A N100 million defamation judgment against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has escalated into a major battle over freedom of expression and civic activism in Nigeria, drawing sharp reactions from more than 50 civil society organisations, Amnesty International, senior lawyers and human rights advocates. As SERAP heads to the Court of Appeal, the case is increasingly being viewed as a defining test of the balance between reputational rights, public interest advocacy and the shrinking space for civic engagement in the country. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports
What began as a defamation suit between two Department of State Services (DSS) officials and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rapidly evolved into one of the most consequential debates about civic space, freedom of expression and public interest advocacy in Nigeria in recent years.
The N100 million judgment awarded against SERAP by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has triggered strong reactions across the human rights community, with more than 50 civil society organisations, Amnesty International, senior lawyers and democracy advocates warning that the ruling could have far reaching implications for anti corruption campaigns, investigative reporting and the ability of civic groups to hold public institutions accountable.
