NANS cautions CSOs against discrediting security agencies

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The National Association of Nigerian Students has cautioned civil society and advocacy organisations against promoting narratives capable of undermining public confidence in state institutions following a recent court judgment involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and two operatives of the Department of State Services.

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The student body, in a statement signed by its President, Olushola Oladoja, on Saturday reacted to the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which ruled in favour of the DSS operatives in a defamation suit against SERAP over publications linked to an incident at the organisation’s Abuja office in September 2024.

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The association said advocacy organisations must exercise caution and responsibility in public communication, particularly on matters involving security institutions and the judiciary.

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According to the statement, SERAP’s characterisation of the visit by DSS operatives to its Abuja office as an “unlawful invasion,” “raid,” and “intimidation” created damaging public perceptions against the officers and security agencies.

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NANS noted that the court, after reviewing the matter, found the allegations to be false and defamatory, awarding damages and ordering public apologies in favour of the affected operatives.

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“The court, after examining the matter, found the allegations to be false and defamatory and consequently awarded damages and ordered public apologies in favour of the affected operatives,” the statement read.

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The student body argued that while freedom of expression and civic advocacy remained essential in a democratic society, such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of truth and accountability.

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“NANS considers the judgment a courageous and commendable reaffirmation of the sanctity of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the constitutional right of citizens to seek lawful redress against defamatory statements,” the association stated.

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According to NANS, individuals and organisations dissatisfied with court decisions have the constitutional right to appeal, but public attacks on the judiciary could erode confidence in democratic institutions.

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“Such inflammatory commentary against the judiciary poses grave dangers to democratic stability, institutional confidence, and public trust in the administration of justice,” it added.

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NANS further welcomed the clarification by the DSS that the suit was instituted by the operatives in their personal capacities and not directly by the agency.

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The association said the clarification underscored that the matter primarily concerned the constitutional rights of citizens to protect their reputation and dignity through lawful means.

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It stressed that democracy could only thrive where court judgments were respected and public institutions protected from deliberate discredit.

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The association also called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to continue safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary and constitutional order.

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The dispute between SERAP and the DSS has attracted public attention amid broader debates over civic activism, state accountability, and the relationship between civil society groups and security institutions in Nigeria.

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SERAP has consistently used litigation and public advocacy to challenge government actions and demand accountability on issues of corruption, governance, and human rights.

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The DSS, meanwhile, has frequently faced criticism from rights organisations over allegations of intimidation and abuse of power, claims the agency has repeatedly denied.

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Legal observers say the latest ruling may influence future engagements between advocacy groups and public institutions, particularly regarding the boundaries between public interest advocacy and defamation under Nigerian law.

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