Abuja Court Awards N100m Against SERAP In Libel Suit

By Ayodele Oni

Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has found the Incorporated Trustees of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) liable for libel over its September 9, 2024 claim that the Department of State Services, (DSS) officers “unlawfully invaded” its Abuja office.

The court awarded N100 million as general damages to officers Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, plus N1 million in legal costs.

The Court also directed SERAP to publish a public apology on its X handle, in two national newspapers and two TV stations.

SERAP has, however, rejected the judgement, describing it as “seriously flawed judgment.”

The N100 million attracts 10 percent interest per annum from Tuesday until paid.

SERAP’s September 9, 2024 post on X read: “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors.

“President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”

The DSS said the visit was routine, aimed at familiarising with SERAP’s new leadership.

After being suspended and facing a disciplinary panel, John and Ogundele sued SERAP for N5.5 billion, saying the claim humiliated them and damaged their reputation.

SERAP doubled- down on November 26, 2025: “We stand by our statements… that the DSS unlawfully invaded our Abuja office,” Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said. They were represented by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.

Justice Yusuf held that SERAP did not deny publishing the statement and that it “injured the reputation of the claimants in their professional capacity.”

Witnesses told the court that no physical assault occurred. Oluwadare testified his “invasion” report came from front-desk officer Vivian Amadi.

The Judge dismissed SERAP’s preliminary objections, including claims of oath-taking and service of processes.

“The argument is worrisome and is dismissed,” he said, noting SERAP’s Deputy Director had Counsel on record and filed for extension of time after being served.

Claimants’ lawyer Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde argued it was enough that the officers’ colleagues understood the publication referred to them. The court agreed.

SERAP, in a reaction, rejected what it described as a “seriously flawed judgment” delivered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in a N5.5 billion defamation suit instituted by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a swift reaction, SERAP condemned the ruling, describing it as unacceptable and a major setback for civic space in Nigeria.

The organisation alleged that the judgment reflects a growing trend under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy defamation laws against critics and suppress accountability.

SERAP disclosed that it has instructed its lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), to immediately file an appeal against the decision.

Describing the case as a “textbook example of judicial harassment,” the organisation said it amounted to a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) aimed at intimidating civil society and discouraging human rights advocacy.

SERAP further accused the government of misusing both the DSS and judicial processes to target activists, journalists, and citizens exercising their fundamental rights, insisting that state institutions should instead protect those exposing corruption, including allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.