The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected what it described as a “deeply flawed” judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, which awarded damages against the organisation in a ₦5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Yusuf Halilu on Tuesday ordered SERAP to pay ₦100 million in damages for defamation, issue public apologies, and cover ₦1 million in litigation costs, along with a 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest until the sum is fully settled.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP condemned the ruling as a “travesty” and a threat to civic space in Nigeria.
“This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It represents a serious blow to civic space and reflects a troubling pattern of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and suppress accountability,” the organisation said.
SERAP confirmed it has instructed its lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), to immediately file an appeal.
Describing the case as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), SERAP argued that the action was intended to intimidate civil society and discourage human rights advocacy.
“The case exemplifies judicial harassment designed to silence dissent and deter accountability efforts,” the statement read.
The organisation further accused the government of deploying state institutions to target activists, journalists, and citizens exercising their fundamental rights, rather than addressing allegations of corruption.
SERAP maintained that the judgment failed to reflect the evidence presented in court and ignored constitutional guarantees as well as Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
It warned that the ruling could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, civic engagement, and anti-corruption efforts, stressing that courts have a duty to prevent the misuse of legal processes.
“We remain committed to exhausting all legal avenues, including appeal, to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law,” the group added.
The organisation also renewed its call for authorities to investigate corruption allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which it said remain unaddressed.
The lawsuit stems from a September 9, 2024, allegation by SERAP that DSS officials unlawfully entered its Abuja office following its call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to probe alleged corruption in the NNPCL and reverse fuel price increases.
