SERAP ALLEGES UNLAWFUL DSS RAID ON ITS ABUJA OFFICE

Read Time:1 Minute, 17 Second

HOTJIST NEWS

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has maintained that the Department of State Services (DSS) unlawfully raided its Abuja office on September 9, 2024, dismissing claims that its deputy director “admits to no invasion” as false.

In a statement on Tuesday, SERAP said: “We stand by our sworn statements, defence submissions, and the accurate court proceedings of Monday, November 24, 2025, affirming that the DSS unlawfully invaded SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024.”

However, the DSS maintained that its operatives were conducting a routine investigation.

The Service also stated that SERAP’s claims of an invasion were false, prompting it to file a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against the rights group. The suit names two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, alleging that SERAP’s assertions have harmed the reputation of both the organisation and the officials.

The case is currently before the court.

Addressing reports of the Monday, November 24 hearing, SERAP said: “We have noted inaccuracies in some media coverage of the court proceedings on 24 November 2025 regarding the SLAPP lawsuit filed against SERAP by the Department of State Security at the High Court of the FCT, Abuja.

“Certain reports created impressions that do not reflect what actually occurred in open court and may misinform the public.

“The correct details of the proceedings and a factual summary of the hearing have been accurately reported by several reputable newspapers.