The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to file contempt proceedings against the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for failing to enforce a court judgment ordering the publication of names of individuals indicted in the alleged misappropriation of ₦6 trillion by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a letter dated December 13, the civil society organisation urged Fagbemi to immediately comply with the judgment delivered on November 10, 2025, by Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a Freedom of Information suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1360/2021.
According to a statement signed on Sunday, December 14, by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the judgment directed President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Justice to “widely publish the names of those indicted in the alleged misappropriation of ₦6 trillion meant to implement the abandoned 13,777 projects and in the running of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2000 and 2019.”
The court also ordered the federal government to release the full NDDC forensic audit report submitted on September 2, 2021.
SERAP described the refusal to enforce the ruling as “a mockery of the country’s legal and judicial processes and the rule of law.”
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The organisation reminded the Attorney-General that Section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution binds all authorities to obey court orders.
“The continuing failure to immediately obey Justice Olotu’s judgment exposes responsible officials to contempt proceedings, including personal liability,” the letter warned.
The group further noted, “Justice Olotu’s judgment is not advisory; it is final, binding, and immediately enforceable against you and President Tinubu.”
SERAP stressed that non-compliance would embolden corruption and undermine Nigeria’s obligations under both domestic and international law. It gave the Attorney-General seven days to execute the ruling or face legal action.
“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,” the letter said.