May 05, (THEWILL) — The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja is set to deliver judgement in a ₦5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
The suit, instituted by DSS operatives, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, arose from allegations made by SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, that security officials unlawfully invaded the organisation’s Abuja office in September 2024.
In a series of posts published on its X handle on September 9, 2024, SERAP claimed that officers of the State Security Service had occupied its office and demanded access to its directors. The organisation further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, alleging harassment and intimidation.
The DSS, however, firmly denied the claims, maintaining that the visit by the operatives was routine and intended to familiarise themselves with SERAP’s new leadership. The agency also refuted allegations of harassment or assault during the visit, emphasising its adherence to professional standards.
Seeking redress, the operatives filed the defamation suit, arguing that the publication falsely portrayed them as lawless and unprofessional, thereby damaging their reputations and subjecting them to internal disciplinary scrutiny.
Despite the legal action, SERAP stood by its claims. In a statement issued on November 26, 2025, Oluwadare reaffirmed the organisation’s position, noting that its defence was backed by court filings submitted by its counsel, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.
Court proceedings revealed key testimonies, including accounts that no physical assault occurred during the DSS visit. Oluwadare also told the court that 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 reliefs sought, arguing that the claimants were clearly identifiable in the publication and had suffered reputational harm.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Halilu Yusuf subsequently reserved judgement in the suit marked CV/4547/2024.
THEWILL reports that the court is set to deliver its judgement this Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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