A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has commenced hearing a defamation suit filed by DSS officers Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
The officers sued SERAP in October 2024, seeking ₦5 billion in damages for reputational harm after the organization accused DSS operatives of invading its Abuja office. They also demand a public apology in national newspapers, television stations, and SERAP’s website, along with ₦50 million in legal costs and 10% annual interest on the damages.
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At the hearing, the court instructed SERAP’s legal team to review all six documents presented by the plaintiffs, noting that objections would be addressed in the final written arguments. The proceedings included the cross-examination of Sarah John, who claimed that SERAP’s allegations had severely damaged her reputation and that of her colleague.
SERAP, represented by Divine Oguru, argued that the claimants were not explicitly named in its statements, questioning the validity of the lawsuit. However, the plaintiffs, represented by Akinolu Kehinde (SAN), maintained their stance on the reputational damage suffered.
The case continues as the court evaluates the evidence and arguments from both sides.
