The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly rejected a N5.5 billion defamation lawsuit filed against it by the Department of State Services (DSS).
This lawsuit comes after the DSS allegedly invaded SERAP’s office in Abuja, an event that has raised significant public concern.
On Friday, SERAP issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) in response to the legal action.
“We reject the baseless defamation lawsuit brought against us by the DSS, following the invasion of our Abuja office,” the statement read.
SERAP made it clear that it is consulting with its legal team and plans to file counter-claims against the DSS.
“We’ll see in court to stop this intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians,” SERAP stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The DSS, in its lawsuit filed on October 17, 2024, accused SERAP of making false claims that the agency’s operatives had invaded its office.
The lawsuit is supported by two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who assert that SERAP’s statements harmed their reputation.
According to the DSS’s statement, officials John and Ogundele visited the SERAP office on September 9 to invite the new leadership to a familiarization meeting.
This meeting was part of the DSS’s initiative to improve relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The DSS is asking the court for several remedies.
They want SERAP to publish an apology to the agency and the involved officials on SERAP’s website and social media platforms.
Additionally, they are seeking to have this apology published in two national newspapers and aired on two national television stations: Arise Television and Channels Television.
In the lawsuit, the DSS also demands interest on the N5 billion claim at a rate of 10 percent per annum until the judgment sum is paid.
Moreover, they are requesting N50 million to cover the costs associated with the legal action.
SERAP has responded to the claims made by the DSS.
They argue that the DSS has been inconsistent in its statements regarding the incident.
Initially, the DSS claimed that “a team of two unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja.”
This statement suggested that the visit was routine and not intended as harassment.
However, in the lawsuit, the DSS changed its tone, indicating that the officials visited SERAP’s office to establish a relationship with its new leadership.
SERAP pointed out this contradiction in their response.
“DSS is now saying in its statement of claim, ‘in line with its practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership,’ it directed its two officials to visit SERAP’s office,” the organization highlighted.
This inconsistency raises questions about the intentions behind the DSS’s visit to SERAP.
The ongoing legal battle has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of NGOs in Nigeria.
Many activists and organizations have expressed concerns over the increasing pressure from government agencies.
They argue that such actions undermine the work of organizations like SERAP, which focus on holding the government accountable.
The DSS’s lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for SERAP and other NGOs in Nigeria.
If the DSS wins, it may discourage organizations from speaking out against government actions.
Conversely, if SERAP prevails, it could strengthen the resolve of civil society groups.
Legal experts suggest that this case might become a landmark decision regarding the rights of NGOs in Nigeria.
It raises fundamental questions about freedom of expression and the accountability of state agencies.
In recent years, SERAP has been at the forefront of advocacy for transparency and accountability in government.
The organization has pursued several legal actions aimed at protecting the rights of Nigerians.
They have also challenged various government policies that they see as detrimental to the public.
