Court session postponed due to absence of SERAP counsel
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has adjourned hearing in a ₦5.5 billion defamation lawsuit filed against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Halilu Yusuf, presiding over the matter, shifted the hearing to November 12, following the absence of SERAP’s counsel, Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), during Thursday’s proceedings.
The court’s decision came after a formal letter from Adegboruwa requesting an adjournment was tendered and accepted by both the court and the opposing counsel.
DSS operatives accuse SERAP of defamation
The plaintiffs in the case, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, are operatives of the Department of State Services. They allege that SERAP made false and damaging claims against them in a widely circulated publication.
According to the suit, SERAP allegedly accused the operatives of unlawfully invading an office, a claim the DSS personnel insist is entirely untrue. They contend that the allegations tarnished their image, damaged their professional reputation, and subjected them to public ridicule.
In their statement of claim, the operatives are demanding ₦5.5 billion in damages, citing emotional distress, reputational harm, and the need for accountability from the defendant organization.
Claimants seek injunction against further publications
Beyond monetary compensation, the DSS operatives also asked the court to grant an order of perpetual injunction restraining SERAP from publishing or disseminating any further defamatory statements about them.
Their legal team, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), argued that the publication by SERAP was baseless, malicious, and calculated to portray the claimants as lawbreakers, despite their record as law-abiding security personnel.
The plaintiffs maintain that the damage caused by the publication has extended beyond their personal lives to their professional standing within the security community.
SERAP counsel seeks adjournment due to other court engagement
SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), was absent from Thursday’s hearing. In a letter sent to the court, he explained that he had a scheduling conflict due to a case at the Court of Appeal in Lagos, making it impossible to attend the Abuja hearing.
He apologized to the court and requested an adjournment to allow him to adequately prepare and represent his client. Counsel to the claimants, Akinlolu Kehinde, acknowledged receiving the letter and did not object to the adjournment request.
Justice Halilu Yusuf subsequently granted the adjournment and fixed November 12 as the new date for SERAP to enter its defence.
Background on the case
The lawsuit stems from a public statement issued by SERAP earlier this year, in which the organization allegedly accused certain DSS personnel of illegal actions during a security operation.
The two operatives say they were wrongly identified and falsely accused of misconduct, which they claim has had serious consequences on their careers and personal lives.
SERAP, a prominent civil society organization focused on anti-corruption and human rights advocacy, has been involved in several high-profile legal disputes in Nigeria. This case marks another chapter in the growing tension between security agencies and civic rights groups over public accountability and transparency.
Next steps in the legal proceedings
With the adjournment granted, both parties are expected to present their arguments and evidence when the court reconvenes on November 12.
The hearing will likely address key issues, including whether SERAP’s publication constitutes defamation under Nigerian law, the extent of alleged damages, and whether the plaintiffs are entitled to the ₦5.5 billion compensation and the injunction they seek.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could have broader implications for civil society organizations and media freedom in Nigeria, especially regarding how allegations against public officials and security personnel are reported.
Public interest and legal significance
The case has attracted attention from both the legal community and civil society observers, as it raises critical questions about the balance between accountability reporting and defamation.
While SERAP has not yet filed its formal defence, the organization has a reputation for challenging government institutions and advocating for transparency, often using strategic litigation to push for reform.
On the other hand, security operatives argue that unfounded allegations can endanger lives, disrupt operations, and damage the credibility of law enforcement agencies.
Court to resume hearing November 12
Justice Halilu emphasized the importance of fair hearing and due process for both sides. He stated that the court expects all parties to be present at the next sitting and fully prepared to proceed.
The case is set to resume on November 12, when SERAP is expected to defend itself against the ₦5.5 billion defamation suit. The proceedings could set a legal precedent in how Nigeria balances freedom of expression with protection of individual reputations in the digital era.
