THIS DAWN — A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET), Mr. Johnson Akinnawo, for corruption.
SERAP accused them of their alleged failure to account for ₦128 billion in public funds.
The funds were said to be missing or diverted from the Ministry of Power and NBET.
The action follows serious allegations contained in the latest annual report released by the Auditor-General of the Federation on 9 September 2025.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement Against Adelabu
According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report raised grave concerns regarding financial irregularities within the power sector.
The irregularities particularly involve funds meant to support electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
SERAP argues that corruption and lack of transparency have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges.
The challenges include frequent national grid collapses. Nigerians recently experienced the first grid collapse of 2026, which plunged large parts of the country into darkness.
Details of the Court Action
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026, was filed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the Minister of Power and NBET to provide a full account of the alleged missing or diverted ₦128 billion.
The organisation insists that public officials have a constitutional and legal duty to explain how public funds are managed.
Demand on Adelabu for Full Disclosure
SERAP, meanwhile, went beyond accounting for the funds.
It also asked the court to compel Mr. Adelabu and NBET to disclose detailed information on how the ₦128 billion was allegedly spent.
This includes dates of disbursement, names of beneficiaries or contractors, as well as their registered business names and addresses.
SERAP maintains that such disclosure is essential for transparency and public trust.
Public Interest and National Impact
SERAP emphasised that Nigerians continue to suffer the consequences of widespread corruption in the power sector through unreliable electricity supply and repeated system failures.
The organisation argues that there is a strong public interest in ensuring accountability and justice in this case.
SERAP believes that granting the reliefs sought would strengthen the fight against corruption in the power sector.
It also hopes to reduce persistent transmission failures and ultimately improve access to stable and uninterrupted electricity for Nigerians.
