A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has awarded ₦100 million in damages against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project over defamatory statements made against two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Delivering judgment, Justice Halilu Yusuf held that the DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, were justified in filing the defamation suit against the civic organisation.
The suit stemmed from allegations made by SERAP on September 9, 2024, in which it claimed that DSS officers unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and demanded to see its directors.
In one of the posts cited before the court, SERAP 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.”
However, Justice Yusuf ruled that the claims were false and defamatory, affirming that the plaintiffs were entitled to legal redress.
As part of the judgment, the court ordered SERAP to issue a public apology to the two DSS operatives. The apology is to be published in two national newspapers and aired on two television stations.
In addition to the ₦100 million damages, the court awarded ₦1 million as the cost of litigation. The judgment also stipulates a 10 per cent annual interest on the damages until the full amount is paid.
