Court to Rule on DSS N5.5bn Defamation Suit Against SERAP

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja is scheduled to deliver a judgment on Tuesday regarding a N5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundel, against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The suit stems from allegations that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded SERAP's office in Abuja on September 9, 2024.

SERAP claimed that the DSS operatives demanded to see the organization's director and accused them of unlawfully occupying their office. The DSS denied the allegations, asserting that the visit was routine to familiarize themselves with the new leadership and that no harassment occurred.

Despite the suit, SERAP maintained its position that the invasion was unlawful. The court proceedings included testimonies and statements from various parties, with the claimants arguing that the public portrayal by SERAP was defamatory and damaging to their reputations.

The judgment is reserved for a later date.