SERAP Appeals N100m DSS Defamation Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution
SERAP says the judgment rests on defective evidence and would disrupt its operations and appeal if enforced.
- The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project filed an appeal on Friday, May 8, 2026, challenging a High Court judgment awarding ₦100 million in damages to State Security Service officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
- Justice Yusuf Halilu delivered the judgment on May 5, 2026, ordering SERAP to pay ₦100 million in damages, issue public apologies, and cover ₦1 million in litigation costs plus 10 percent annual interest.
- SERAP argues the court relied on defective evidence; 1st Respondent Sarah John admitted during cross-examination on March 21, 2025, that her witness statement was not signed before a Commissioner for Oaths.
- Seeking a stay of execution, SERAP argued enforcement would severely disrupt its operations, stating the judgment's effect would leave the organization unable to function pending appeal determination.
- Broader concerns regarding the protection of civic space and civil society's ability to operate without interference drive this appeal, as SERAP seeks to set aside the judgment and dismiss the substantive suit entirely.
12 Articles
12 Articles
SERAP appeals against SSS officials' N100m defamation judgement, seeks stay of execution
SERAP described the judgement guven in favour of two SSS officials as “a travesty and a miscarriage of justice.” The post SERAP appeals against SSS officials’ N100m defamation judgement, seeks stay of execution appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
₦100million DSS Defamation Judgment: SERAP Files Appeals, Seeks Stay of Execution
A civic organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed an appeal against the judgment delivered on 5 May 2026 by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which awarded ₦100 million in damages in favour of officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), a judgment SERAP considers to be “a travesty and a miscarriage of justice.”
SERAP Appeals N100m Defamation Judgment In Favour Of DSS Officials
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has challenged the judgment of a Federal Capital Territory High Court that awarded N100 million in damages to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamation. In the appeal filed on May 8 by senior advocate Tayo Oyetibo, SERAP also requested a stay of execution, […]
SERAP Appeals N100m Defamation Judgment, Seeks Stay Of Execution
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the N100 million defamation judgment awarded against it and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, in a suit filed by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS). The appeal follows the May 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Yusuf […] The post SERAP Appeals N100m Defamation Judgment, Seeks Stay Of Execution appeared first…
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