Court set to rule on DSS N5.5bn suit against SERAP

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, will on Tuesday decide a N5.5bn defamation case filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and one of its officials.

The case involves Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who took legal action over claims made in September 2024 about an alleged invasion of the organisation’s office in Abuja.

The dispute began when SERAP published posts on its social media platform, stating that DSS officers had entered its office without proper cause and requested to meet its directors. The organisation also called on the presidency to stop what it described as intimidation and harassment of citizens.

The DSS rejected the claim and explained that the visit by the two officers was part of routine duties. The agency said the purpose was to meet the organisation’s new leadership and denied any form of harassment or misconduct during the visit.

Following the publication, the two operatives filed a lawsuit, arguing that the statements damaged their image and portrayed them in a bad light. They also claimed that the report led to embarrassment and internal issues within their workplace.

Despite the legal action, SERAP maintained its position, insisting that its account of the incident was correct. The group said its report was based on information provided by a staff member at the front desk and stood by the details already submitted in court through its legal team.

During the hearing, witnesses told the court that no physical attack took place when the officers visited the office. The case progressed through several stages, including the presentation of evidence and final written addresses by both sides.

The lawyer representing the DSS operatives asked the court to grant all the requests made by his clients, arguing that the publication clearly referred to them and affected their reputation. He also stated that it was enough for people within their circle to identify them in the report for the claim to succeed.

After listening to all arguments, the presiding judge fixed a date to deliver judgment in the case, which has been marked CV/4547/2024.