Tinubu Sued Over Missing ₦57 Billion In Public Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu for failing to investigate claims of reports of the theft or diversion of N57b from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

These allegations involve over ₦57 billion from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.

The accusations are based on the 2021 audit report recently released by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi is also named as a respondent in the lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

SERAP is urging the court to order President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General to collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to investigate the missing funds. The group also wants those responsible to face prosecution if there is sufficient evidence and to ensure the recovery of the stolen funds.

In its argument, SERAP emphasized that addressing these allegations would discourage impunity and help tackle corruption in government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The organization stated: “Granting the reliefs sought would go a long way in addressing corruption in MDAs and the country’s budget deficit and debt problems.”

According to the audit report, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs failed to account for ₦54.63 billion allocated for stipends for Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees between August and December 2021.

Other funds allegedly misused by the Ministry include ₦2.6 billion meant for the Covid-19 home-grown school feeding program, which the report claims was never executed. The Auditor-General suspects the funds may have been diverted, as payments to contractors for Covid-19 palliatives in Kano, Zamfara, and Abia states could not be traced.

The Ministry also reportedly spent ₦78 million on a Covid-19 response survey without proper documentation or approval. Additionally, ₦39.5 million in personal donations and ₦400 million for stipends to independent monitors remain unaccounted for.

The Auditor-General has recommended the recovery of these funds and their return to the treasury. However, no hearing date has been set for the case yet.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG