Dare Babalola
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, in the N5.5 billion defamation suit filed against it by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the ruling as flawed and unacceptable.
Justice Yusuf Halilu had ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to the DSS officials over alleged defamation.
The court also directed the organisation to publish public apologies, pay N1 million as litigation costs, and a 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest on the damages until the sum is fully settled.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, SERAP said it had instructed its lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), to immediately file an appeal against the judgment.
The organisation described the ruling as a setback for civic space and freedom of expression in Nigeria, alleging that defamation laws were being used to suppress criticism and accountability.
SERAP further characterised the case as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), claiming it was intended to intimidate civil society groups and discourage legitimate human rights advocacy.
It accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of using state institutions, including the DSS and the courts, to target activists, journalists, and citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
According to SERAP, the judgment failed to reflect the evidence presented before the court and disregarded constitutional protections as well as Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The organisation maintained that it would pursue all available legal remedies to overturn the decision, insisting it would continue its advocacy for transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption reforms.
The suit stemmed from allegations made by SERAP on September 9, 2024, that DSS officials unlawfully entered its Abuja office after the group called on President Tinubu to investigate corruption claims involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and reverse fuel price increases.
