ABUJA — In a major blow to one of Nigeria’s most prominent advocacy groups, an Abuja High Court has held the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) liable for defaming two DSS agents. The court awarded N100 million to operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who argued that SERAP’s false claims of a “hostile invasion” in 2024 led to their suspension and professional humiliation.
While the DSS maintained the 2024 visit was a routine familiarization call, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, had characterized it as an attempt to intimidate the NGO. Justice Yusuf Halilu disagreed, ruling that SERAP failed to prove any harassment occurred.
Responding to the verdict, SERAP described the judgment as a “travesty” and a “strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP)” designed to silence civil society. The organization has already instructed its legal team, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, to file an immediate appeal.
“This reflects a troubling pattern of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism,” SERAP stated, remains defiant despite the heavy financial penalty and the court’s order to issue a public apology across national media.
