Judge Okays Start Of ₦5bn Defamation Suit By DSS Against SERAP

A judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Yusuf Halilu has fixed March 21, 2025 to begin hearing on a case of defamation filed by two officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The DSS officers had last October filed a defamation suit against SERAP after the organization failed to apologize for accusing the DSS officials of unlawfully invading its Abuja office.

Among the reliefs sought by the DSS officers are: ₦5billion in damages, apology published on SERAP’s website, social media, national newspapers, and TV stations.

In addition, they asked for ₦50 million for legal costs and 10 percent annual interest on the N5 billion until payment is made in full.

At the hearing, SERAP’s legal team raised several interlocutory applications and objections which centred on the court’s jurisdiction, that they were not properly served, and that the DSS officials lacked legal standing to sue since they were affiliated to the agency.

Counsel to second defendant, Hannah Anyowale, prayed the court to discountenance the counter affidavit filed by the plaintiff and grant their application to strike out the matter.

Also, Divine Oguru, who appeared for the first defendant, SERAP, adopted the submissions of the second defendant.

However, the presiding judge, Yusuf Halilu, said all the processes for definite hearing were intact and that the court was ready to begin hearing into the matter.

Mercy Didam, Edited By Blessing Nyor