The Lagos State Government has filed a motion at the Supreme Court seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against the National Assembly, accusing it of violating a binding 2024 judgment that declared federal control over lottery and gaming unconstitutional.

The motion, filed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), and argued by senior advocate Bode Olanipekun (SAN), requests leave to issue Form 48—a legal notice of disobedience to a court order—against the federal legislature. Lagos contends that the Central Gaming Bill currently being advanced by the National Assembly mirrors provisions of the National Lottery Act, which the Supreme Court struck down in its November 22, 2024, ruling in SC.1/2008: Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation.

In that landmark decision, the apex court held that lottery and gaming regulation falls exclusively under state jurisdiction, as it is not listed in either the Exclusive or Concurrent Legislative Lists of the 1999 Constitution. Lagos argues that the new bill’s clauses—particularly 7 and 21 through 64—replicate the invalidated law, and that clause 62’s attempt to preserve prior federal actions under the voided statute constitutes a “deliberate undermining” of judicial authority.

“No amendment to the Second Schedule has occurred—gaming remains a state matter,” the supporting affidavit states, warning that the bill’s definitions of “lottery” and “online gaming” are identical to those previously nullified. The state further argues that the legislation threatens to destabilize its internally generated revenue, which saw N4.5 billion accrued from gaming in 2024 alone.

Lagos maintains that the National Assembly’s actions not only disregard the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgment but also risk setting a dangerous precedent for federal encroachment on constitutionally protected state powers.

As of press time, National Assembly spokespersons had not responded to requests for comment. If the Supreme Court grants Lagos’s motion, the case could escalate into a constitutional showdown, with potential penalties for non-compliance—including imprisonment—testing the limits of Nigeria’s federal structure.