Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has awarded N100 million in damages against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
In his ruling, Justice Yusuf held that two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were justified in filing a defamation suit against SERAP.
The case, instituted by the two officials—Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele—accused the organisation of falsely claiming that DSS operatives invaded its Abuja office on September 9, 2024.
The court also directed SERAP to issue a public apology to the two operatives, to be published in two national newspapers and aired on two television stations.
Additionally, the court awarded N1 million against SERAP as litigation costs and ordered a 10 percent interest on the damages until the full amount is paid.
The controversy stemmed from a series of posts published on SERAP’s X account on September 9, 2024, in which the group alleged that DSS officers unlawfully occupied its office and demanded to see its directors.
The organisation had stated: “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.”
