By Muhammad Mamman
A key witness for the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare, has admitted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that he used terms such as “unlawful,” “invasion,” “intimidation,” and “harassment” in media posts which wrongly suggested that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had stormed the organisation’s Abuja office.
SERAP had, on 9 September 2024, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that DSS officers were “unlawfully occupying” its Abuja premises and demanding to see its directors. The organisation also urged President Bola Tinubu to order the agency to halt what it described as harassment and attacks on citizens’ rights.
After repeated refusals by SERAP to retract or correct its claims, the DSS filed a ₦5.5 billion defamation suit against the group.
Appearing in court on Monday, Oluwadare—who acknowledged that the NGO receives both local and international funding—conceded that the publications were misleading, attributing them to information supplied by a receptionist, Vivian Amadi. He made the admission under cross-examination by Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, counsel to DSS operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
Oluwadare said the posts were based solely on the presence of two DSS officers at SERAP’s office on 9 September. He confirmed that he was not on the premises at the time and had relied on a call from Amadi.
He also confirmed that:
- No SERAP property was seized or damaged;
- No staff member was assaulted;
- No door was forced open;
- The officers did not brandish weapons.
He nevertheless claimed that one of the operatives, Sarah John, was making phone calls asking colleagues to “take position,” though CCTV footage of the visit exists.
The witness admitted he did not contact the DSS for clarification before publishing the statements on SERAP’s website and social media platforms.
Justice Halilu Yusuf adjourned the case to 19 February 2026 for the adoption of final written addresses.
Background to the Suit
The suit, marked CV/4547/2024, was filed by DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele. They allege that SERAP falsely claimed they invaded its Abuja office, causing significant reputational damage.
According to their statement of claim, the officers were merely carrying out a routine visit intended to establish contact with SERAP’s new leadership, in line with DSS engagement practices with NGOs operating in the Federal Capital Territory. They say they met a staff member named Ruth, who told them the management was out of the country and advised that a formal invitation letter be issued.
The officers said they left immediately after the brief interaction, yet SERAP later posted that DSS operatives were unlawfully occupying its office. SERAP also reportedly described the officers as “a tall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark-skinned man,” further fuelling media reports suggesting an invasion.
They claim the statements triggered public outrage and criticism from groups such as Amnesty International and figures including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana. They also argue that the publications created the impression that the Federal Government was weaponising the DSS to intimidate SERAP.
The claimants say the allegations have harmed their professional standing within the DSS, creating the false impression that they acted without authorisation.
Reliefs Sought
The DSS officials are requesting the following:
- A court order compelling SERAP to publish an apology on its website, X account, two national newspapers (Punch and Vanguard), and two national TV stations (Arise News and Channels TV).
- Payment of ₦5 billion in damages for defamation.
- Interest on the judgment sum at 10% per annum until full payment.
- ₦50 million as costs of the suit.
