The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a defamation suit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), seeking N5.5 billion in damages for alleged reputational harm. The legal action follows SERAP’s claim that DSS agents unlawfully occupied its office in Abuja last month, seeking to meet with its directors.
The alleged office invasion occurred shortly after SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to reverse the recent hike in petrol prices. SERAP also called on the president to stop the DSS from harassing and intimidating Nigerians.
In a statement, the DSS acknowledged visiting SERAP’s headquarters but described it as a routine investigation, refuting claims of illegal conduct. The agency criticized SERAP’s accusations as “malicious,” reiterating its commitment to professionalism.
The DSS lawsuit, filed on October 17, claims that SERAP’s allegations negatively impacted both the agency’s reputation and that of two officers, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, involved in the visit. SERAP and its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, were named as the first and second defendants in the case, numbered CV/4547/2024.
The DSS explained that the visit was part of its regular engagement with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to foster relationships with new leadership. According to the DSS, a SERAP staff member informed its officers that no management officials were available and recommended sending a formal invitation letter. The agency also stated that its interactions with the SERAP employee were recorded and that it was taken aback by the subsequent defamation claims.
In its suit, the DSS is seeking an order for the defendants to pay N5 billion in damages for the alleged defamatory statements, along with N50 million in litigation costs. The agency also requested 10% annual interest on the damages from the date of judgment until payment is made.
Additionally, the DSS called for an apology from SERAP, to be published on the organization’s X (formerly Twitter) account and website, as well as aired on Channels Television, Arise Television, and in the Punch and Vanguard newspapers.
The case has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.
Leave a Reply