The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) has expressed concern over the N100 million defamation judgment awarded against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), warning that the ruling could have a chilling effect on civic space and public-interest advocacy in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on June 24, the pan-African human rights organisation said the judgment, delivered by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on May 5, 2026, raises broader concerns about freedom of expression and the protection of civil society organisations.
The court had awarded N100 million in damages and N1 million in legal costs against SERAP in a civil defamation suit instituted by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The case stemmed from a statement issued by SERAP on September 9, 2024, in which the organisation alleged that DSS officials invaded its Abuja office in an act it described as intimidation and harassment.
The DSS subsequently denied the allegation, describing SERAP’s account as inaccurate and misleading before the two officials filed a N5 billion defamation suit against the organisation. SERAP has since appealed the judgment.
