Defamation: SERAP appeals as court awards N100m to DSS officials

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has vehemently rejected a recent judgment by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, which ordered the organization to pay N100 million in damages to two Department of State Services (DSS) officials for alleged defamation.

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We have instructed our lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), to immediately appeal this judgment.

SERAP has labeled the judgment as "seriously flawed," a "travesty," and a significant blow to the civic space in Nigeria. The organization asserts that this ruling aligns with a disturbing trend under the current administration to weaponize defamation laws against legitimate criticism and accountability efforts. SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the judgment fails to reflect the legal arguments presented, particularly concerning the legal status of the DSS.

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This case represents a textbook example of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy.

Instructing senior lawyers Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), SERAP announced its immediate intention to appeal the decision. The organization views this case as a textbook example of judicial harassment and a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and stifle human rights advocacy. SERAP argues that the government is misusing state institutions and the judiciary to target activists and journalists who exercise their fundamental rights.

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The Tinubu government is misusing both the DSS and the judicial system to target activists, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians who are peacefully exercising their fundamental human rights.

SERAP maintains that the judgment disregards Nigeria's constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations, creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression and anti-corruption work. The organization emphasizes the judiciary's duty to prevent the misuse of legal proceedings and safeguard democratic freedoms, asserting that such SLAPPs undermine the rule of law by diverting justice towards repression.

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We strongly disagree with the judgment, which fails to reflect the evidence presented before the court and disregards Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations.