SERAP has rejected claims in a DSS defamation case, insisting its statement was in public interest and part of its anti-corruption mandate

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has defended its actions following an Abuja High Court ruling that found it liable for defamation and awarded damages to two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

Also read: Abuja Court Awards DSS Officers ₦100m Against SERAP

SERAP maintained that its statement regarding alleged DSS activity at its Abuja office was made in the public interest and aligned with its mandate to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

The organisation argued that its work falls within the scope of civic participation, freedom of expression, and anti-corruption advocacy, insisting that defamation laws must not be used to suppress dissenting voices.

SERAP further stated that its intervention was aimed at exposing alleged misconduct, which it believes is central to strengthening institutional accountability in Nigeria.

The DSS operatives involved in the case had earlier argued that SERAP’s publication damaged their professional reputations and subjected them to disciplinary scrutiny before they were eventually cleared of wrongdoing.

However, SERAP insists that its actions were consistent with legitimate watchdog responsibilities and were not intended to harm individual reputations.

The organisation reiterated that civil society actors must be able to operate without fear of punitive legal consequences when engaging in matters of public concern.

The court had earlier ruled in favour of the DSS officers, awarding damages and ordering a public retraction, but SERAP’s latest position signals its intention to continue defending its stance on the matter.

Also read: Abuja Court Awards DSS Officers ₦100m Against SERAP

The case has further reignited debate over the balance between reputational rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria’s civic and legal space.