The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama Division, has ordered the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay N100 million in damages to two operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) for defaming them in publications. 

In a judgment delivered by Justice Halilu Yusuf on Tuesday, the court ruled that SERAP defamed the two operatives through publications alleging that they unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and harassed its officials in September 2024.

Justice Yusuf ordered SERAP to tender public apologies to the defamed SSS operatives in two national newspapers, on two television stations, and on its website.

He also ordered the organisation to pay the two operatives N1 million to cover the cost of the litigation, as well as 10 per cent annual interest on the judgment sum until it is fully liquidated.

The ruling followed suit, numbered CV/4547/2024, and was filed by the two SSS operatives challenging SERAP’s false claim, which, they said, negatively affected both their reputations and the corporate image of the security service.

They prayed the court for an order “directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5 billion as damages for the libellous statements published about them.”

They also wanted the court to direct the defendants to pay the claimants N50 million in costs of the action, among other things.

Reacting, SERAP described the judgment as a huge setback to civic freedom in the country.

“This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria. It reflects a troubling pattern under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and suppress accountability,” the organisation stated.

It noted that the case represented a textbook example of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy.

“This judgment sends a dangerous message and creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression, civic participation, and anti-corruption work,” SERAP added.