Court orders SERAP to pay damages to DSS officials over defamation
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay N100 million in damages to two Department of State Services (DSS) officials over a defamatory publication. Justice Yusuf Halilu ruled that SERAP's posts on its official X handle defamed Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele. The court also ordered SERAP to issue a public apology to the claimants through multiple media channels. The judge emphasized that while SERAP has the right to publish information, it must also respect the rights of others.
What we know
- The court found that SERAP's publication on its X handle was defamatory towards Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
- SERAP had alleged that DSS officers unlawfully occupied its office and demanded to see its directors in posts published on its X handle on September 9, 2024.
- The claimants sought N5bn in damages, but the court awarded N100 million and ordered a public apology.
- The judge noted that the publication led to the claimants' suspension and caused them mental and psychological harm.
- The court dismissed preliminary objections from the defendants and held that the defence of justification failed.
