The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has adjourned the ₦5 billion defamation case filed by two Department of State Services (DSS) officials against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to 19 February 2026 for adoption of final written addresses.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was initiated by DSS operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who allege that SERAP published false claims that they “invaded” the organisation’s Abuja office.
At Monday’s proceedings, the second defendant and Deputy Director of SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, opened the defence after the court granted a housekeeping application to amend filed processes. Adopting his witness statement on oath, Oluwadare outlined SERAP’s mandate and addressed events surrounding the alleged invasion.
He told the court that SERAP is a registered non-governmental organisation committed to “advancing transparency, accountability, and social justice,” dismissing suggestions that it exists solely to criticise government. According to him, harassment and intimidation of civic actors undermine the organisation’s ability to hold public institutions accountable.
During cross-examination, Oluwadare recounted that DSS operatives were present at SERAP’s office on 9 September 2024, prompting the organisation to alert the public. He said staff members—including a front-desk officer, a security guard and a lawyer—reported the officers’ presence.
The witness admitted using words such as “unlawful,” “invasion,” “intimidation” and “harassment” in publications criticising the DSS, noting that the information was supplied by SERAP’s front-desk officer, Vivian Amadi. He conceded he was not present during the incident, did not verify the information with the DSS before publication, and that no property was damaged nor staff physically assaulted.
He further confirmed that the DSS officers did not force entry or brandish weapons, though he said John was “making calls asking other officers not to come inside SERAP office but to take their position.” Oluwadare added that CCTV footage of the officers’ arrival exists.
The claimants, in their statement of claim, said they were directed to pay a courtesy visit to SERAP as part of routine engagement with NGOs in the Federal Capital Territory. They said they met a staff member, Ruth, who informed them that management was unavailable and advised them to issue a formal invitation letter. Shortly afterwards, however, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle that DSS officers were “unlawfully occupying” its office.
The DSS officials argue that SERAP’s statements damaged their reputation and led to criticism from the public, international bodies—including Amnesty International—and prominent Nigerians such as Femi Falana (SAN). They claim the publications portrayed them as incompetent and as having carried out an unauthorised operation.
They are seeking orders compelling SERAP to issue public apologies on its website, X handle, two national newspapers (Punch and Vanguard), and two national television stations (Arise TV and Channels TV). They are also asking for ₦5 billion in damages, ₦50 million in litigation costs, and 10% annual interest on the judgement sum until fully paid.
Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned the case to 19 February 2026 for adoption of final written addresses.
