Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, on Monday adjourned proceedings for the adoption of the final written address in a ₦5 billion defamation case instituted by the Department of State Services against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
The matter, identified as FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was filed by two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
During Monday’s session, the 2nd defendant, Deputy Director of SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, began presenting the organisation’s defence after the court approved a procedural amendment request.
Testifying, Oluwadare adopted his sworn statement and explained SERAP’s mission, including the events linked to the alleged invasion of its Abuja office by DSS operatives. He emphasised that SERAP is a registered non-governmental organisation focused on transparency, accountability, and social justice.
Rejecting claims that the organisation only criticises government institutions, he maintained that SERAP is committed to promoting and defending human rights, including socio-economic rights. He added that intimidation of civic actors undermines SERAP’s ability to hold public agencies accountable.
He also confirmed that the organisation is funded by both local and international donors.
Under cross-examination, Oluwadare told the court that DSS officials entered the organisation’s office, prompting SERAP to alert the public. He said staff, including a receptionist, security guard, and a lawyer, reported the officials’ presence.
He acknowledged using strong words like “unlawful, invasion, intimidation and harrassment” in publications about the incident, noting that the information he acted on came from a staff member, Vivian Amadi. He admitted these descriptions did not accurately reflect what occurred.
Oluwadare also confirmed that he did not seek clarification from the DSS before posting the publications online. He added that no property was damaged, no staff harmed, and no doors forced open during the officials’ visit. He stated that the officers did not display weapons and that he had CCTV footage of their entry.
After adopting his sworn statement during examination-in-chief, the court scheduled February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final addresses.
The claimants, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, allege that SERAP falsely accused them of invading its office, causing reputational harm. They maintain that their visit on September 9, 2024, was a routine engagement to introduce themselves to SERAP’s new leadership. They said they met a staff member named Ruth, who advised that a formal invitation be sent and assured them she would inform management.
They noted that SERAP later posted on its X account that DSS officers had unlawfully occupied its office, followed by a statement on its website repeating similar claims. The claimants said these publications led to public criticism, including from Amnesty International and prominent Nigerians.
According to them, the false accusations created an impression that they conducted an unauthorised operation, damaging their professional standing within the DSS.
They are seeking several orders from the court, including:
- A directive for SERAP to publish an apology on its website, X account, two national newspapers (Punch and Vanguard), and two national television stations (Arise TV and Channels TV).
- Payment of ₦5 billion in damages for alleged libel.
- Interest on the amount at 10 percent annually from the date of judgment until payment.
- ₦50 million as the cost of the suit.