The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment ordering it to pay N100 million in damages to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamation.

Justice Yusuf Halilu delivered the ruling in Abuja, also directing SERAP to issue public apologies, pay N1 million in litigation costs, and a 10 percent annual interest on the damages until fully settled.

Reacting, SERAP described the judgment as seriously flawed and a travesty, alleging it poses a threat to civic space and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

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The organisation said it has instructed its lawyers, including Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, to immediately file an appeal against the decision.

SERAP further characterised the case as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), claiming it was aimed at intimidating civil society and discouraging accountability efforts.

The group also criticised the administration of Bola Tinubu, alleging misuse of defamation laws and state institutions to suppress dissent.

The lawsuit stemmed from a September 2024 publication by SERAP alleging that DSS operatives unlawfully entered its Abuja office following its call for an investigation into corruption allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

While the DSS officials maintained that the publication defamed them personally, SERAP argued that its statements were directed at the agency and not individuals.

The organisation insisted it will pursue all legal options to overturn the judgment, stressing its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria.