SERAP Sues Governors, Wike Over Security Vote Spending

The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a constitutional lawsuit against Nigeria’s state governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over alleged failure to account for billions of naira spent as security votes since May 29, 2023

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demands that the governors and Wike disclose detailed records of security vote expenditures, including how the funds were allocated, managed, and used to enhance security in their states. SERAP is also seeking implementation plans for security initiatives funded by these allocations. According to the human rights organisation, over ₦400 billion is budgeted annually across states for security votes, yet insecurity remains widespread, with mass killings, kidnappings, and banditry continuing in several regions. SERAP noted that citizens have a constitutional right to know how public funds are spent, stressing that the Freedom of Information Act applies to security votes. The organisation warned that lack of transparency fosters corruption and mismanagement, undermining public safety and development. This lawsuit follows a series of actions by SERAP, including Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to all 36 governors and calls for the prosecution of officials misappropriating security funds. Late in 2025, SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate alleged embezzlement of security votes and establish panels to monitor usage. No court date has been set yet, but the case is expected to set an important precedent for accountability in the management of state security funds, potentially reshaping how public resources are monitored across Nigeria.