Court Awards N101m to DSS Operatives in Defamation Case

On September 26, 2023, a high court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Halilu Yusuf, awarded N101 million to two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) who filed a defamation suit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The court found SERAP liable for publishing defamatory statements that harmed the reputations of the operatives.

The judgment included N100 million in general damages and N1 million for legal costs, with an order for SERAP to issue a public apology through two national newspapers and two television stations. The court also directed SERAP to pay 10% interest per annum on the awarded sum until it is fully paid.

The case stemmed from SERAP's allegations that the DSS unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and harassed its staff, claims that the DSS operatives denied. The court dismissed SERAP's preliminary objections and upheld the claims of the operatives, establishing that SERAP's statements were defamatory.