The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected what it described as a “seriously flawed judgment” delivered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, in a N5.5 billion defamation lawsuit filed against it by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The organisation made its position known on May 5, 2026, in a statement shared via its X account, following the ruling by Justice Yusuf Halilu.
The case stems from events in September 2024, when SERAP alleged that DSS officials unlawfully entered its Abuja office after the organisation called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate corruption allegations in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and reverse fuel price increases.
The allegation triggered a defamation suit by two DSS officials, who claimed the publication targeted them personally.
What SERAP is saying
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP, a Nigerian civil society organisation focused on transparency, accountability, and human rights, described the ruling as a “seriously flawed judgment.”
- “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 the case represents what it views as a deliberate attempt to silence dissent, describing it as a strategic lawsuit aimed at discouraging public participation.
SERAP said the suit is a textbook case of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), intended to intimidate civil society and discourage legitimate human rights advocacy.
It further alleged that the Tinubu administration is deploying state institutions against critics, claiming that both the DSS and the judiciary are being used to target activists, journalists, and citizens exercising their rights.
- “We strongly disagree with the judgment, which fails to reflect the evidence presented before the court and disregards Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations. This judgment sends a dangerous message and creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression, civic participation, and anti-corruption work.”
More insights
Justice Yusuf Halilu had ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to the DSS officials for defamation. The court also directed the organisation to publish public apologies and pay N1 million as litigation costs.
- In addition, the court imposed a 10 percent annual post-judgment interest on the damages. This means that if the N100 million is not paid immediately, the amount will increase by 10% every year until the full sum is settled, potentially raising the total financial burden over time.
SERAP also disclosed that it has instructed its lawyers, including Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, to file an appeal against the ruling.
What you should know
The lawsuit originated after SERAP raised an alarm on September 9, 2024, alleging that DSS officials were unlawfully occupying its Abuja office. That claim remains prominently pinned on the organisation’s X account.
- According to court filings, SERAP denied defaming the officials, insisting that its statements were directed at the DSS as an institution, not the individuals who filed the suit.
- The organisation also alleged that the DSS officials demanded documents, interrogated staff, and arrived with unmarked vehicles, creating fear among employees who believed a raid was imminent.
- SERAP maintained that the officials’ actions amounted to harassment and intimidation, and that its public statement was justified and made in the public interest.
Following the incident, both parties exchanged legal correspondence before the two DSS officials proceeded to file the defamation suit, leading to the court ruling now being challenged by SERAP.
