A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Abuja is set to deliver judgment on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in a N5 billion defamation lawsuit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
The case stems from an incident on September 9, 2024, when SERAP alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its Abuja office. The organisation said the visit followed its letter urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate alleged corruption in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and reverse the increase in petrol pump prices.
In a statement issued ahead of the judgment, SERAP reiterated its position as contained in its court filings, maintained by its lawyers Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. The organisation insisted that the DSS “unlawfully invaded” its office and described the lawsuit as baseless.
SERAP also criticised what it termed the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), arguing that such actions by authorities undermine the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
According to SERAP’s statement of defence, the organisation denied all allegations by the DSS and urged the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as “frivolous and vexatious.”
The NGO claimed that one of the DSS officials who visited its office signed the visitor’s register under a different name, alleging concealment of identity. It further stated that the operatives demanded access to official documents, questioned staff members, and sought to verify its incorporation records.
SERAP also told the court that DSS officials arrived in unmarked vehicles and interrogated staff about the organisation’s leadership structure and public statements, particularly those concerning alleged corruption in NNPCL and fuel price increases.
The organisation described the visit as intimidating, alleging that staff members were subjected to harassment and psychological distress. It claimed that the presence of operatives and vehicles outside the premises created fear of an imminent raid.
SERAP further stated that its staff became apprehensive, with some reportedly reluctant to return to work due to fears of arrest or detention.
SERAP argued that the DSS provided conflicting explanations for the visit. While a public statement reportedly described the operation as a “routine investigation,” the suit claimed it was intended as a familiarisation visit with new leadership.
The organisation also maintained that its publication was directed at the DSS as an institution, not at individual officers, adding that the names of the claimants were never mentioned.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was filed by two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who are seeking N5 billion in damages over alleged defamation.
The court’s ruling is expected to determine the merits of the claims and counterclaims brought before it.
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