SERAP Appeals Court Ruling Against DSS Over Defamation

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed an appeal against a ruling by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, which ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged defamation. The court also directed SERAP to issue a public apology and pay N1 million in litigation costs, along with a 10% annual post-judgment interest on the damages until fully paid.

SERAP's lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo, and Ebun Olu Adegboruwa expressed that the judgment is unacceptable and reflects a troubling pattern under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, where defamation laws are used to suppress legitimate criticism. SERAP argues that the ruling undermines civic space and the rule of law, and they are committed to appealing the judgment to protect human rights and promote transparency in Nigeria, particularly regarding allegations of corruption involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).