Amnesty International has expressed concern over the recent judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, in the case involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP), and officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Recall that Justice Yusuf Halilu, of the FCT High Court, yesterday ordered SERAP to pay ₦100 million in damages to the DSS officials for alleged defamation. The court also directed the organisation to issue public apologies, pay ₦1 million in litigation costs, and a 10 percent annual post-judgment interest on the damages until fully paid.
Recall that on September 9, 2024, DSS officials visited SERAP’s Abuja office without prior written notice, questioned staff, and were reportedly accompanied by operatives stationed outside the premises. SERAP publicly raised concerns about intimidation and harassment.
Two DSS officials subsequently filed a defamation suit against the organisation – an action widely characterised as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, (SLAPP), aimed at deterring legitimate human rights advocacy.
Reacting in statement to yesterday’s judgment, Amnesty Int’l said: “It raises serious concerns regarding Nigeria’s obligations under its Constitution and binding international human rights law.
“The judgment risks undermining the rights to freedom of expression, association, and civic participation, and may have a chilling effect on civil society organisations, journalists and human rights defenders working to promote transparency and accountability”.
According to the Director of Amnesty Int’l Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, “This judgment sends a deeply troubling signal about the state of civic space in Nigeria. The judgment appears to depart from these principles and may embolden further use of SLAPPs against civil society actors in Nigeria. Such developments risk weakening public oversight, discouraging whistleblowing, and undermining efforts to combat corruption and illicit financial flows”.
“Nigerian authorities must quash the judgment and end judicial harassment against SERAP and other civil society organizations in the country. Authorities must stop using judicial harassment as a tool to silence critics, activists and other Nigerians solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights”, he stressed.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to: Refrain from using defamation laws and civil litigation to suppress legitimate criticism and public interest advocacy; Ensure that security agencies, including the DSS, operate strictly within the bounds of the law and respect human rights; Protect human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organisations from harassment, intimidation, and reprisals; Align domestic laws and judicial practice with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
