SERAP to Appeal N100M Defamation Judgment Against DSS

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has announced its intention to appeal a judgment delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. The court awarded N100 million in damages to Department of State Services (DSS) officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundel in a defamation suit against SERAP.

The court also ordered SERAP to publish a public apology and pay N1 million in litigation costs, along with 10% annual post-judgment interest until full payment. SERAP, represented by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, disagreed with the judgment, arguing it poses a serious setback for civic space and freedom of expression.

The organization contends that the suit raises broader concerns about defamation proceedings involving public institutions. SERAP plans to file an appeal through senior lawyers Tayo Oyetibo SAN and Ebun Olu Adegboruwa SAN, who criticized the judgment for not reflecting the legal arguments presented and for its implications on civil society and anti-corruption advocacy.