The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly rejected a judgment delivered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, which ordered the organisation to pay ₦100 million in damages in a defamation case filed by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court ruled on Tuesday in favour of the DSS officials in the ₦5.5 billion lawsuit, also directing SERAP to issue a public apology, pay ₦1 million in legal costs, and apply a 10 per cent annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment is made.
In its response, SERAP described the ruling as unjust and deeply flawed, insisting that it represents a setback for civic freedoms and accountability efforts in Nigeria. The organisation said it had instructed its legal team to immediately appeal the decision.
SERAP argued that the case amounts to a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society organisations and discourage public-interest advocacy. It maintained that the judgment reflects a worrying trend of using defamation laws to silence criticism and restrict civic engagement.
The organisation also accused authorities of using state institutions, including the DSS and the judiciary, to target activists and suppress allegations of corruption, particularly those linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
SERAP further stated that the court’s decision undermines constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations, warning that it could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and anti-corruption advocacy in the country.
According to the group, defamation laws should not be used as tools to punish legitimate criticism or restrict human rights work, adding that courts have a responsibility to prevent abuse of legal processes.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to continue pursuing legal action, defending civic space, and promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
The case originated after SERAP accused DSS officials of unlawfully entering its Abuja office in September 2024, following its call for an investigation into alleged corruption within the NNPCL and its opposition to fuel price increases.
