The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay ₦100 million in damages to two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) over a defamation case.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Yusuf Halilu, following a suit instituted by DSS officers Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who alleged that their reputations were damaged by online publications made by the organisation.
The court further directed SERAP to publish public apologies to the claimants in two national newspapers, broadcast same on two television stations, and also display the apology on its official website.
In addition, the court awarded ₦1 million as cost of the suit and imposed a 10 percent annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment is made.
The case arose from allegations made by SERAP concerning a September 2024 incident in which DSS operatives were said to have visited its Abuja office. The organisation had claimed on its website and social media platforms that unidentified officials of the security agency unlawfully entered its premises and intimidated staff.
However, the court held that the claims were not sufficiently substantiated and were capable of damaging the reputations of the officers involved.
The presiding judge ruled that although the officers were not directly named in the publication, the details provided were enough to identify them, thereby establishing defamation.
The claimants argued that the publication negatively affected their professional standing within the DSS and subjected them to public criticism. They also stated that the visit to SERAP’s office was official and routine.
SERAP, on its part, denied liability, maintaining that the publication did not specifically mention the officers and therefore could not amount to defamation. It also challenged the legal standing of the suit.
After reviewing submissions from both parties, the court ruled in favour of the DSS officers and granted part of the reliefs sought, including damages, apology, and costs.
