The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly rejected a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment ordering it to pay damages in a defamation suit filed by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the ruling as “seriously flawed” and a threat to civic space.
Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday awarded N100 million in damages against SERAP in favour of two DSS officials, following claims of defamation.
The court also directed the organisation to issue public apologies, pay N1 million in litigation costs, and a 10 per cent annual interest on the judgment sum until it is fully settled.
In a statement released on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, SERAP said the verdict was unacceptable and vowed to challenge it at the appellate court.
The organisation disclosed that its legal team, led by senior advocates Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has been instructed to immediately file an appeal.
“This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria,” SERAP said, warning that the ruling could have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and accountability.
The group accused the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of deploying defamation laws to silence critics and suppress legitimate advocacy, adding that the case reflected a broader pattern of intimidation against civil society, journalists, and activists.
According to SERAP, the lawsuit constitutes a “strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP),” allegedly aimed at discouraging scrutiny of government actions and weakening anti-corruption efforts.
The organisation insisted that its statements were made in the public interest, particularly concerning its call for an investigation into alleged corruption involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and demands for a reversal of fuel price increases.
SERAP further argued that the judgment failed to consider evidence presented during the trial and disregarded constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
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The suit stems from an incident on September 9, 2024, when SERAP alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully entered its Abuja office shortly after the organisation urged President Tinubu to probe alleged irregularities in the NNPCL.
In its defence before the court, SERAP denied the allegations of defamation, maintaining that its publication was directed at the DSS as an institution and not at the individual officials who later filed the suit.
The organisation also raised questions about the identity and conduct of the officials involved in the visit, alleging inconsistencies in their accounts and describing their actions as harassment and intimidation of its staff.
SERAP maintained that the presence of DSS operatives at its office caused fear among employees, with some reportedly reluctant to resume work over concerns of possible arrest or detention.
Despite the court ruling, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing legal redress and continuing its advocacy for transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.
“We remain resolute. We will continue to defend civic space and promote accountability,” the group stated.