The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has adjourned hearing in the ₦5.5 billion defamation suit filed against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to November 12.
Justice Yusuf Halilu postponed the proceedings after SERAP’s lead counsel, Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), failed to appear in court. In a letter addressed to the judge, Adegboruwa explained that he was engaged with another case at the Court of Appeal in Lagos and requested an adjournment.
Counsel to the claimants, Akinlolu Kehinde, did not oppose the request, prompting the court to grant the adjournment.
The claimants, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, both DSS operatives, are accusing SERAP of publishing a defamatory report that allegedly portrayed them as having unlawfully invaded their office. They claim the publication severely tarnished their image and undermined their reputation as law-abiding security officers.
They are seeking ₦5.5 billion in damages and an order of perpetual injunction restraining SERAP from making or publishing any further defamatory statements about them.
Justice Halilu subsequently fixed November 12 for SERAP to present its defence in the matter.
The case adds to a growing list of high-profile defamation suits involving public institutions and rights advocacy groups, underscoring the ongoing tension between national security agencies and civil society watchdogs in Nigeria.
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