An Abuja High Court has ordered SERAP to pay ₦100m in damages to DSS officers over defamation claims linked to a 2024 statement

An Abuja High Court has ruled against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), finding the organisation liable for defamation and awarding ₦100 million in general damages to two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Also read: Judge Dismisses EFCC Case Against Oyo-Ita After Six Years

Justice Halilu Yusuf delivered the judgment on Tuesday, bringing to a close a legal dispute that began nearly two years ago over allegations of alleged office harassment involving DSS personnel.

The court also ordered SERAP to pay ₦1 million in litigation costs and imposed a 10 percent annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment is made.

In addition, Justice Halilu Yusuf directed SERAP to issue a public retraction and apology across multiple platforms, including its official X account, two national newspapers, and two television stations.

The case arose from a September 9, 2024 statement in which SERAP alleged that DSS operatives invaded its Abuja office to intimidate staff members.

Following the allegation, the officers were reportedly suspended and subjected to disciplinary proceedings before later being exonerated by the DSS.

Despite their clearance, the operatives pursued a ₦5.5 billion libel suit, arguing that the publication severely damaged their reputations and professional standing.

Justice Halilu Yusuf held that SERAP failed to deny publishing the statement in question and found that the content was injurious to the claimants.

The court also dismissed several preliminary objections raised by SERAP, ruling that procedural and jurisdictional challenges were without merit.

According to the judgment, witness statements were properly sworn and admissible, while objections relating to document certification were not supported by applicable legal provisions.

The court further noted that SERAP had actively participated in proceedings through legal representation, thereby invalidating claims of improper service.

Also read: IFAD VCDP Issues Urgent Warning Over Harmful Farm Chemical Use in Niger

The ruling marks a significant legal outcome in a case that has drawn attention to the balance between accountability advocacy and reputational rights within Nigeria’s public institutions.