The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has challenged the ₦100 million judgment awarded against it in favour of officials of the Department of State Services over a defamation case linked to posts published on social media in 2024.
SERAP filed the appeal after the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja delivered judgment against the organisation on May 5, 2026. The group also submitted an application asking the court to suspend the enforcement of the judgment until the Court of Appeal decides the matter.
The appeal was filed by senior lawyer Tayo Oyetibo on behalf of the organisation. SERAP said it would still amend its notice of appeal after receiving the Certified True Copy of the judgment to include more details from the court ruling.
The case began after DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele sued SERAP over posts made on the organisation’s X account in September 2024. The posts alleged that DSS operatives occupied SERAP’s office in Abuja and harassed workers within the premises.
Justice Yusuf Halilu ruled that the publication damaged the reputation of the DSS officials and ordered SERAP to pay ₦100 million in damages. The court also directed the organisation to publish apologies on its website, newspapers and television stations. In addition, SERAP was asked to pay ₦1 million as litigation cost and annual interest on the judgment sum until payment is completed.
SERAP, however, argued that the judgment contained legal and procedural errors. The organisation maintained that the decision was not supported by proper evidence and claimed the court relied on a witness statement that was not properly sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths.
The group also argued that the publications did not directly mention the DSS officials by name or include details that could personally identify them. According to SERAP, the lower court failed to apply the proper legal standard required in defamation cases.
The organisation further stated that it acted within its rights to inform the public about actions involving security agencies, especially on matters connected to public interest and accountability.
SERAP also argued that the DSS officials failed to show evidence that the publication caused financial loss, disciplinary action or damage to their careers.
In its request for a stay of execution, the organisation warned that immediate enforcement of the judgment could disrupt its operations and affect its human rights and accountability programmes across the country.
SERAP stated that many Nigerians depend on its advocacy work, investigations and legal interventions, adding that the enforcement of the judgment could affect its ability to continue those activities.
The organisation also said paying the judgment sum immediately could affect its constitutional right to pursue an appeal because it would struggle to finance the legal process at the appellate court.
Although the DSS officials initially demanded ₦5 billion in damages, the court later awarded ₦100 million in its final judgment.