chimamanda’s Son

The letter also stated that sedation with propofol was administered to the child at the hospital, but during transfer after the MRI, he experienced sudden complications resulting in his death.

The lawyers raised significant concerns about the hospital’s handling of the treatment of the child.

They alleged, “A preliminary evaluation of the facts, viewed against established standards of paediatric anaesthetic and procedural care, raises serious and substantive concerns,” and identified 12 specific issues.

“These included the appropriateness of propofol use, dosing, airway protection during sedation, lack of oxygen during transfer, absence of monitoring, and failure to follow pediatric anaesthesia and patient safety protocols.

“The foregoing matters disclose prima facie breaches of the duty of care owed to the deceased child, and held the hospital, the anaesthesiologist, and all attending medical staff liable for medical negligence that led to his death.

The letter specifically demanded that the hospital release, within seven days, certified copies of all records related to the child’s care, including admission notes, consent forms, drug charts, monitoring and procedural records, ICU reports, incident reports, and details of all involved medical personnel.

Additionally, the hospital is formally instructed to preserve all evidence relevant to this matter, whether physical, electronic, or digital,” such as CCTV footage, electronic monitoring data, pharmacy records, and internal reviews.

The lawyers warned that destroying or altering evidence after receiving the notice will be considered obstruction of justice, with legal consequences.

They stated that failure to comply within 7 days would result in further legal, regulatory, and judicial actions against the hospital and its personnel, with the plaintiffs’ rights and claims fully reserved.

“Non-compliance within the 7-day window would trigger ‘all available legal, regulatory, and judicial remedies against your hospital and all medical personnel involved, including yourself,” the letter stated, issued “without prejudice to our clients’ rights, claims, and remedies, all of which are hereby expressly reserved,” the lawyers stated.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its operational tactics, saying the agency can forcefully enter premises to effect arrests for those suspected of committing financial crimes. 

“Look, if I had to break down a door for me to effect an arrest, I would do that. And you see the FBI do that, you see NCA do that,” the chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, said during an exclusive interview with Channels Television aired on Sunday Politics. “So why is our law different?” 

The EFCC has been under intense criticism for its mode of operation, especially when arresting suspected cyber criminals. 

READ ALSO: [Alleged Corruption] EFCC Not Witch-Hunting Malami, Opposition Politicians — Olukayode

Critics accuse the EFCC of unprofessionalism, arguing that similar agencies abroad adopt more refined approaches to arresting suspects.

However, Olukoyede says the anti-graft agency is working in line with global best practices and is calling for cooperation from Nigerians. 

“It’s important for us to appreciate the institutions we have in Nigeria and make them work. Foreigners will not do it for us,” the EFCC chief said during the interview. 

“We have had calls to carry out operations with our counterparts abroad — the FBI, the NCA — and the records are there. Professionally, we have been given laws in respect to professionalism. I, as a person, have been to so many countries. 

“I have had cause to receive the Director of the FBI in my office to acknowledge what we do here — again, from America — to acknowledge our work.

“So if foreigners acknowledge what we do, what about Nigerians? Why can’t we allow these institutions to survive? If we have been complaining that corruption is our problem, look, nobody is perfect.

“You are not going to get a perfect institution anywhere in the world. We have our shortcomings, but with our modest achievements, Nigerians should support us because what we do is for Nigeria. It is for the progress of this country.”

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is attending a church service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

Also in attendance is his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and other senior government officials.

The service marked the first public appearance of Governor Fubara and his deputy since fresh impeachment proceedings were initiated against the Governor on Thursday by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Confirms Impeachment Notices Served To Gov Fubara, Deputy

The latest move represents the third impeachment attempt against the Governor in less than three years.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service is being held in honour of fallen Nigerian servicemen and women who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation’s unity and sovereignty, as well as to pray for the repose of their souls and the safety of those still in active service.

The Edo State Government has reiterated its strong commitment to the safety and security of the lives and property of residents of the state, declaring that decisive measures are already yielding results in the fight against kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities.

According to a Saturday statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo stated this while addressing growing public concerns over security.

Okpebholo emphasised that his administration has made massive investments in modern security apparatus, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration to confront criminal elements head-on.

The governor affirmed that the issue of kidnapping is being seriously and strategically addressed, noting that security operations are ongoing across the state.

He stressed that security matters are sensitive and not always suitable for public debate, as premature disclosures could undermine operational effectiveness.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Decries ‘Lack Of Transparency’ In MOWAA Project

While stating that the government respects the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, Governor Okpebholo warned against attempts by unscrupulous individuals or groups to exploit public sentiments to destabilise the peace and security of the state.

“This administration will not allow criminals or their sponsors to take Edo State hostage. Anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism, or any form of criminality will be tracked down and brought to justice. There will be no hiding place for perpetrators,” he stated.

The governor urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to continue with their normal daily activities, assuring them that the government is firmly in control of the security situation.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his determination to win the battle against crime and restore lasting peace across Edo State, calling on citizens to support security agencies by providing useful information and refusing to shield criminals in their communities.

Doctors in Edo State have halted medical services across parts of the 18 local government areas as they continue their strike action over the abduction of one of their colleagues, Dr Ibrahim Babatunde.

Despite assurances from security agencies that efforts to secure his release are ongoing, the doctors said they could no longer work under an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The industrial action sparked concern among patients and their families, many of whom are now bearing the brunt of the disruption.

A relative of a patient who recently underwent an amputation described the strike as distressing, given the critical condition of their loved one.

READ ALSO: 25 Abducted Children Rescued In Plateau

Speaking to Channels Television, the Chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors at Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Dr Paul Evbuomwan, expressed concern over the constant threat health workers face.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect both medical personnel and residents across the state.

The strike has left many hospitals operating at minimal capacity, raising fears over the provision of essential medical care in the state.

Security concerns over the safety of health workers has rise over the years, worsened by the spate of abductions in the country.

In November 2025, a consultant neurosurgeon, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, was kidnapped by Gunmen.

Reports from NAUTH indicated that the doctor was attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, after performing several complex neurosurgical operations.