The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) has voiced significant alarm regarding a N100 million defamation penalty imposed on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The organization cautioned that this May 5, 2026, High Court decision could intimidate civic groups and stifle public advocacy in Nigeria.
The dispute originated from a September 9, 2024, claim by SERAP regarding an alleged intrusion into their Abuja office by Department of State Services (DSS) personnel. After the DSS dismissed these claims as misleading, two of its officials launched a N5 billion defamation lawsuit, leading to the current court-ordered damages and legal fees. SERAP has formally appealed the verdict.
IHRDA characterized the proceedings as potential Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), which use expensive litigation to silence scrutiny. The institute emphasized that while reputations deserve protection, the courts must guard against outcomes that impede human rights work or weaken democratic accountability. They highlighted that such legal pressure on NGOs occurs within an already shrinking civic space across Africa.
Referencing Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, IHRDA reminded the judiciary of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression. The group urged the appellate courts to find a reasonable balance between defending individual reputations and upholding the essential work of activists and anti-corruption watchdogs.
