By Ireti Asemota.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly rebutted media reports claiming its deputy director admitted “no invasion” by the Department of State Services (DSS) during court proceedings on November 24, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
In a statement dated November 25, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the reports as “entirely incorrect” and “inaccurate,” insisting it stands by its filed statements on oath and defense that DSS officials unlawfully invaded its Abuja office on September 9, 2024.
SERAP was represented by five lawyers from the firms of Tayo Oyetibo SAN and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN, who argued the Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) suit—filed by DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele for N5.5 billion in defamation—is “baseless” and “vexatious.” The suit (FCT/HC/CV/4547/24) stems from SERAP’s September 9, 2024, letter to President Tinubu probing NNPCL corruption and fuel price hikes, after which DSS officials allegedly used fake names (“Sarah David” in visitor book), arrived in unmarked vehicles, demanded documents, and interrogated staff—prompting SERAP’s tweet alleging “unlawful occupation.”
Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned to February 19, 2026, for adoption of final written addresses. SERAP vows to challenge the suit’s competence, calling SLAPPs “antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution” and international obligations. “These authoritarian practices will surely fail,” the group stated.
The case highlights tensions between rights advocates and security agencies, with SERAP denying any “new leadership” or “routine visit” claims by DSS.
