The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that the recently concluded defamation suit involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) was not instituted by the agency itself, but by two of its operatives acting in their personal capacities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said some reports surrounding the court judgment had failed to present the matter accurately.
According to the Service, the case stemmed from allegations made by SERAP on September 9, 2024, claiming that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and harassed members of staff.
The DSS explained that following the allegations, an internal investigation was immediately launched. After the probe, the two operatives involved reportedly decided to seek legal redress over what they described as defamatory claims against them.
“The suit was not between DSS as an organisation and SERAP,” the statement said. “Rather, it was a case filed by two of our operatives, who in the course of their lawful duty, felt defamed by SERAP.”
The agency added that the officers obtained approval from the Director-General of the DSS before approaching the court.
The court eventually ruled in favour of the operatives and awarded N100 million in damages against SERAP. The court also directed the organisation to publish apologies on its website as well as in Punch and Vanguard newspapers. In addition, the apology is to be aired on Arise Television and Channels Television.
According to the DSS, the court further ruled that the N100 million awarded as general damages would attract a 10 per cent annual interest rate from May 5, 2026, until the amount is fully paid.
The Service said it has a responsibility to protect personnel who carry out their duties lawfully, while also sanctioning officers found to have violated regulations or Nigerian laws.
“As such, the Service expresses happiness over the remedy to the injustice SERAP did to its officers,” the statement added.
The DSS also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.