Court Orders SERAP to Pay ₦100 Million to DSS Over Defamation Case

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has ordered the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay ₦100 million in damages in a defamation case involving two officers of the Department of State Services (Department of State Services).

Delivering judgment, Justice Halilu Yusuf ruled that the two DSS operatives were justified in bringing the suit after alleging that SERAP falsely accused them of invading its Abuja office on September 9, 2024.

The claimants, identified as Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, said the allegation damaged their reputation and professional standing.

In his ruling, the judge also directed SERAP to publish a formal apology to the officers in two national newspapers and air the same apology on two television stations.

In addition to the ₦100 million damages, the court awarded ₦1 million as cost of litigation against SERAP. The judgment further imposed a 10 percent annual interest on the sum until full payment is made.