Dramatic Showdown as DSS and SERAP Clash Over Name in Court
The legal battle between the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) took an unexpected twist during the latest hearing, as the civil society group reportedly insisted on being referred to by its full legal name, Registered Incorporated Trustees of SERAP, instead of the commonly used abbreviation, “SERAP.”
This development comes after SERAP accused the DSS of raiding its Abuja office in September, following the organization’s call for President Bola Tinubu to investigate corruption allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and to reverse the recent increase in petrol prices. In response, the DSS issued a statement claiming the office visit was a “routine investigation.” Subsequently, two DSS officials filed a defamation lawsuit against SERAP, seeking over N5 billion in damages.
In their defense, senior lawyers representing SERAP, Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SANs, stated that one DSS official had visited the organization’s office under a false identity, calling themselves ‘Sarah David’ to conceal their true purpose. The lawyers further argued that the DSS has no established practice of engaging with NGOs, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, for any social or leadership-related purpose.
A security source, however, described SERAP’s insistence on using its full legal name as an attempt to delay proceedings through technicalities, suggesting that the organization was uncomfortable adhering to substantial justice. “SERAP, known for advocating accountability, now appears unwilling to comply with the very principles it promotes, instead resorting to procedural delays,” the source remarked.
The source pointed out the contradiction in SERAP’s stance, noting that while it had publicly accused the DSS of raiding its office in posts that referred to it as “SERAP,” it was now distancing itself from that very name in court. “It seems that SERAP is trying to avoid facing the legal consequences of its actions,” the source added.
The case will continue with all preliminary arguments due to be filed by February 10, 2025. Observers are now closely watching to see how SERAP will navigate the legal challenges ahead and whether it will be held accountable for its actions.
