By Our Correspondent

National News – The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, ordered Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay N100 million damages to two Department of State Services (DSS) officials over alleged defamatory publication on X (formerly Twitter).

The case involved Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, who claimed SERAP falsely accused DSS operatives of unlawfully occupying its Abuja office and harassing staff.

Justice Yusuf Halilu ruled that the claimants proved defamation and that the publication damaged their reputation and caused psychological distress.

The suit, filed at the FCT High Court marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, arose after SERAP posted that SSS officers invaded its office and demanded to see directors, calling for presidential intervention.

DSS officials said the claim was false and led to suspension during investigation.

The judge held that SERAP failed to substantiate its defence of justification, noting that evidence of invasion and harassment by DSS was not proven.

He stated that while SERAP advocates transparency and anti-corruption, it must exercise caution and respect the rights of individuals and government agencies when publishing allegations online.

The court emphasized that freedom of expression is not absolute and that defamatory statements on social media attract legal consequences.

It further ordered SERAP to publish a public apology on its website, X handle, and in national newspapers, while also awarding 10 per cent annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment and N1 million cost of action.

The court described the N100 million award as compensation for reputational damage and psychological trauma suffered by the claimants.