Global rights groups back SERAP, condemn DSS N100m defamation judgment

Global human rights organisations have backed the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) following a N100 million defamation judgment awarded to two Department of State Services (DSS) officials, alleging that the anti-corruption group is being targeted through judicial processes for its advocacy work.

The allegations were contained in an urgent appeal issued on Wednesday by the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership between the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).

According to the Observatory, SERAP has been subjected to intimidation, smear campaigns and threats after demanding investigations into alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The rights groups noted that on May 5, 2026, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja found SERAP liable for defamation in a suit filed by two Department of State Services (DSS) officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.

Justice Yusuf Halilu ordered the organisation to pay N100 million in damages and publish a public apology.

SERAP subsequently filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution on May 8.

The lawsuit stemmed from a September 9, 2024, post by SERAP on X alleging that DSS officials had visited its Abuja office without prior notice and sought access to documents and management staff. SERAP had claimed at the time that the visit raised fears among employees that the office could be raided and staff arrested.

The Observatory linked the DSS visit to SERAP’s anti-corruption advocacy, noting that it occurred shortly after the organisation publicly criticised petrol price increases and raised concerns over the operations of NNPCL.

It further noted that on June 11, 2026, SERAP filed a separate lawsuit against NNPCL over its alleged failure to account for approximately N5.9 billion in expenditure.

The rights organisations alleged that since appealing the court judgment, SERAP has faced continued pressure, including protests, negative media campaigns and threatening messages allegedly sent to staff by individuals believed to be linked to security agencies.

“The Observatory strongly condemns the judicial harassment targeting SERAP, which is likely to create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civic participation,” the statement said.

It warned that the case could encourage the use of legal actions as retaliation against civil society organisations, journalists, whistleblowers and human rights defenders engaged in public interest work.

The observatory described the proceedings as a potential strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), arguing that the case appeared aimed at discouraging scrutiny of public institutions and restricting civic engagement.

The group also expressed concern that the judgment could undermine freedoms of association and expression protected under Nigeria’s Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The organisations called on Nigerian authorities to ensure a fair and independent appeal process for SERAP, end all forms of harassment against the organisation and investigate the corruption allegations it raised against NNPCL.

They also urged the government to guarantee the safety of SERAP staff and protect the rights of human rights defenders to carry out their activities without intimidation, arbitrary detention or reprisals.

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