SERAP challenges ₦100m defamation judgment in court
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has appealed a ₦100 million defamation judgment delivered against it in favour of Department of State Services (DSS) officials. The judgment was delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu, who also ordered SERAP to pay damages and publish apologies. SERAP argues that the ruling is legally flawed and unsupported by evidence. The organisation warns that enforcing the judgment could disrupt its advocacy work and human rights programmes.
What we know
- SERAP filed an appeal against the ₦100 million judgment delivered on May 5, 2026, by Justice Yusuf Halilu.
- The appeal was filed on May 8, 2026, by senior advocate Tayo Oyetibo, with an application for a stay of execution.
- The judgment relates to SERAP's publications on its X handle about DSS operatives allegedly occupying its Abuja office in September 2024.
- Justice Halilu ordered SERAP to pay ₦100 million in damages to DSS officials, publish apologies, and pay ₦1 million in litigation costs with 10% annual interest.
- SERAP claims the court relied on defective evidence and failed to uphold its defences, arguing that enforcement could cripple its operations.
