SERAP Faults Court Judgement To Pay ₦100m Damages To DSS Officers

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has disagreed with a Federal Capital Territory High Court ruling that ordered it to pay ₦100 million in damages to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) over a defamation case.

The judgment, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Yusuf Halilu in a suit marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, also directed SERAP to publish public apologies, pay ₦1 million as legal costs, and add a 10 percent yearly interest on the damages until the full amount is settled.

The case was filed by two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, after SERAP released a statement in September 2024 claiming that DSS operatives had unlawfully entered its office in Abuja.

In response, SERAP said it does not accept the court’s decision, describing it as unfair and harmful to civil liberties in Nigeria.

“This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria. It reflects a troubling pattern under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and suppress accountability,” the organisation said.

SERAP confirmed that its legal team has been instructed to appeal the judgment at a higher court.

“This case represents a textbook example of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy,” SERAP added.

The group also warned that the ruling could discourage free speech and reduce public engagement in anti-corruption efforts.

“This judgment sends a dangerous message and creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression, civic participation, and anti-corruption work,” SERAP said.

Despite the outcome, SERAP maintained that its actions were lawful and carried out in the public interest, particularly in its efforts to promote transparency and fight corruption.

“Our work — particularly in promoting transparency, challenging corruption, and addressing illicit financial flows — is carried out in the public interest and in accordance with the law,” it said.

The dispute began after the SERAP called on the federal government to investigate allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and to reconsider fuel price increases, which was followed by a visit from DSS operatives to its Abuja office.

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