From 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 Accountability Project, following a defamation suit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services over allegations relating to an alleged “invasion” of SERAP’s Abuja office in September 2024.
Delivering judgement, Justice Halilu Yusuf held that the claims brought by DSS operatives, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, were established, ruling that SERAP’s publication was defamatory and capable of injuring the reputation of the officers in the discharge of their duties.
The case arose from a September 9, 2024, post on SERAP’s X handle, in which the organisation alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully occupied its Abuja office, demanded access to its directors, and engaged in intimidation of staff. SERAP had also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, describing the incident as harassment of civil society actors.
The DSS, however, consistently denied the allegations, insisting that the visit by its operatives was routine and professional, and intended to familiarise itself with SERAP’s leadership structure. The agency also maintained that no harassment or assault occurred during the visit.
In instituting the ₦5.5 billion suit, the DSS operatives argued that SERAP’s publication falsely portrayed them as unlawful and unprofessional, thereby damaging their reputations and exposing them to internal disciplinary consequences within the security agency.
During proceedings, SERAP maintained its defence, with its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, insisting the organisation stood by its claims as filed in court.
He noted that SERAP’s position was supported by legal representations from Senior Advocates of Nigeria, including Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.
Court testimonies also indicated that no physical assault occurred during the DSS visit. It was further disclosed that SERAP’s report was based on information supplied by its front-desk officer, Vivian Amadi.
At the adoption of final written addresses on February 19, 2026, counsel for the claimants, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, urged the court to grant all reliefs sought, arguing that the operatives were clearly identifiable in the publication and had suffered reputational harm.
Justice Yusuf subsequently reserved judgment in the suit marked CV/4547/2024 before delivering the ruling.
In the final judgement, the court awarded ₦100 million in damages against SERAP, ordered the organisation to publish an unreserved apology to the two DSS operatives in two national newspapers and also broadcast the apology on two national television stations. The court further awarded ₦1 million as the cost of litigation and imposed a 10 percent post-judgement interest on the judgement sum until full payment is made.
