SERAP has rejected the Federal Capital Territory High Court's judgment in the N5.5 billion defamation case brought against it by two DSS officials. The organisation called the ruling "seriously flawed" and a blow to Nigeria's civic space.
Justice Yusuf Halilu ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to the officers. The court also demanded public apologies and N1 million in litigation costs.
Annual post-judgment interest of 10 percent will accrue on the damages until paid in full. SERAP rejected these terms outright.
"This judgment is totally unacceptable to us," the organisation said in a statement on Thursday. It described the ruling as a "travesty" reflecting a troubling pattern under President Tinubu's government.
SERAP has instructed senior advocates Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa to appeal immediately. The lawyers will challenge the judgment before a higher court.
The group characterised the case as judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP. Such suits are designed to intimidate civil society, SERAP argued.
"The Tinubu government is misusing both the DSS and the judicial system," the statement read. It accused authorities of targeting activists, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians exercising their rights.
Rather than intimidate critics, SERAP said government should protect those exposing corruption. Allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited remain uninvestigated, it noted.
SERAP strongly disagreed with the judgment's reasoning. According to the group, the court ignored evidence presented and disregarded Nigeria's constitutional and international obligations.
"This judgment sends a dangerous message," SERAP warned. It creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and anti-corruption work nationwide.
Strategic lawsuits against public participation undermine the rule of law, SERAP contended. Such suits divert courts from justice to repression and silencing of dissent.
Courts have a duty to prevent misuse of legal proceedings, the group stated. Judicial authorities must protect rights to freedom of expression and association.
SERAP raised serious concerns about international human rights law compliance. Defamation laws must never be weaponised to silence dissent or suppress legitimate advocacy.
The organisation committed itself to pursuing all legal avenues, including appeals. It vowed to defend civic space and advance accountability in Nigeria.
SERAP's work promotes transparency and challenges corruption in the public interest. All activities are carried out in accordance with Nigerian law, it emphasised.
President Tinubu's administration has failed to investigate SERAP's corruption allegations against the NNPCL. The group called on authorities to fulfil constitutional and international human rights duties.
Nigerian security agencies must operate lawfully, transparently, and with accountability, SERAP insisted. Human rights defenders deserve protection under the law.
The lawsuit originated after SERAP alleged on September 9, 2024, that DSS officials unlawfully entered its Abuja office. The organisation challenged the legality of that operation.
