The protracted \text{N}5.5 billion defamation lawsuit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has moved into its final stage, with the court adjourning the matter for the adoption of final written addresses.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, presided over by Justice Halilu Yusuf, today, Monday, November 24, 2025, fixed February 19, 2026, for the ultimate legal submissions before a potential judgment is delivered.
The adjournment was set after the defendants, SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, concluded their defense. Oluwadare, testifying as the defendant’s witness, adopted his statement on oath and provided further evidence regarding the disputed incident that occurred in September 2024.
The DSS claimants—Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele—are seeking substantial damages, arguing that SERAP’s public claim that the officials unlawfully invaded their office damaged their professional reputation and integrity as law-abiding security operatives.
Key Testimony: Under cross-examination by the claimant’s lawyer, Oluwadare stood by SERAP’s public report, affirming that he made the publication based on information received from multiple staff members regarding the presence and conduct of the DSS officials at their premises. He insisted that SERAP’s mandate is to protect human rights and hold public institutions accountable.
With the defense phase now concluded, the exchange of final written arguments in early 2026 will summarize the claims and evidence presented by both the DSS operatives and SERAP, setting the stage for the court’s eventual verdict on the highly contentious case.
