SERAP kicks over court order to pay DSS operatives N100m for disinformation, defamation of character

*Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, awards ₦100 million in damages against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for defaming two operative of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS)

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

For peddling false information about, and defaming Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, FCT, has awarded ₦100 million in damages against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

Justice Yusuf, in his judgement, affirmed that two operatives of the DSS were right to institute a N5.5 billion defamation suit against SERAP.

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ConsumerConnect also learnt that in the suit, filed in the names of the two DSS officials — Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele — the claimants accused SERAP of making a false allegation that they invaded its office in Abuja, September 9, 2024.

The court also ordered SERAP to tender a public apology to the two  operatives of the secret service agency.

The Judge ordered the accused to publish their apology in two national newspapers and broadcast on two television stations respectively.

Besides, Justice Yusuf awarded ₦1 million against SERAP as the cost of litigation.

The judgment further stipulated a 10 percent interest on the damages until the sum is fully paid.

Court judgement totally unacceptable to us: SERAP

In a related development, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, reacting to the court judgement, rejected the verdict of the Federal High Court, in Abuja, ordering it to pay the DSS operatives N100 million.

SERAP via its verified official X handle @SERAPNigeria, described the judgement as “seriously flawed”, vowing to challenge it at the appellate court in the country.

The group also stated: “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.”

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

The suit, the organisation said, was “a textbook example of judicial harassment and a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy.”

It accused the Federal Government of allegedly using state institutions to target critics and activists.

SERAP equally wrote: “The Tinubu government is misusing both the DSS and the judicial system to target activists, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians who are peacefully exercising their fundamental human rights.”

The group as well contended that judgement failed to reflect the evidence before the court, and ignored constitutional and international human rights protections.

According to SERAP, the court ruling could create “a chilling effect on freedom of expression, civic participation, and anti-corruption work.”

It noted: “The judgment raises serious concerns regarding compliance with international human rights law.

“Judicial authorities must ensure that defamation laws are not weaponised to silence dissent or suppress legitimate advocacy.”

SERAP added: “We are committed to pursuing all available legal avenues, including appeal, to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that fundamental rights are protected.

“We stand resolute. We will continue to defend civic space, promote transparency, and advance accountability in Nigeria.”

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