Court Orders SERAP to Pay DSS N100 Million for Defamation

On September 9, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) must pay N100 million in damages to DSS operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundel for defamation. The court found SERAP liable for unjustly defaming the two operatives by alleging they unlawfully invaded SERAP's office and harassed its staff.

Justice Yusuf Halilu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, stating that SERAP must also tender a public apology and pay N1 million in litigation costs, with a 10% annual post-judgment interest until fully liquidated. The court noted that SERAP's claims were made in bad taste, particularly for an organization that promotes transparency and accountability.

The DSS, represented by counsel Oluwagbemilek Samuel Kehind, argued that SERAP's statements negatively impacted the reputation of the agency, while SERAP's counsel Victoria Bassei sought to dismiss the suit, claiming the allegations were not substantiated.