SERAP calls for N110 billion recovery from lawmakers after court voids allowances and car purchases
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP has urged the National Assembly leadership to recover N110 billion allegedly spent unlawfully on lawmakers' vehicles and support allowances. This call follows a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro, which found that the expenditure of N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and public trust. In a letter dated June 20, 2026, SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that the judgment necessitates consequences and full restitution for the unlawful expenditure. SERAP also called for the establishment of mechanisms to ensure future procurements comply with due process, transparency, accountability, and value for money. The organization further recommended public hearings on the National Assembly's budget and proactive publication of detailed budgetary information to enhance transparency and public participation. SERAP argued that allowing lawmakers to retain benefits from unlawful expenditure undermines public trust and constitutional principles, stating that restitution is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability. While the judgment did not explicitly order a refund, SERAP believes it provides sufficient legal grounds for recovery and has threatened further legal action if its recommendations are not implemented within seven days.
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB has announced the discontinuation of admissions into affiliated degree programs offered by Colleges of Education, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session. This decision establishes the Nigeria Certificate in Education NCE as the exclusive entry route into these institutions. The new policy, detailed in JAMB's NCE/ND Agric Registration Guidelines, also eliminates direct admission into 100 and 200 levels in Colleges of Education, requiring all new entrants to go through the NCE program. This reform impacts thousands of candidates who applied for degree programs through affiliated Colleges of Education for the 2026 admission cycle. JAMB has provided options for affected candidates, including applying for a change of institution at no cost, transferring to the parent university, or allowing their second-choice institution to become their first choice. Candidates seeking 100-level admission through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME for affiliated Colleges of Education can also change institutions, elevate their second-choice, or migrate to the NCE program. Those opting for the NCE route will need an O'Level verification code and pay a ₦700 registration fee. JAMB also introduced mandatory O'Level verification for all NCE applicants, with fees of ₦1,500 for one sitting and ₦2,000 for two sittings. The Board urged all relevant centers and officials to comply with the new guidelines.
Must ReadThe Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election. Governor Oyebanji secured re-election after polling 319,224 votes. His closest rivals were Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who received 40,533 votes, and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, who garnered 12,872 votes. The results were announced by the Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, in Ado-Ekiti. Out of 988,251 registered voters, 384,940 were accredited, with 382,109 votes cast and 375,777 valid votes. The PDP candidate notably lost in his home local government area of Efon-Alaaye, where the APC scored 8,742 votes against the PDP's 2,051.
The Foundation for Ethical Society and Cultural Awareness FESCA has urged the Federal Government to establish special courts for the swift prosecution of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism cases. The foundation also called for harsher penalties, including the death penalty where legally permissible, for convicted individuals and their collaborators. FESCA emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and property and restore public confidence in the country's security. The organization recommended legislation for special tribunals, a one million-man civilian intelligence network funded by a security levy, and community-based self-defense units under military supervision. Other recommendations include comprehensive national security databases, deployment of intelligence units to all wards and local government areas, and legislation allowing law-abiding citizens to legally possess firearms for self-defense under strict conditions. FESCA also called for investigations into security personnel suspected of collaborating with criminal groups and the large-scale deployment of drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering.