The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, citing the government’s “failure to reverse the increase in petrol pump prices.”
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare announced that the suit challenges the President’s failure to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Also named as respondents in the lawsuit are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the NNPCL.
The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1361/2024, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
SERAP is asking the court to order President Tinubu to instruct the NNPCL to reverse what it describes as the “unjust, illegal, unconstitutional, and unreasonable” increase in petrol prices from N845 per litre to N600 per litre.
Additionally, SERAP seeks a court order compelling President Tinubu to direct Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL. The group also calls for the prosecution of any individuals found responsible for these alleged activities.
“The rise in petrol prices is causing severe hardship for the less privileged. As Nigeria’s economic situation worsens, this price hike is driving more people into poverty,” the group stated.
SERAP further emphasised that holding the NNPCL accountable for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector is crucial to protecting public interest.
