The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that the N100 million defamation suit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) was filed by two of its operatives in their personal capacities and not by the agency itself.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said some media reports had misrepresented the case and the court judgment delivered in favour of the officers.

According to the statement, the operatives claimed they were defamed after SERAP alleged on September 9, 2024, that DSS officials unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and harassed its staff.

The DSS said it immediately launched an investigation into the allegations made by SERAP. Following the outcome of the investigation, the affected operatives decided to seek legal redress and obtained approval from the Director-General of the DSS to institute the suit.

The court subsequently ruled in favour of the officers, awarding them N100 million in general damages. The court also ordered SERAP to publish an apology on its website and in national newspapers, including Punch and Vanguard, as well as broadcast the apology on Arise Television and Channels Television.

According to the DSS, the court further ruled that the damages awarded would attract a 10 per cent annual interest rate from May 5, 2026, until full payment is made.

The agency stated that it has a responsibility to protect personnel who carry out their duties lawfully, while also sanctioning officers found guilty of misconduct or violations of Nigerian laws and internal regulations.

“As such, the Service expresses happiness over the remedy to the injustice SERAP did to its officers,” the statement read.

The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.