DSS clarifies SERAP defamation case, says operatives sued personally

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The Department of State Services has clarified that the defamation case decided in favour of two of its operatives was not instituted by the agency, but by the officers in their personal capacity against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.

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In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at DSS National Headquarters, Favour Dozie, the Service said it had “been drawn to several publications” which, according to it, “have not put the matter in proper perspective.”

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The DSS explained that the suit was not between the agency and SERAP, but was filed by two operatives who “in the course of their lawful duty, felt defamed by SERAP,” following allegations that they unlawfully invaded its Abuja office on September 9, 2024 and harassed staff.

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According to the Service, an internal investigation was first conducted into the claims before the operatives, with approval from the Director-General of the State Services, proceeded to seek legal redress in their personal capacity.

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The FCT High Court subsequently granted their reliefs and awarded N100 million in damages in their favour, while also ordering SERAP to issue public apologies on its website and in The PUNCH and Vanguard newspapers, as well as on Arise Television and Channels Television.n

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The court further ruled that the damages would attract 10 per cent annual interest from May 5, 2026 until full payment.

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The DSS, quoting its position, said it has “an obligation to protect its staff who carry out their duties in a lawful manner,” while also maintaining discipline within its ranks.

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It added that it sanctions operatives found to have breached laws or internal regulations, noting that it has in the past prosecuted some of its personnel for various offences.

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“As such, the Service expresses happiness over the remedy to the injustice SERAP did to its officers,” the statement read, adding that the agency remains committed to professionalism and the rule of law.

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The clarification comes amid public reaction to the court judgment, with the DSS insisting that the case was personal to the affected officers and not an institutional suit against the agency.

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SERAP, meanwhile, has rejected the judgment, describing it as “seriously flawed” and a “travesty” and announcing plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.n

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The organisation said it had instructed its lawyers to appeal, arguing that the ruling amounted to a “strategic lawsuit against public participation” and raised concerns about civic space and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

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