Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, on Monday adjourned proceedings in a N5 billion defamation suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The case, marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was instituted by two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
At the resumed hearing, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, who testified as PW2, opened the organisation’s defence after the court granted a housekeeping application to amend its processes. He adopted his witness statement and clarified SERAP’s mandate, describing it as a registered non-governmental organisation committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
Oluwadare dismissed claims that SERAP exists solely to criticise government institutions, stressing that its work focuses on promoting public interest and socio-economic rights. He also stated that harassment of civic actors threatens the organisation’s oversight role and confirmed that SERAP receives both local and international donor support.
During cross-examination, he maintained that DSS operatives were present at SERAP’s Abuja office on the day of the alleged incident, prompting the organisation’s public alerts. He said multiple staff members, including a front-desk officer, a security guard, and another lawyer, reported seeing the officials.
Although he confirmed that no staff member was assaulted and no property was damaged, Oluwadare insisted that the mode of entry and the presence of unmarked vehicles raised concerns. He added that SERAP has CCTV footage of the incident and that its public statements accurately reflected staff observations.
Following the close of evidence, counsel to the DSS, Oluwagmileke Kehinde, asked the court for a date to adopt final written addresses. Justice Halilu adjourned the matter to February 19, 2026, for filing and adoption.b
The defendants in the suit are SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
