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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Court to deliver judgment in N5.5bn DSS suit against SERAP

From The Punch · (5m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Nigerian court will deliver judgment in a N5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two DSS operatives against SERAP.
  • The suit stems from SERAP's allegations that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its Abuja office in September 2024.
  • SERAP maintains its claims, while the DSS denies harassment, stating the visit was routine.

The Punch, a leading Nigerian daily, reports on the impending judgment in a significant defamation case that pits a prominent civil society organization against state security operatives.

Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors.

— SERAPA post on SERAP's X handle alleging the unlawful occupation of its office.

The N5.5 billion lawsuit filed by two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) highlights the ongoing tension between civil society advocacy and state security apparatus in Nigeria. The core of the dispute lies in SERAP's public accusation that DSS officers unlawfully invaded its Abuja office in September 2024, an allegation the security agency vehemently denies.

SERAP, known for its robust stance on accountability and human rights, initially took to its X handle to decry the alleged invasion, calling on President Tinubu to intervene. The organization stood firm on its claims, even after the DSS stated the visit was a routine familiarization with the new leadership and denied any harassment. This legal battle is therefore not just about defamation but also about the boundaries of state power and the right of citizens and organizations to speak out against perceived abuses.

President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.

— SERAPA call to action following the alleged invasion of their office.

The court's decision will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in Nigeria. The outcome will likely influence the public's perception of both SERAP's credibility and the conduct of security agencies. The case underscores the critical role of the judiciary in mediating conflicts between state institutions and civil society, particularly concerning allegations of rights violations and the protection of reputation.

We stand by our statements of defence and statements on oath filed in court by our lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, and the correct reporting of what actually happened in court on Monday, November 24, 2025, that the DSS unlawfully invaded our Abuja office.

— SERAPReiterating their position on the alleged invasion in a statement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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