CDHR to SERAP: Respect DSS defamation ruling, stop public attacks on officers

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has urged the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project to respect a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment that found it liable for defaming two Department of State Services operatives.

CDHR said Thursday that respect for court decisions is non-negotiable for every individual and institution, including civil society groups, regardless of personal views or institutional interests.

The court ruled that a SERAP publication was defamatory and injurious to the professional reputation of the DSS officers after reviewing the evidence presented.

While affirming citizens’ constitutional right to free expression and public criticism, CDHR stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law.

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The group called on SERAP to comply with all lawful directives in the ruling pending any appeal, and to refrain from further public statements that could heighten tensions or undermine judicial authority.

“If SERAP remains dissatisfied with the judgment, it should allow the legal process to run its full course through the appellate system,” the statement read.

CDHR also warned commentators against inflammatory narratives that portray the judiciary as partisan without credible evidence, saying such rhetoric erodes public trust in institutions.

The organization reiterated that the rule of law is the bedrock of democracy and that human rights advocacy must be balanced with accountability, fairness, and due process.

“No organisation, regardless of its status in civil society, is above the law, just as no security agency should be shielded from lawful scrutiny. Justice and responsibility must apply equally to all,” CDHR said.

The statement was signed by CDHR President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Debo Adeniran, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe.