The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja is set to deliver judgment on Tuesday (today) 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 over allegations of unlawful invasion of SERAP’s Abuja office.
The claimants, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, approached the court after SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, accused the secret police of unlawfully invading its Abuja office in September 2024.
SERAP had, in posts shared on its X handle on September 9, 2024, alleged that officers of the State Security Service occupied its office and demanded to see its directors.
The organisation stated that officers from the SSS were unlawfully occupying its premises in Abuja and had requested to see its leadership.
It further called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the SSS to end what it described as harassment and intimidation of Nigerians.
The Department of State Services denied the allegation, insisting the visit by the two operatives was routine and intended to familiarise themselves with the organisation’s new leadership.
The agency also rejected claims that its operatives harassed or assaulted any staff members during the visit.
Following the disagreement, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele filed a N5.5bn suit, alleging that SERAP’s publication portrayed them as lawless officers and damaged their reputations.
They further claimed that the publication subjected them to humiliation and led to disciplinary actions within the service.
SERAP, however, maintained its position and insisted that its account of events was accurate.
In a statement issued in November 2025, signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said it stood by its defence and court filings.
SERAP maintained that the DSS unlawfully invaded its Abuja office, as stated in its legal documents and court proceedings.
During the hearing, witnesses reportedly told the court that no physical assault occurred during the DSS operatives’ visit.
Oluwadare also told the court that SERAP’s report was based on information supplied by its front-desk officer, Vivian Amadi.
At the adoption of final written addresses in February 2026, counsel for the claimants, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, urged the court to grant all reliefs sought by his clients.
He argued that the claimants had successfully shown they were identifiable in the publication complained of.
He also maintained that defamation does not require universal recognition of the claimants, as identification within a relevant circle is sufficient.
Justice Halilu Yusuf subsequently reserved judgment in the case marked CV/4547/2024.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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