Abuja High Court Fines SERAP N100m
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A High Court in Abuja has ordered Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project to pay N100 million in damages to two officers of the Department of State Services over a social media post found to be defamatory.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Justice Yusuf Halilu delivered the ruling on Tuesday at the Maitama division, holding that the claims made online were not proven.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
The case was filed by DSS officers Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who challenged posts made by SERAP in 2024 alleging unlawful invasion of its office.
The court found that the publication harmed their reputation and led to professional consequences. It ruled that the organisation failed to properly verify the claims before sharing them.
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In his judgment, the judge said advocacy groups must also act responsibly and cannot escape liability for false claims.
He held that the defence presented by SERAP did not show enough evidence to support the allegations.
The court added that the posts caused reputational and emotional harm to the officers.
Beyond the damages, the court directed SERAP to publish a public apology across its platforms and in national media.
It also awarded additional costs and imposed interest on the sum until payment is completed. The ruling reinforces that free speech must respect the rights of others.
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