Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, on Monday adjourned proceedings for the adoption of the final written addresses in a ₦5 billion defamation suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was instituted by DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
At Monday’s resumed hearing, the 2nd defendant, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, opened the organisation’s defence after the court granted a housekeeping application seeking an amendment of processes.
Testifying as PW2, Oluwadare adopted his witness statement on oath and gave additional clarifications regarding SERAP’s work and the events surrounding the alleged invasion of the organisation’s Abuja office.
He reaffirmed that “SERAP is a registered non-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing transparency, accountability, and social justice in Nigeria,” dismissing claims that the organisation exists merely to criticise the government. Its mandate, he said, is to “promote and protect human rights, including socio-economic rights, in the public interest.”
Oluwadare told the court that harassment or intimidation of civic actors poses serious threats to SERAP’s operations, especially its efforts to hold public institutions accountable. He also confirmed that the organisation receives support from both local and international donors.
Under cross-examination, he maintained his earlier account that DSS operatives were seen at SERAP’s premises, an incident that triggered the organisation’s public alerts. He explained that several staff members, including a front-desk officer, a security guard, and another lawyer, reported sighting the officials.
When questioned about whether any staff member was assaulted or whether any property was damaged, Oluwadare said no physical attack occurred. However, he noted that the manner of entry and the presence of unmarked vehicles raised concerns and informed SERAP’s public statements about the incident.
He added that SERAP has CCTV footage of the episode and insisted that the organisation’s tweets accurately reflected the seriousness of what staff observed.
Following the conclusion of cross-examination, counsel to the claimant, Oluwagmileke Kehinde, informed the court that both parties had closed their cases and requested a date for the adoption of final written addresses.
Justice Halilu subsequently adjourned the matter to February 19 for the filing and adoption of the final written arguments.
The defendants in the suit are SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
