SERAP Appeals DSS Defamation Judgment of 100 Million Naira

On May 5, 2026, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja ruled in favor of the Department of State Services (DSS), awarding 100 million Naira in damages against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for defamation. SERAP, represented by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, filed an appeal on May 8, 2026, challenging the judgment, which they describe as a miscarriage of justice.

They argue that the court relied on defective evidence, including witness statements not sworn in accordance with legal requirements. SERAP's appeal seeks to set aside the entire judgment, claiming it lacks merit and that the legal threshold for defamation was not met.

They also aim to amend their notice of appeal upon receiving a certified true copy of the judgment. The appeal includes a request for a stay of execution of the judgment pending its determination.