The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a suit against the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, over their failure to account for billions of naira spent as “security votes” since May 29, 2023.

The action follows widespread reports of insecurity, including the Benue massacre, despite over N400 billion budgeted annually for security votes, with ten governors reportedly allocating N140 billion in 2026 alone.

In the suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP seeks a court order compelling the governors and Mr. Wike to disclose detailed spending reports, including allocations, implementation status, and plans for improving security infrastructure in their jurisdictions.

Lawyers representing SERAP, Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Andrew Nwankwo, and Valentina Adegoke, argued that the lack of transparency in security votes undermines the constitutional responsibility of leaders to protect lives and property. They highlighted the risk of embezzlement or misappropriation and noted that the secrecy has fueled extreme poverty, hunger, and human rights violations.

SERAP stressed that billions of naira remain unaccounted for, and that forcing disclosure would allow Nigerians to engage in an honest conversation about the nation’s security challenges.

No date has yet been set for the hearing of the suit.