The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a landmark lawsuit against Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, over alleged lack of transparency in the use of billions of naira allocated as security votes since May 29, 2023.

In a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/95/2026), SERAP is demanding that the governors and the FCT minister publicly disclose detailed accounts of security vote spending, including allocations, project implementation, and impact on security outcomes.

Security votes — discretionary funds intended to strengthen state security apparatus — have long attracted scrutiny over opaque spending. SERAP argues that the secrecy undermines democratic accountability and violates citizens’ rights to information under the Freedom of Information Act.

The advocacy group noted that while certain sensitive operational details may warrant confidentiality, basic financial records must be made public. The move comes amid persistent insecurity nationwide, raising questions about the effectiveness of security vote spending.

Legal experts say a ruling in favour of SERAP could set a major precedent for fiscal transparency, ensuring that discretionary security funds are properly accounted for and monitored.

No hearing date has yet been announced, but the case is expected to spark wider public debate on governance, accountability, and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria.