The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have offered contrasting reactions to a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court judgment in Abuja that awarded N100 million damages against SERAP in a defamation suit involving two DSS operatives.
Justice Yusuf Halilu of the court had ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to the DSS officials, along with N1 million in litigation costs, and directed the organisation to issue public apologies on its website, as well as in Punch and Vanguard newspapers, and on Arise and Channels Television.
The court also imposed a 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest on the sum until full payment.
In its reaction, SERAP described the ruling as “seriously flawed” and “totally unacceptable,” insisting that it amounted to a travesty of justice and a setback for civic space in Nigeria.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, also alleged that the judgment reflected a pattern of using defamation laws to suppress criticism and weaken accountability efforts under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This case represents a textbook example of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy,” SERAP said.
It further argued that state institutions were being misused to target activists, journalists, and citizens engaged in peaceful expression, adding that the ruling failed to reflect evidence presented in court and ignored constitutional and international human rights protections.
SERAP warned that the judgment could create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civic engagement, particularly in anti-corruption advocacy.
However, the DSS clarified that the case was not instituted by the agency as an institution but was filed personally by two of its operatives who claimed they were defamed by SERAP over allegations that they unlawfully invaded its Abuja office on September 9, 2024, and harassed staff.
In a statement by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said the operatives acted within lawful duty and sought approval from the Director-General before approaching the court.
“The suit was not between the DSS as an organisation and SERAP. Rather, it was a case filed by two of our operatives who, in the course of their lawful duty, felt defamed,” the statement read.
The agency added that an internal investigation was conducted into SERAP’s allegations, after which the officers pursued legal redress in their personal capacity.
The DSS said it welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a remedy to injustice against its officers, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the rule of law.
“As an agency, DSS has an obligation to protect its staff who carry out their duties in a lawful manner, while also sanctioning erring officers when necessary. We have demonstrated this over time,” it stated.
The agency maintained that it remains committed to operating within legal frameworks while protecting its personnel and ensuring discipline within its ranks.
