SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Failure to Reverse Petrol Price Hike, Probe NNPCL Amid DSS Intimidation
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu over the failure to reverse the recent hike in petrol prices and to investigate alleged corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
This lawsuit comes despite intimidation from the Department of State Services (DSS), with reports indicating SERAP faced harassment for pursuing justice on behalf of Nigerians.
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Filed on September 13, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the case challenges the petrol price increase from ₦600 to ₦845 per litre, which SERAP argues is illegal, unconstitutional, and detrimental to citizens already grappling with economic hardships.
The case also seeks a court directive compelling Tinubu to launch an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds by the NNPCL, including a missing $15 billion and ₦200 billion in oil revenues.
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SERAP’s suit also demands that the NNPCL be held accountable for the alleged corruption linked to the misuse of $300 million bailout funds collected from the Federal Government in August 2024 and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers.
The organization contends that the rise in fuel prices is exacerbating poverty and inequality, placing an overwhelming burden on the country’s most vulnerable populations. The group further criticizes the government for failing to address long-standing issues of corruption in the oil sector, which they believe has contributed to persistent fuel price hikes.
SERAP’s legal challenge, led by human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), points to the government’s obligation under the Nigerian Constitution to ensure the welfare and rights of citizens, particularly in relation to social justice and the equitable distribution of the country’s resources.
No date has been set for the hearing of the case.
