Amnesty International slams court ruling against SERAP, urges immediate quash

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed grave concern over the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordering the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay N100 million in damages to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) in a defamation suit.

The ruling, which imposed significant financial penalties, public apologies, and annual interest payments, stemmed from a September 2024 incident during which DSS operatives reportedly visited SERAP’s Abuja office without prior notice, questioned staff members, and stationed armed personnel outside the premises.

Amnesty described the judgment as a dangerous precedent, warning that it risks undermining freedom of expression, association, and civic participation in Nigeria. “The judgment sends a deeply troubling signal about the state of civic space in Nigeria,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. The organisation characterised the case as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), aimed at intimidating civil society and discouraging accountability efforts.

The rights group urged Nigerian authorities to quash the ruling and end judicial harassment of SERAP and other civic actors, stressing that defamation laws should not be misused to silence critics. Amnesty referenced Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, adding that Nigeria’s international obligations require protection of these rights.

Amnesty warned that misuse of defamation suits against civil society could weaken oversight, discourage whistleblowing, and undermine anti‑corruption efforts. “Civil society organisations must be able to carry out their legitimate work without fear of harassment or punitive legal action. Undermining these efforts ultimately harms the public interest and erodes trust in democratic institutions,” the statement concluded.