The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, has fixed February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses in the high-stakes N5 billion defamation suit filed against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by two officers of the State Security Services (SSS). The case, before Justice Yusuf Halilu and marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24, was instituted by Sera John and Gabriel Ogundele, who allege that SERAP defamed them through public statements issued after an alleged invasion of the organisation’s Abuja office.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, the defence presented its second witness after the court granted a housekeeping application allowing an amendment of its processes. The witness, Kolawole Oluwadare, who serves as Deputy Director of SERAP, adopted his statement on oath and provided further insight into the organisation’s operations and its account of the incident. Oluwadare reaffirmed that SERAP is a registered non-governmental organisation committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and social justice in Nigeria. He dismissed insinuations that the organisation exists solely to antagonise government, explaining that SERAP’s mandate is rooted in the protection of human rights and the promotion of public interest. He further confirmed that the group receives support from both domestic and international donors.
Under cross-examination, Oluwadare insisted that operatives of the Department of State Services were present at SERAP’s premises on the day in question, stressing that their presence triggered the organisation’s public alerts. He stated that several staff members—including a front-desk officer, a security guard, and another lawyer—reported the presence of the officials. When asked whether any staff member was assaulted or whether any doors or property were damaged, he acknowledged there was no physical attack but maintained that the manner of entry and the use of unmarked vehicles raised serious concerns and justified SERAP’s public response. He also disclosed that SERAP possesses CCTV footage of the incident and that the tweets issued by the organisation mirrored the seriousness of what staff witnessed.
Upon completion of cross-examination, counsel to the claimants, Oluwagmileke Kehinde, informed the court that both parties had closed their cases and requested a date for the adoption of final written addresses. Justice Halilu subsequently adjourned the matter to February 19, 2026, for filing and adoption of the final addresses, signalling the final phase of the legal battle
