SERAP Defends Against N5.5bn Defamation Suit by DSS

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is currently involved in a N5.5 billion defamation lawsuit against two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Sarah John and Gabriel Oguijley. SERAP maintains that its statements regarding the DSS are institutional and truthful, asserting that they are based on factual public interest concerns.

The case, marked CV 4547/2024, is being heard at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. On September 9, 2024, SERAP submitted its final written address, emphasizing that the statements were verified and accurately reported incidents at the DSS's Abuja office.

During the proceedings, counsel for the claimants, Victoria Bassei, highlighted two pending applications related to housekeeping matters, including a motion seeking an extension of time to file a reply. Justice Usuf Halilu granted the application for an extension, and the court reserved judgment for a later date.