A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has commenced hearing on a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit filed by two State Security Service (SSS) operatives against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
The lawsuit stems from SERAP’s accusation that the SSS raided its Abuja office in September 2024.
The claimants, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, argue that the allegation tarnished their reputations and that of the agency.
They are seeking ₦5 billion in damages, a public apology published on SERAP’s website and in national newspapers, ₦50 million in legal costs, and a 10% annual interest on the damages awarded.
At the hearing, the presiding judge instructed SERAP’s legal team to review six documents submitted by the plaintiffs, emphasizing that any objections would be addressed in the final written arguments.
The session began with the cross-examination of Sarah John by SERAP’s defence counsel, who contended that the claimants were not directly named in SERAP’s public statements, making the defamation claims baseless.
However, John maintained that the allegations harmed both her personal and professional reputation, as well as that of the SSS.
The court adjourned the hearing to May 8, 2025, for further proceedings.
Source: Premium Times.
