Court Rules SERAP Defamed DSS, Awards Agency N100m Damages
Court Rules SERAP Defamed DSS, Awards Agency N100m Damages
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ruled that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) defamed the Department of State Services (DSS), awarding ₦100 million in damages following a publication the court described as false and unchallenged Delivering judgment in Abuja, the court held that SERAP failed to substantiate allegations contained in a publication against DSS operatives, thereby damaging their reputation.
The judge ruled that the organisation’s claims amounted to defamation because.
The allegations were not supported with credible evidence.
- The publication portrayed DSS officials negatively.
- SERAP did not successfully defend or justify the claims during proceedings.
- As a result, the court ordered SERAP to pay ₦100 million as general damages, alongside additional legal costs awarded to the plaintiffs. The suit was initiated after DSS operatives challenged a publication released by SERAP accusing them of misconduct and rights violations.
- Were false,
- Injured their professional reputation, and
- Exposed them to public ridicule.
The court agreed with the claimants, noting that the publication remained unchallenged by sufficient proof throughout the legal process. Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces judicial expectations that civil society organisations must ensure accuracy and verification before publishing allegations involving security agencies or public officials. The judgment also underscores Nigerian defamation law principles, which place responsibility on publishers to prove claims made in public interest reports
- SERAP had not issued an official response to the judgment.
- Legal observers say the organisation may explore the option of an appeal.
- The decision highlights ongoing tensions between advocacy organisations and state security agencies over accountability, transparency, and reputational protection within Nigeria’s legal framework.
