DSS Files N5.5bn Defamation Suit Against SERAP Over Alleged False Claims

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a N5.5 billion defamation lawsuit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for allegedly making false claims against the agency.

The DSS, through its legal team, accused SERAP of falsely reporting that DSS operatives had invaded its Abuja office.

The lawsuit, filed in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, also includes two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, as claimants.

The DSS claims that SERAP’s statements, which were published on its X (formerly Twitter) handle and website, caused significant damage to the agency’s reputation, leading to international criticism and public backlash.

The DSS is demanding an apology from SERAP, alongside N5 billion in damages and N50 million in legal costs. The case has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Halilu for hearing.