Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), has dragged the Nigerian Senate to court for allegedly refusing to release a report detailing alleged financial irregularities exceeding N210 trillion in the audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Falana, in the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja, asked the court to compel the Senate to publish the findings of its Committee on Public Accounts regarding alleged discrepancies in NNPCL’s financial records from 2017 to 2023.
The senior lawyer sought a declaration that the respondent’s refusal to furnish him with information is unlawful and a contravention of the Freedom of Information Act 2010.
He also sought an Order of Mandamus compelling the respondent herein to furnish him with the information immediately.
Falana claimed in the suit that the Senate PAC had queried “unexplained” or “unsubstantiated” transactions totalling about N210 trillion in NNPCL’s audited accounts and summoned current and former company officials, including former group chief executive officer Mele Kyari, to provide explanations and supporting documents.
He averred that he wrote to the clerk of the Senate on March 13, 2026, and that the letter was delivered on March 16, and that although the Senate acknowledged receipt, it allegedly declined to release the report or provide any lawful justification for withholding it.
He argued that the Senate’s refusal breaches Section 1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act and Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to receive and impart information.
Falana further submitted that transparency in the management of public resources is fundamental to democratic governance and that public institutions cannot lawfully conceal information of significant national importance without relying on statutory exemptions.
The applicant stated, “Public institutions cannot lawfully withhold information of significant public interest without relying on any of the exemptions expressly provided by law.”
The senior lawyer argues that the Senate’s continued refusal to disclose the report violates both the Freedom of Information Act and constitutional provisions guaranteeing citizens access to information on matters of public interest.
He further maintains that Nigerians have a right to know the outcome of investigations into what could be one of the largest alleged financial discrepancies ever recorded in a public institution.
Falana maintained that withholding the report undermines accountability, openness, and public confidence in governance.
No hearing date has been fixed.
