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SERAP Urges National Assembly Leadership to Refer N3m Bill Presentation Bribery Alegations to EFCC, ICPC

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to “urgently refer the allegations that lawmakers pay up to ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.”

The SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to name anyone that may be involved in the alleged bribery and to ensure the recovery of any proceeds of bribery.”

The SERAP also urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to ensure the protection of whistle-blower, Ibrahim Auto, a member of the House of Representatives (APC, Jigawa), who made the allegations of ‘bribes for bills, motions and petitions’.”

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Ibrahim Auro, had recently alleged in a viral video recorded in Hausa that members of the National Assembly pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million each to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.

In the open letter dated 16 August 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The allegations that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills and proposals at the National Assembly are a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.”

The SERAP said, “Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly. Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or running of the National Assembly. These allegations of quid pro quo for lawmaking have seriously undermined Nigerians’ democratic rights.”

According to the SERAP, “The allegations that lawmakers are paying up to N3 million as bribes in exchange for presenting motions and bills make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”

The open letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our requests in the public interest.”

“These allegations have exposed how lawmakers are abusing their entrusted positions to deny Nigerians of their democratic rights.”

“Referring the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions.”

“By exercising strong and effective leadership in this matter, the National Assembly leadership can show Nigerians that the legislative body is a proper and accountable watchdog that represents and protects the public interest, and is able to hold itself to account in cases of corruption including bribery.”

“The allegations also amount to fundamental breaches of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s anticorruption legislation and international obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”

“Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on alleged bribery to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.”

“SERAP is concerned about the persistent allegations of corruption in the National Assembly and the prevailing culture of impunity of perpetrators.”

“Ensuring the investigation of allegations that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions and prosecution of suspected perpetrators would improve transparency and accountability in the National Assembly, and build trust in democratic institutions.”

“SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions including the National Assembly to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

“Nigeria has also made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to prevent and combat corruption including bribery. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.”

“Ibrahim Auyo had alleged that the process of presenting motions and bills at the National Assembly is financially prohibitive. According to him, ‘Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass. And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for.’”

“Ibrahim Auyo, also said, ‘You have to pay from N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million to present it. And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.’” SERAP is concerned that there may be similar unreported allegations of ‘bribes for bills’ in the Senate.”

Crime

How Ogun Driver Allegedly Stole Boss’s ₦45m Lexus and Plotted to Sell It for ₦10m in Cotonou

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The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a Lexus 460 SUV valued at ₦45 million, hours after it was allegedly stolen by its owner’s driver, who reportedly conspired with two other individuals to transport the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sale at ₦10 million.

The breakthrough followed a report received by detectives of the Agbado Division on November 12, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., concerning the alleged theft of a black Lexus 460 SUV by the owner’s 28-year-old driver, Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel.

The statement was issued on November 13, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, anipr, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the driver had conveyed his employer to his office earlier in the day but subsequently left with the vehicle without authorisation, allegedly claiming that his wife was indisposed.

He reportedly drove the vehicle to meet two other individuals identified as Akeem Olawale, 34, and Monday Keshi, who is currently at large.

The suspects had allegedly arranged to take the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sale at ₦10 million, despite its estimated value of ₦45 million.

Upon receiving the report, detectives of the Agbado Division immediately swung into action, deploying their investigative resources to track down the suspects.

The operation led to the arrest of one of the suspects at Agbado Crossing at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day, while the stolen Lexus was successfully recovered.

During preliminary investigation, the arrested suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the planned movement of the vehicle to Cotonou for sale.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, while the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation and further necessary action.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commended the detectives for their vigilance, swift response and professionalism.

He reiterated the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations, disrupt criminal networks and ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.

The command also assured residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, while encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist police operations.

 

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Crime

Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Serial Burglar, Recover Stolen Items Worth ₦16.2m

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The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial burglar, Nasiru Abiodun, over multiple burglary incidents in the Ejiooku/Iyana Offa area of Ibadan, recovering stolen property estimated at ₦16.22 million.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

According to the statement, the suspect was arrested on October 31, 2026, at about 9:45 a.m. following a report from concerned residents of Oyewole Zone 2, Ile-Igbon, in the Ejiooku/Iyana Offa area.

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Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Maku Base, reportedly apprehended Abiodun at a residential apartment with a sack containing house cables and other valuable items estimated at ₦3 million.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to burgling four different residential apartments within the area, carting away house cables, mobile phones, motorcycle batteries and other household valuables.

The police put the total estimated value of items stolen from the four apartments at ₦16.22 million, adding that some of the stolen property had already been recovered from the suspect.

Following his confession, operatives visited the identified crime scenes to establish relevant facts and advance the investigation.

The Command said efforts had been intensified to recover the remaining stolen items and apprehend other individuals suspected of receiving the stolen property.

It also appealed to residents of Ejiooku/Iyana Offa, Ile-Igbon and adjoining communities who may have experienced burglaries recently to report such incidents to the nearest police station or the Maku Base of the VCRU.

The appeal, according to the police, is aimed at identifying other possible victims and facilitating the recovery of additional stolen property.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities through proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with members of the public.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information that could assist the police in preventing and detecting crime.

The police provided the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free number, 615, and the Command’s control room numbers, 08081768614 and 07055495413, for emergency reports.

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Crime

Navy Uncovers 132,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil in Bonny

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The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 132,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Allison community, Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State.

This was detailed in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, in which he disclosed that the Forward Operating Base Bonny discovered the stolen crude oil under Operation Delta Sentinel, following actionable intelligence.

He said the operation uncovered 10 dugout pits, adding that the site and the recovered products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.

“The operation reinforces the importance of intelligence-led action in identifying concealed petroleum stockpiles and disrupting the infrastructure that enables crude oil theft and the unauthorised movement of petroleum products.

“The Nigerian Navy will sustain efforts to locate and dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt the networks facilitating crude oil theft across the Niger Delta,” the statement said.

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The Navy urged community leaders, residents, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to promptly report crude oil theft, illegal refining, suspicious petroleum storage and the unauthorised movement of petroleum products to the nearest security agency.

Timely, credible information, the statement said, could enable swift intervention and prevent illicit activities from expanding.

“Safeguarding the nation’s critical petroleum assets requires vigilance and active cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve. The Navy therefore urges the public to remain alert and support lawful efforts to protect national resources,” Folorunsho concluded.

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