Nigerian Court Awards N100 Million Damages Against SERAP in Defamation Case

The Nigerian judiciary has delivered a significant ruling, ordering the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay N100 million in damages to two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives. This judgment, handed down by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, found SERAP liable for defamatory statements made against the operatives.

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SERAP liable for defamatory claims made against the DSS operatives and ordered the organisation to pay N100 million as general damages.

SERAP had accused DSS operatives of unlawfully invading its Abuja office and harassing its staff in a statement issued on September 9, 2024. This led to the suspension and internal disciplinary process for the operatives. However, subsequent investigations by the DSS reportedly found no evidence to substantiate these claims, prompting the operatives to file a substantial defamation suit.

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unlawfully invaded” its Abuja office and “harassed and intimidated” its staff.

The court's decision not only mandates a hefty monetary compensation but also requires SERAP to issue a public apology across its social media platforms and in national newspapers and television stations. The judgment underscores the legal ramifications of unsubstantiated allegations, particularly when they impact the professional standing of state security operatives. This ruling serves as a crucial reminder for civil society organizations to exercise due diligence and verify information before making public accusations that could lead to severe legal and financial consequences.

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injured the reputation of the claimants in their professional capacity/standing.