SSS Files N5.5 Billion Defamation Suit Against SERAP Over Alleged Office Invasion Claim

The State Security Service (SSS) has filed a N5.5 billion defamation lawsuit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The suit, marked CV/4547/2024, was lodged at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following SERAP’s claims that the SSS unlawfully invaded its Abuja office.

The SSS, represented by two of its officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, asserts that the claims made by SERAP tarnished the agency’s reputation. The suit, filed on October 17, was led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), with SERAP and Oluwadare named as the first and second defendants.

The controversy stems from a visit by SSS officials to SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024. According to the SSS, the visit was intended as a routine familiarisation with the NGO’s new leadership. The security agency states that its officers met a staff member named Ruth, who suggested the SSS submit a formal invitation letter. However, shortly after the visit, SERAP alleged via its social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the SSS was unlawfully occupying their office.

SERAP’s claims, published on its X handle @SERAPNigeria, described the officials as “a tall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark-skinned man,” accusing them of interrogating SERAP’s staff. These statements were later shared by various media outlets, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and halt the alleged harassment by the SSS.

The SSS contends that these accusations caused significant damage to its reputation, leading to public criticism from international bodies, including Amnesty International, and prominent Nigerians like human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN). The agency further claims that the statements undermined public trust in the SSS and created the false impression that it was being used by the federal government to intimidate SERAP.

Additionally, the SSS stated that its officials, Ms. John and Mr. Ogundele, have faced internal disciplinary action as a result of the incident, including suspension pending an ongoing investigation.

The SSS is seeking N5 billion in damages and an additional N50 million for legal costs. It is also requesting a public apology from SERAP, to be published on its website and social media platforms, as well as in major newspapers and national television stations.

The case has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, but a date for the hearing is yet to be scheduled.