Two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken legal action against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over alleged false accusations. The operatives, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, are seeking N5 billion in damages and a public apology, following claims that SERAP wrongfully accused them of unlawfully invading and interrogating staff members at SERAP's Abuja office.
The lawsuit, filed on October 17 at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, alleges that SERAP's post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle defamed both the DSS and the operatives. The post claimed that DSS officers were "unlawfully occupying SERAP's office" and called for President Tinubu to end the alleged harassment.
John and Ogunleye stated in their claim that on September 9, 2024, they visited SERAP’s office to invite its new leadership for a familiarization meeting, acting on DSS directives. According to their statement, they were not accompanied by other DSS agents or vehicles. However, shortly after leaving the office, SERAP’s social media post suggested otherwise, leading to widespread public criticism.
The operatives argue that the post caused significant damage to their reputations and subjected them to internal DSS investigations. They have faced suspensions, interrogations, and disciplinary panels as a result of the controversy, and claim they have been ostracized by their DSS colleagues.
In their lawsuit, the operatives also demanded an apology from SERAP, to be published on its website, social media platforms, two national newspapers, and two national TV stations. Additionally, they are seeking N50 million in legal costs.
The case marks a significant clash between DSS operatives and one of Nigeria's most prominent human rights organizations, with the outcome potentially influencing future actions between security agencies and advocacy groups.
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