ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has threatened legal action against the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over alleged contempt for failing to enforce a court ruling on the purported misappropriation of N6 trillion by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
In a letter dated December 13, the organisation called on Fagbemi to promptly implement a judgment delivered on November 10, 2025, by Hon. Justice Gladys Olotu in the Freedom of Information case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1360/2021.
According to a statement issued on Sunday and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the court ordered Fagbemi and President Bola Tinubu to “widely publish the names of those indicted in the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion meant to implement the abandoned 13,777 projects and in the running of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2000 and 2019.”
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The ruling also directed the release of “the NDDC forensic audit report submitted to the federal government on September 2, 2021.”
SERAP stated in the letter that failure to implement the judgment “makes a mockery of the country’s legal and judicial processes and the rule of law.”
It referenced Section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates that court judgments “shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons,”
noting that disobedience amounts to a serious violation of both the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
The group warned that persistent non-compliance could result in personal liability for Fagbemi and the president.
“The continuing failure to immediately obey Justice Olotu’s judgment exposes responsible officials to contempt proceedings, including personal liability,” the letter read.
The organisation stressed that the Attorney General, as the Federation’s Chief Law Officer, is obligated to defend the Constitution, ensure obedience to court rulings, and act in the public interest.
“Justice Olotu’s judgment is not advisory; it is final, binding, and immediately enforceable against you and President Tinubu,” the letter stated.
SERAP added that ignoring the ruling fuels corruption and impunity across ministries, departments, and agencies, while also weakening Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.
The group demanded compliance within seven days of receiving the letter, warning that failure to do so would prompt contempt proceedings to enforce the judgment.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.
“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you to compel you to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law,” it said.