The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ₦5.5 billion defamation suit filed against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to November 12, 2025.
The case, presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu, was postponed due to the absence of SERAP’s counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), who sent a letter to the court explaining that he was attending to a prior engagement at the Court of Appeal in Lagos.
The plaintiffs, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, accuse SERAP of publishing a defamatory report that allegedly portrayed them as rogue security agents involved in an illegal office raid. They insist that the publication caused severe damage to their reputations as disciplined officers of the DSS.
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In their suit, the claimants are demanding ₦5.5 billion in damages and seeking a permanent injunction to restrain SERAP from publishing or circulating any further statements that could tarnish their image.
During the hearing, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, did not oppose Adegboruwa’s request for adjournment. Consequently, Justice Halilu fixed November 12 for SERAP to appear and present its defense.
The high-profile case has drawn public attention due to SERAP’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption and human rights watchdogs. Observers say the outcome could set a significant precedent in the country’s ongoing debate over press freedom, digital accountability, and the protection of individual reputation.
