The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja is set to deliver judgment on Tuesday in a N5.5bn defamation suit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
The operatives, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, instituted the suit against SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, over allegations that security officials unlawfully invaded the organisation’s Abuja office in September 2024.
SERAP had, in posts published on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on September 9, 2024, alleged that officers of the State Security Service occupied its office and demanded to see its directors.
“Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians,” the organisation stated at the time.
The DSS denied the claims, maintaining that the visit by the two operatives was routine and intended to familiarise themselves with the organisation’s new leadership. It also rejected allegations of harassment or assault.
Following the dispute, the operatives filed the N5.5bn suit, arguing that SERAP’s publication falsely portrayed them as lawless officers and damaged their reputation. They further claimed the report exposed them to humiliation and disciplinary actions within the service.
Despite the legal action, SERAP has maintained its stance that DSS operatives unlawfully entered its office. In a statement issued on November 26, 2025, and signed by Oluwadare, the organisation said it stood by its court filings and defence.
“We stand by our statements of defence and statements on oath filed in court by our lawyers… and the correct reporting of what actually happened in court,” the statement read.
During proceedings, witnesses reportedly told the court that no physical assault occurred during the visit. Oluwadare also said the report of the alleged invasion was based on information provided by SERAP’s front-desk officer, Vivian Amadi.
At the adoption of final written addresses on February 19, 2026, counsel for the claimants, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought, arguing that the operatives were clearly identifiable in the publication.
Justice Halilu Yusuf subsequently reserved judgment in the suit marked CV/4547/2024.
