The Federal Capital Territory High Court is set to deliver judgment in a ₦5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
The suit was instituted by Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who accused SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, of publishing defamatory statements regarding an alleged incident at the organisation’s Abuja office in September 2024.
The controversy stems from claims made by SERAP on its social media platform, where it alleged that officers of the State Security Service unlawfully entered and occupied its office, requesting to see its directors and raising concerns about harassment and intimidation.
However, the DSS refuted these allegations, maintaining that the visit by its operatives was routine and intended to familiarise themselves with the organisation’s new leadership. The agency also denied any form of harassment or misconduct during the visit.
Following the incident, the claimants filed the lawsuit, arguing that the publication portrayed them as acting outside the law and caused significant damage to their professional reputation. They further claimed that the statements exposed them to embarrassment and internal disciplinary consequences within the service.
Despite the legal action, SERAP has continued to defend its position, insisting that its account of events was accurate and supported by information available to the organisation at the time.
During court proceedings, witnesses reportedly stated that no physical assault occurred during the visit by the DSS operatives. It was also revealed that the report of the alleged incident was based on information provided by a front-desk staff member of the organisation.
At the stage of adopting final written addresses, counsel to the claimants urged the court to grant the reliefs sought, arguing that the publication clearly referred to his clients and was sufficient to establish a case of defamation, even if not widely known to the general public.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, reserved judgment in the case. The court is now expected to deliver its ruling, which will determine the outcome of the high-profile dispute.
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