A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay ₦100 million in damages to two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) over defamatory claims.

The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, followed a suit filed by the DSS operatives, who accused SERAP of publishing false allegations that tarnished their reputation. The case originated from a 2024 incident in which SERAP alleged that operatives of the DSS invaded its Abuja office and harassed its staff.

The organisation made the claims in public statements and on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism of the security agency. However, the DSS denied the allegations, maintaining that its officers only visited the organisation’s office for routine engagement and did not engage in any form of harassment or intimidation.

Dissatisfied with SERAP’s claims, the two DSS officials instituted a defamation suit, initially seeking ₦5.5 billion in damages for reputational harm and distress caused by the publication. In its ruling, the court held that SERAP’s statements were defamatory and not sufficiently supported by evidence. It subsequently awarded ₦100 million in damages to the plaintiffs.

The court also directed SERAP to issue a public apology to the affected officials, as part of measures to redress the damage caused by the publication. The ruling is considered significant, as it underscores the legal risks associated with unverified public allegations, particularly involving security agencies.

Legal observers note that the judgment may influence how civil society organisations and advocacy groups frame claims against government institutions in the future.

As of the time of filing this report, SERAP has not issued an official response or indicated whether it will appeal the judgment.