Court rules today in DSS officers’ N5.5bn defamation case against SERAP

An FCT High Court will deliver judgment Tuesday in a N5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two DSS operatives against SERAP, in a landmark case testing the line between advocacy claims and security agency reputations.

The suit stems from SERAP’s September 9, 2024 social media posts alleging DSS officers “unlawfully invaded” its Abuja office and harassed staff while asking to see directors.

“Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians,” SERAP posted on X.

The DSS said officers Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele only visited to familiarize with SERAP’s new leadership. The two officers sued, saying SERAP’s claims were false, humiliated them, damaged their reputation, and triggered disciplinary action.

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SERAP doubled down on November 26, 2025, insisting the invasion happened. “We stand by our statements of defence… that the DSS unlawfully invaded our Abuja office,” Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said in a statement signed through lawyers Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.

Witnesses told the court no physical assault occurred. Oluwadare testified his “invasion” report came from front-desk officer Vivian Amadi.

The officers’ lawyer, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, told the court on February 19, 2026, that his clients proved defamation. He argued it was enough that colleagues knew the publication referred to John and Ogundele, rejecting SERAP’s claim that wider public knowledge was needed.

Justice Halilu Yusuf reserved judgment and said parties would be notified of the date.

SERAP and Oluwadare are listed as defendants in suit CV/4547/2024. Today’s ruling would be historic: the first time Nigerian security agents have sued for defamation in their private capacity.