A High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, has ordered a leading anti-corruption group to pay large fines and apologise to two state security officials.
The judgement, delivered yesterday (5 May 2026), has been strongly criticised by human rights groups, Amnesty International, who say it is a dangerous attack on free speech.
The case was brought by two officials from the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects (SERAP). The dispute started on 9 September 2024, when DSS officials visited SERAP‘s office in Abuja without prior written notice.
You May Also Like
SERAP said its staff were questioned and felt intimidated, with more security operatives waiting outside.
Today’s court ruling ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to the two officials, along with N1 million in legal costs and a 10% annual charge on the total until it is fully paid. The court also told SERAP to issue a public apology.
SERAP immediately rejected the judgement, calling it “seriously flawed” and a “travesty”. In a strongly worded statement, the organisation said it would appeal.
“This judgement is totally unacceptable to us,” SERAP said. “It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria. It reflects a troubling pattern under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and supreme accountability.”
SERAP described the lawsuit as a classic example of a Strategic Lawsuit against Public Participation (SLAPP) – a type of case designed not to win justice but to silence critics by tying them up in expensive, stressful legal action.
The organisation also pointed out that the DSS officials had hidden one official’s true identity in the visitor’s book and that the security service had previously given contradictory reasons for the visit.
Amnesty International’s Warning:
Amnesty International also expressed grave concern about the judgement. The global human rights group said the ruling could have a “chilling effect” on social society groups, journalists, and human rights defenders who are trying to promote honesty in government and fight corruption.
“The judgement risks undermining the rights to freedom of expression, association, and civic participation,” Amnesty said in a press release.
Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, added: “This judgement sends a deeply troubling signal about the state of civic space in Nigeria.”
Amnesty urged Nigerian authorities to quash the judgement and stop using judicial harassment to silence critics. It noted that Nigeria’s own constitution guarantees free expression and peaceful assembly, and that international human rights law also binds the country.
“Strategic lawsuits against public participation undermine the rule of law by diverting judicial processes from their proper purpose-justice to repression,” Amnesty stated.
What Really Happened at SERAP’S Office?
According to documents filed by SERAP, the trouble began after the group called on President Tinubu to investigate corruption allegations in the state oil company, NNPCL. On 9 September 2024, two DSS officials arrived at SERAP’s Abuja office without a letter or a formal invitation.
SERAP’s front desk officer said the officials interrogated her, demanded to see incorporation documents, and asked about the location of SERAP’s director.
At the same time, unmarked vehicles full of other operatives were parked outside. Staff became frightened, expecting a raid. The officials only left after the front desk officer promised that a SERAP manager would visit the DSS.
When SERAP posted a tweet about the incident, media outlets arrived, and the security convoy moved away.
Both SERAP and Amnesty International say the judgement creates a dangerous precedent. It risks stopping other Nigerians from speaking out about corruption or government wrongdoing, for fear of being sued or harassed.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to stop using defamation laws to silence legitimate criticism, ensure security agencies respect the law and human rights, and protect human rights defenders from intimidation and legal attacks.
SERAP has instructed two senior lawyers to appeal the ruling immediately. “We stand resolute,” SERAP said. “We will continue to defend civic space, promote transparency, and advance accountability in Nigeria.”
More Stories
Team Nigeria’s stars arrive in Lagos, open camp for Accra 2026
‘DSS unlawful invasion: Judgment against us a travesty and dangerous precedent’, says SERAP
Deaths of Two Nigerians: Government Demands Answers from South Africa
Oby Ezekwesili to Tinubu: Come Home Now to Help Nigerians Under Attack in South Africa
Fast Food Restaurant Owner Killed By Suspected Kidnappers In Ekpoma
