Rights group SERAP has issued a stern demand to Tinubu, urging him to expose and prosecute all individuals implicated in the N6 trillion embezzlement scandal uncovered in the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The group also called for the immediate release of the report, which has been buried since 2021.
In a letter dated July 5 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group criticized the secrecy surrounding the report, saying it was unjust to the people of the Niger Delta who have endured years of corruption and neglect. “To direct Mr. Fagbemi and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly identify those responsible for obstructing the release of the report and bring them to justice for obstruction of justice,” SERAP wrote in its letter to Tinubu.
The report, which reportedly uncovered shocking details of how over N6 trillion was siphoned between 2000 and 2019, has remained unpublished since being submitted during Buhari’s presidency. SERAP alleged that key political actors are behind its suppression. “To direct Mr. Fagbemi to immediately publish the NDDC forensic report and to name and shame those responsible for the alleged embezzlement of over N6 trillion in the NDDC, bring them to justice, and recover any proceeds of corruption, and provide adequate compensation to victims.”
The forensic audit, commissioned at public expense, reportedly cost ₦1.4 billion. Yet, it has been left gathering dust, with no action taken, while over 13,000 projects in the Niger Delta remain abandoned.
According to SERAP, the Buhari government shielded individuals named in the audit, protecting powerful interests. The organization specifically pointed out claims such as “The wife of a former minister allegedly collected N48 billion over 12 months ‘to train Niger Delta women.’ Most of the contracts in the NDDC are also allegedly given out to members of the National Assembly.”
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SERAP insisted that suppressing the report amounts to obstruction of justice and accused successive administrations of complicity in allowing impunity to flourish in the NDDC. “The forensic audit report of the NDDC can no longer be left to gather dust. The continued failure to publish the audit report undermines public trust and confidence, particularly of victims of corruption in the Niger Delta who have waited far too long for justice and accountability.”
It further warned Tinubu that failure to act within seven days would result in legal action before the ECOWAS Court of Justice. “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 take all appropriate legal actions before the ECOWAS Court of Justice to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
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