Coalition Warns SERAP Against Inciting Statements Over DSS Judgment

Coalition Warns SERAP Against Inciting Statements Over DSS Judgment

A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to respect the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja in its legal dispute with officials of the (DSS).

The coalition also cautioned SERAP against making public statements capable of escalating political tension or undermining confidence in the judiciary and security institutions.

The call was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday by a coalition comprising the Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organisation, alongside other civic groups.

The organisations said all parties involved in the matter should exercise restraint and allow the legal process, particularly the appellate system, to run its course peacefully.

The coalition’s reaction followed the May 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court in Abuja in a suit involving SERAP and DSS officials.

The case stemmed from a September 2024 incident in which SERAP publicly alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its Abuja office.

However, Justice Halilu ruled that publications made by SERAP concerning the incident were defamatory against DSS officials. The court subsequently awarded damages against SERAP and also ordered public apologies alongside post-judgment interest.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ambassador Duke Alamboye, National Secretary of Nigerian Youths in Politics and Convener of the National Security Summit, stressed the importance of respecting judicial decisions regardless of personal opinions.

“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must be respected,” Alamboye stated.

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While acknowledging the constitutional right of parties to challenge court rulings through appeals, he expressed concern over what he described as highly charged public reactions trailing the judgment.

“We strongly believe that continued issuance of highly charged public statements at this stage risks escalating tensions and may inadvertently undermine public confidence in judicial processes,” he said.

According to him, sustained media campaigns around the matter could negatively affect public perception of the judiciary’s independence and the professionalism of security agencies.

Alamboye maintained that any aggrieved party should seek redress through lawful appellate procedures rather than through public confrontations capable of inflaming national discourse.

“We reiterate that Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened not by public confrontation with judicial outcomes, but by adherence to due process, respect for the courts, and responsible civic engagement,” he added.

Also speaking during the briefing, Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor, Executive Secretary of the Coalition of Patriotic Youth Leaders, said respect for court judgments remains essential for democratic stability and national order.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and if that hope is abused, then citizens will have nowhere to run when oppressed,” Nwajiofor said.

He advised SERAP to challenge the judgment through legal channels if dissatisfied with the outcome instead of engaging in what he described as inflammatory commentary.

“If you are not comfortable with the outcome of the judgment, then go on appeal. The political atmosphere in the country is already tense. We are not supporting any party involved; our stand is that the rule of law must be respected,” he stated.

The legal dispute between SERAP and DSS attracted national attention after the rights organisation alleged that security operatives attempted to intimidate it over corruption-related advocacy and petitions submitted to government institutions in 2024.

At the time, the DSS reportedly denied allegations of unlawful invasion and maintained that its officers acted within the law.

Legal analysts say the latest judgment could further intensify conversations around civic activism, freedom of expression and the relationship between civil society organisations and security agencies in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, SERAP had yet to officially issue a fresh statement responding to the coalition’s latest comments, although the organisation had earlier indicated dissatisfaction with the court ruling and signalled its intention to explore legal options.

Coalition Warns SERAP Against Inciting Statements Over DSS Judgment