In 2019, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a forensic audit of the NDDC’s operations from 2001 to 2019.
The directive came amid allegations of fund mismanagement levelled against Kemebradikumo Pondei, the then-acting managing director of NDDC, which led to his sack.
The forensic report revealed that N6 trillion was approved within the 18-year period under review.
The report was presented to Buhari, who was represented by Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation, in September 2021.
The report revealed that the and that there were “multitudes of Niger Delta Development Commission’s bank accounts amounting to 362 and the lack of proper reconciliation of accounts”.
Buhari had said those behind the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for the development of the Niger Delta region .
In a letter dated July 5, 2025 and addressed to Tinubu, SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the president to direct Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, to promptly investigate the allegations that high-ranking officials and politicians indicted in the forensic audit report are obstructing the publication of the report.
Aside from prosecuting those obstructing the release of the report, SERAP wants the AGF to publish the report “and to name and shame those responsible for the alleged embezzlement of over N6 trillion in the NDDC, bring them to justice and recover any proceeds of corruption, and provide adequate compensation to victims”.
“While the audit report may make uncomfortable reading for the indicted officials and politicians, your government has a constitutional responsibility to publish it and act upon its recommendations,” the letter reads.
“The forensic audit report of the NDDC can no longer be left to gather dust. The continued failure to publish the audit report undermines public trust and confidence, particularly of victims. Obstructing the release of the forensic audit report or hiding it, and delaying the implementation of its recommendations have enabled suspected perpetrators to evade justice and denied access to justice for victims.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.
“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions before the ECOWAS Court of Justice to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
