SERAP to Appeal N100M Defamation Judgment in Abuja

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. The court ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, in a defamation case.

The judgment also requires SERAP to issue a public apology and pay N1 million in litigation costs, along with 10 percent annual post-judgment interest until the damages are fully paid. SERAP described the judgment as a serious flaw and a significant blow to civic space in Nigeria, asserting that it reflects a troubling pattern of the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu using defamation laws to suppress legitimate criticism.

SERAP's lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun Olu Adegboruwa, are set to file the appeal. The lawsuit originated from allegations that DSS officials unlawfully invaded SERAP's office in Abuja on September 9, 2024.