High Court In FCT Kicks Off Defamation Case Between DSS Operatives And SERAP

Defamation Showdown: DSS Officers Take On SERAP in Court

On Friday, a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) began hearing a defamation case that has everyone talking. This legal battle is between two operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). It’s a clash of titans, with each side bringing strong arguments to the table.

This case has its roots in SERAP's refusal to apologize to the DSS after accusing the agency's operatives of invading their office in Abuja. SERAP, a prominent civil society organization, stood firm on their claims, refusing to back down, which led to this courtroom showdown.

The Price of Defamation: DSS Officers Seek Staggering Damages

Two DSS officers, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, filed the lawsuit back in October 2024. They are demanding a whopping ₦5 billion in damages, claiming that SERAP’s accusations have severely damaged their reputations. That’s a lot of money, and it shows just how serious they are about clearing their names.

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But it’s not just about the money. The officers want more than financial compensation. They’re asking for a public apology from SERAP. Specifically, they want SERAP to post an apology on their website, in national newspapers, and on television stations. It’s a move that suggests they want the apology to be as public as the original accusations.

To add to the stakes, they’re also demanding that SERAP pay ₦50 million in legal costs. On top of that, they want an annual interest rate of 10% on the ₦5 billion until the full amount is paid. That’s a pretty steep price tag for what they see as reputational harm.

Courtroom Drama: What Happened During the Hearing

At the hearing, the court gave SERAP’s legal team some important advice. They were told to carefully examine all six documents presented by the plaintiffs. The judge emphasized that any objections raised would be considered in the final written address. It’s a critical moment in the case, and the defense team is likely taking this advice very seriously.

The hearing began with the cross-examination of Sarah John, who was referred to as PW1 (plaintiff witness 1), by the counsel for the first and second defendants. John’s testimony focused on the alleged invasion of SERAP’s office, which the DSS officers claim led to significant damage to their reputations.

SERAP was represented in court by Divine Oguru, while its deputy director was represented by Oluwatosin Adesoye. Adesoye offered apologies for the absence of his client. On the other side, Akinolu Kehinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), represented the plaintiffs and stated that he was fully prepared for the hearing. It’s clear that both sides are bringing their A-game to this legal battle.

Key Arguments: Is SERAP’s Case Justified?

During the cross-examination, the defense counsel pointed out that the names of the claimants were not directly mentioned by SERAP in its statements. This argument suggests that the claims of reputational harm may not be justified. It’s a strong point, and it could play a significant role in the outcome of the case.

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However, Sarah John testified that the allegations made by SERAP had a significant negative impact on her reputation, as well as the reputation of her colleague and all DSS personnel. She argued that even if their names weren’t mentioned directly, the accusations still affected them personally and professionally. It’s a powerful argument, and it adds another layer of complexity to the case.