A lawsuit has been filed against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), accusing the institution of failing to account for about 3 trillion naira ($ approx. 2 billion) in public funds.
The legal action, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks a court order compelling the central bank to explain the whereabouts of the funds and provide detailed records of how they were spent.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2026, follows allegations contained in the latest annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on 9 September 2025.
According to the suit, the missing amount includes more than 629 billion naira reportedly paid to “unknown beneficiaries” under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, a government initiative designed to support small-scale farmers and boost agricultural production.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to issue an order of mandamus a judicial directive requiring a public authority to fulfil its legal duties compelling the central bank to account for the funds.
They argue that the allegations raise serious concerns about possible breaches of public trust and violations of the Nigerian Constitution, the CBN Act, and anti-corruption standards.
The suit also claims the matter reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability within the central bank.
The plaintiffs say Nigerians have a right to know how public funds are managed and are seeking remedies that could ensure accountability, restitution and safeguards against similar occurrences in the future.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.
