Court orders SERAP to pay DSS operatives N100m for def@mation

Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has awarded N100 million in damages against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

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In his judgment, Justice Yusuf held that two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were right to institute a def@mation suit against SERAP.

In the suit, filed in the names of the two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, the claimants accused SERAP of making a false allegation that they invaded its office in Abuja on September 9, 2024.

The court also ordered SERAP to tender a public apology to the two operatives, to be published in two national newspapers and broadcast on two television stations.

In addition, the court awarded N1 million against SERAP as the cost of litigation.

The judgment further stipulated a 10 per cent interest on the damages until the sum is fully paid.

SERAP had, in a series of posts published on its X handle on September 9, 2024, alleged that officers of the State Security Service unlawfully occupied its office and demanded to see its directors.

The organisation wrote,

“Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”