DSS Operatives Sue SERAP for Alleged False Claims, Demand N5 Billion in Damages
Two operatives from Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) have filed a lawsuit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over allegations of defamation. The operatives, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, are seeking a public apology and N5 billion in damages for what they claim were false accusations made by SERAP.
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The operatives allege that SERAP’s post on X (formerly Twitter) misrepresented their actions, accusing them of unlawfully occupying the organization’s office in Abuja and harassing staff. According to the DSS agents, they were sent to SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024, for a routine visit to facilitate a familiarization meeting with the new leadership, and they were not accompanied or followed by anyone.
The lawsuit, filed on October 17, argues that SERAP’s statement, which went viral, severely damaged their reputations, leading to public condemnation and an ongoing internal investigation by the DSS. As a result, the operatives have been suspended and subjected to disciplinary action.
In their suit, the claimants contend that SERAP’s false statements caused emotional and psychological distress, and they are demanding a public apology across various media platforms, as well as N5 billion in damages and an additional N50 million for legal costs.
