The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court that officials from Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) who raided its Abuja office in September used fake names and arrived in two unmarked vehicles. The incident occurred after SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate corruption allegations against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) and reverse the increase in petrol prices.
During the court proceedings, SERAP’s legal representatives, Tayo Oyetibo SAN and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN, stated that one of the DSS officials, who identified herself as “Sarah David,” concealed her true identity. The defense argued that the DSS does not typically engage with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like SERAP, especially without official written invitations.
SERAP denied claims made by the DSS officials in their defamation lawsuit and maintained that the DSS’s actions constituted harassment and intimidation. The organization also challenged the purpose of the DSS’s visit, which was initially described by the agency as a “routine investigation” but later framed by the officials as an engagement to meet with the new leadership of the organization.
The court hearing, which took place before Justice Yusuf Halilu, has been adjourned to November 29, 2024, for further proceedings. SERAP insists that its publication was directed at the DSS as an institution, not the individual officers involved, and denies any defamation or injury to the claimants.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between government agencies and NGOs in Nigeria, particularly those advocating for human rights and accountability.
Peoplesmind
