By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay ₦100 million in damages to two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for defamation.
Delivering judgment, Justice Halilu Yusuf held that the claimants—Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele—successfully established that SERAP’s publications falsely portrayed them as having unlawfully invaded the organisation’s Abuja office in September 2024.
The court further directed SERAP to issue public apologies to the affected officers across multiple platforms, including two national newspapers, two television stations, its official website, and its social media handle.
In addition to the damages, the court awarded ₦1 million as litigation costs and imposed a 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest on the sum until it is fully paid.
The suit, originally valued at ₦5.5 billion, stemmed from statements published by SERAP alleging that DSS operatives stormed and occupied its office with “sinister motives.”
However, the court found the claims to be unsubstantiated and described the publication as inappropriate, particularly coming from an organisation known for advocating transparency and accountability.
According to the claimants, the visit to SERAP’s office at Wuse Zone 1, Abuja, was part of a routine engagement aimed at inviting the organisation’s leadership to a familiarisation meeting. They maintained that no act of intimidation or unlawful conduct occurred during the visit.
Justice Yusuf ruled that although the officers were not explicitly named in the publication, sufficient evidence was presented to establish that they were the individuals referenced. He concluded that all elements of defamation had been proven.
The judgment underscores the legal responsibility of organisations to ensure accuracy in public communications, especially on matters capable of damaging reputations and institutional credibility.
