Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, has adjourned proceedings in a ₦5 billion defamation suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), setting February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was instituted by DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele. At the resumed hearing on Monday, Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP and the 2nd defendant in the suit, opened the organization’s defence following a court approval of a housekeeping application for an amendment of process.
Oluwadare, adopting his statement on oath, explained SERAP’s mandate as a registered non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and socio-economic rights in Nigeria. He dismissed claims that SERAP exists merely to criticise the government, insisting that its work focuses on protecting human rights and advancing public interest.
He noted that harassment of civic actors, such as the alleged DSS office invasion, undermines SERAP’s ability to hold public institutions accountable. Oluwadare acknowledged that SERAP receives both local and international donor support.
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that some of the language in SERAP’s publications—such as “unlawful,” “invasion,” “intimidation,” and “harassment”—may have inaccurately portrayed events. He explained that these statements were based on information from Vivian Amadi, a front-desk officer and receptionist at SERAP, regarding the presence of DSS operatives in the organization’s Abuja office on September 9, 2024.
Oluwadare also confirmed that no SERAP property was seized or damaged, no staff were physically assaulted, and no doors were broken during the DSS visit. He said the officers did not brandish weapons and that their presence was documented on CCTV footage. The witness further admitted that he did not consult the DSS before posting the publications online.
The DSS officials, John and Ogundele, claim that their visit to SERAP was friendly and official, intended to familiarize the new leadership of SERAP with their office. They alleged that SERAP falsely published that DSS officers had invaded and interrogated staff, causing damage to their reputation and drawing criticism from international organizations, including Amnesty International, and prominent Nigerian figures such as Femi Falana (SAN).
According to the claimants, the publications led the public and the international community to wrongly perceive the DSS as harassing civic actors, and the officials’ professional competence was called into question.
In their statement of claim, the DSS officials are seeking the following reliefs:
A public apology from the defendants via SERAP’s website, X (Twitter) handle, two national newspapers (Punch and Vanguard), and two national television stations (Arise TV and Channels TV).
₦5 billion in damages for the alleged defamatory statements.
Interest at 10% per annum on the sum of ₦5 billion from the date of judgment until full payment.
₦50 million in costs for the litigation.
Justice Halilu has now adjourned the matter to February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final addresses by the parties.
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