…SERAP argues that Nigerians have the right to know how public funds intended for their safety are used.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, over their alleged failure to account for billions of naira spent as “security votes” since 29 May 2023, funds intended to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
The suit follows reports of the Benue massacre and widespread insecurity in several states and the FCT, despite over N400 billion being budgeted annually as security votes. In 2026 alone, ten governors reportedly allocated about N140 billion to these funds.
Filed as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/95/2026 at the Federal High Court in Abuja last Friday, SERAP is asking the court to compel the governors and Mr. Wike to disclose how security votes have been spent from 29 May 2023 to date. The organisation also seeks detailed reports on allocation, spending, implementation status, completion reports, and any plans to improve security infrastructure in the states and FCT.
SERAP argues that Nigerians have the right to know how public funds intended for their safety are used. The organisation also contends that rising insecurity is worsening poverty, hunger, and human rights violations, while governors and the FCT minister continue to neglect their constitutional responsibility to protect citizens.
According to SERAP, the Nigerian Constitution was never meant to allow opaque spending of public funds under the guise of security votes. The group said transparency and accountability are vital to democracy and citizens’ right to know, warning that secrecy in security vote spending has long enabled misappropriation of public funds.
SERAP highlighted that, despite billions allocated yearly, many governors and the FCT minister have failed to ensure security and public welfare, contrary to Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution. Directing them to account for the funds would engage Nigerians in a meaningful dialogue on security challenges.
The organisation further noted that Freedom of Information laws apply to records of security vote spending, citing a Supreme Court ruling that clarified state governors cannot claim exemption. Failure to account for these funds violates public trust, national anti-corruption laws, and international human rights obligations.
SERAP also emphasised that security votes should be used to improve public safety or returned to the treasury, warning that treating them as personal entitlements contradicts constitutional and international standards. The group pointed out that weak state capacity, insecurity, and conflict-related disruptions continue to harm basic services, exacerbate poverty, and undermine human development in Nigeria.
No date has been set for the hearing of the suit.
