By Seyi Odewale
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court ordering it to pay damages to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the ruling as “a travesty” and “a dangerous precedent” for civic freedoms.
Justice Yusuf Halilu awarded N100 million in damages against SERAP in a defamation suit filed by two DSS officials, while also directing the organisation to issue a public apology, pay N1 million in costs, and pay 10 per cent annual interest on the judgment sum until fully liquidated.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, SERAP said, “This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria.”
The organisation further alleged that the ruling reflects “a troubling pattern under the government of Bola Tinubu of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and suppress accountability.”
SERAP disclosed that it had instructed its lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), to immediately challenge the judgment on appeal.
Describing the case as “a textbook example of judicial harassment,” the group said it amounted to a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), allegedly aimed at intimidating civil society actors.
“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,” SERAP stated.
The organisation maintained that the judgment “fails to reflect the evidence presented before the court” and disregards constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations.
It warned that the ruling “sends a dangerous message and creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression, civic participation, and anti-corruption work.”
SERAP also argued that such legal actions undermine the rule of law, noting that “courts have a duty to prevent the misuse of legal proceedings and to safeguard fundamental rights.”
The group insisted it would “pursue all available legal avenues” to overturn the ruling, adding, “We stand resolute. We will continue to defend civic space, promote transparency, and advance accountability in Nigeria.”
The suit followed a September 2024 incident in which SERAP alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully entered its Abuja office after it called on President Tinubu to probe corruption allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and reverse fuel price increases.
The case, marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was instituted by DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
