Appeal Court Begins Hearing SERAP’s Appeal in N101m Defamation Judgment Debt Friday
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has scheduled hearing for Friday in the appeal filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in relation to
The Court of Appeal in Abuja will hold a hearing on Friday for SERAP's appeal in a N101 million defamation judgment against the organization, according to a notice from the appellate court's Registry. In May 5, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Justice Halilu Yusuf awarded SERAP N101 million in damages and costs, after finding that the group defamed two Department of State Services officials in a false publication on their website and social media platforms.
The DSS officials - Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele - claimed that the publication falsely accused them of invading their Abuja office on September 9, 2024 and harassing them. Justice Yusuf found that the defendants failed to prove that their publications were not based on falsehood. He dismissed the defendants' challenge to the competence of the suit, and ordered them to publish a public apology on SERAP's website, X handle, two national daily newspapers and two television stations. The judgment sum will attract 10 percent interest per annum until fully paid.
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