Alleged Defamation: Court adjourns SSS’ N5.5 billion suit against SERAP
A Federal High Court, Aduja Division. on Thursday, adjourned a N5.5 billion suit instituted against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by two operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) until November 12.
Justice Halilu Yusuf adjourned hearing in the suit following the absence of SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, in court.
Two SSS operatives; Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, had filed the case against SERAP.
The duo alleged that the SERAP defamed them with baseless accusations in media publications.
Specifically, the two claimants alleged that SERAP defamed them with allegations that they unlawfully invaded their office, thereby putting their reputation, as law abiding security operatives, in jeopardy.
They, therefore, pleaded with the court to order SERAP to pay them N5.5 billion as compensation for damages they suffered.
The two claimants also applied to the judge to issue order of perpetual injunction against SERAP restraining it from further defaming them.
Meanwhile, at Thursday’s proceeding, SERAP’s lawyer, Mr Adegboruwa, wrote a letter to the court informing it that he would not be able to attend the proceedings.
The senior lawyer said that he had a matter at the Court of Appeal in Lagos and pleaded for an adjournment till November 12.
Counsel to the claimant, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, admitted receiving the letter and the apology and did not oppose the request for an adjournment.
Ms Halilu subsequently adjourned the matter until November 12 for the hearing of the suit.
(NAN)
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