Court reserves judgment in N5bn DSS suit against SERAP

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in a N5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Kolawale Oluwadare.

Justice Yusuf Halilu made the ruling on Thursday after both parties submitted their final written addresses in the case, marked CV/4547/2024.

The suit was filed by DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, who alleged that SERAP falsely claimed they had invaded its Abuja office.

The operatives argued that the publications damaged their reputations and sought N5 billion in damages, interest at 10 percent per annum, an apology via SERAP’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, national newspapers, and television stations, as well as N50 million to cover legal costs.

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SERAP, through its counsel Victoria Bassey, asked the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that its publications were factual, directed at the institution, and in the public interest.

The organisation said the statements did not identify the claimants personally and could not be interpreted as referring to them.

SERAP added that its reports reflected its account of events, were made without malice, and were protected under truth, fair comment, and public interest.

The DSS officials, however, said their visit to SERAP on September 9, 2024, was a lawful familiarisation exercise, during which they identified themselves, signed the visitor register, and engaged with staff.

They argued that SERAP’s publications portrayed them as rogue operatives, abused their positions, and included descriptions that referred to them, leading to internal investigations and suspension.

Both parties presented arguments supporting their claims. Justice Halilu reserved judgment to a later date to be communicated to the parties.