Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has filed a lawsuit against the Senate, seeking the release of a report concerning alleged financial irregularities amounting to more than N210 trillion in the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the Senate’s failure to make public the findings of its Public Accounts Committee regarding issues identified in the state-owned oil company’s audited financial statements between 2017 and 2023.
According to court documents, the committee had raised concerns over transactions and figures running into about N210 trillion, which it reportedly described as lacking adequate explanation or supporting documentation. Several former and serving NNPCL officials, including former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari, were invited by lawmakers to address the concerns.
Falana stated that he formally requested access to the committee’s report earlier this year under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Although the request was acknowledged by the Senate, he alleged that no response or explanation was subsequently provided.
The senior lawyer argues that withholding the report violates provisions of the FOI Act, which grants citizens the right to obtain information from public institutions. He also contends that the refusal conflicts with constitutional guarantees on access to information.
In the suit, Falana maintains that information of significant public importance should not be concealed unless it falls under exemptions recognised by law. He said public access to details surrounding the management of Nigeria’s petroleum revenues is essential for transparency and accountability.
The case further cites previous court decisions that affirm the judiciary’s authority to compel public bodies and officials to perform duties imposed on them by law.
Falana is asking the court to declare the Senate’s refusal unlawful and to order the immediate release of the report to both him and the Nigerian public.
As of the time of filing, the court had not fixed a date for the hearing of the matter.
