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By Victor Osula, Abuja
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja has awarded ₦100 million in damages against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Responsibilities Project, following a defamation suit brought by two officers of the Department of State Services over allegations relating to an alleged “invasion” of SERAP’s Abuja office in September 2024.
In pronouncing the sentence, Justice Halilu Yusuf found the accusations made by DSS agents, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele to be founded, establishing that the publication of SERAP was defamatory and likely to damage the reputation of the agents in the exercise of their duties.
The case arose from a September 9, 2024 post on SERAP’s handle SERAP had also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, describing the incident as harassment of civil society actors.
The DSS, however, has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that its operators’ visit was routine and professional and intended to familiarize them with SERAP’s leadership structure. The agency also maintained that no harassment or assault occurred during the visit.
In filing the ₦5.5 billion lawsuit, DSS officers argued that the publication of SERAP had falsely portrayed them as illegal and unprofessional, thereby damaging their reputation and exposing them to disciplinary consequences within the security agency.
During the proceedings, SERAP maintained its defence, with its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, insisting that the organization stood by its claims lodged in court.
He noted that SERAP’s position was supported by the legal representations of Nigeria’s senior lawyers, including Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.
Court testimony also indicated that no physical assault occurred during the DSS visit. It was also revealed that SERAP’s report was based on information provided by its receptionist, Vivian Amadi.
At the adoption of final written arguments on 19 February 2026, the appellants’ lawyer, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, urged the court to award all the relief sought, arguing that the officers were clearly identifiable in the publication and had suffered reputational damage.
Justice Yusuf subsequently reserved judgment in the case marked CV/4547/2024 before issuing the ruling.
In the final ruling, the court awarded ₦100 million in damages to SERAP, ordered the organization to publish an unreserved apology to the two DSS agents in two national newspapers, and to also broadcast the apology on two national television stations. The court also awarded ₦1 million as the cost of litigation and imposed a 10% post-judgment interest on the judgment sum until full payment.
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