FCT High Court Adjourns DSS ₦5bn Defamation Suit Against SERAP to February 19
Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, on Monday adjourned proceedings to February 19, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses in the ₦5 billion defamation action instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
The suit, referenced as FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was initiated by DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
At the resumed hearing, the 2nd defendant, Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, opened the defence following the court’s approval of a housekeeping application for amendment of processes.
Testifying as PW2, Oluwadare adopted his witness statement on oath and gave further clarifications regarding SERAP’s mandate and the circumstances surrounding the alleged invasion of its Abuja office. He reiterated that SERAP is a duly registered non‑governmental organisation committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice in Nigeria.
He rejected insinuations that SERAP exists merely to criticise government, emphasising instead that its statutory mandate is the protection and advancement of human rights, particularly socio‑economic rights, in the public interest. He further noted that harassment and intimidation of civic actors undermine SERAP’s work and weaken efforts to hold public institutions accountable.
Oluwadare confirmed that SERAP receives support from both local and international donors. Under cross‑examination, he maintained his earlier assertion that DSS operatives were present at SERAP’s premises, which prompted the organisation’s public alerts. He testified that several staff members—including a front‑desk officer, a security guard, and another lawyer—observed the presence of the officials.
When asked whether any staff was assaulted or property damaged, the witness conceded that no physical attack occurred. However, he stressed that the manner of entry and the use of unmarked vehicles raised serious concerns, justifying SERAP’s public statements. He added that the organisation possesses CCTV footage of the incident and insisted that the tweets issued by SERAP accurately reflected the gravity of what staff witnessed.
Upon conclusion of cross‑examination, counsel to the claimant, Oluwagmileke Kehinde, informed the court that trial had closed and requested a date for adoption of final written addresses. The court accordingly adjourned to February 19, 2025.
The defendants in the suit are SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
