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The Human Rights Association (HRA), a South Africa-based advocacy organisation, has called on the Federal Government to facilitate the withdrawal of a N100 million defamation judgment against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
The association made the call in a statement issued on June 23 by its Chairman, Saad Kassis-Mohamed, urging Nigerian authorities to ensure that SERAP and its staff can continue their anti-corruption activities without intimidation or reprisals.
According to the HRA, the judgment was delivered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court on May 5, 2026, following a defamation suit filed by two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) against SERAP.
The organisation recalled that SERAP had reported on Sept. 9, 2024, that DSS officials visited its Abuja office seeking access to management staff and documents shortly after the group made public calls for investigations into alleged corruption and mismanagement at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and criticised increases in petrol prices.
HRA said the two DSS officials named in the report subsequently instituted legal action, resulting in the court ordering SERAP to pay N100 million in damages and publish a public apology.
The group noted that SERAP filed an appeal and sought a stay of execution on May 8, 2026.
The association described the judgment as bearing the characteristics of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), arguing that such litigation could have a chilling effect on civil society organisations, journalists and whistleblowers engaged in public-interest advocacy.
It also expressed concern over reports that some SERAP staff members had received threatening messages after the organisation appealed the judgment and that some workers feared arrest, detention or harassment.
Kassis-Mohamed said the development raised questions about freedom of expression and the ability of anti-corruption organisations to operate without fear.
He maintained that Nigeria’s legal and constitutional framework should protect public-interest advocacy and ensure that civil society organisations are not subjected to intimidation through litigation.
The HRA called for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of SERAP’s appeal, an independent and impartial appellate process, investigation of alleged threats against SERAP staff and measures to guarantee their safety.
The organisation also urged authorities to investigate the corruption allegations raised by SERAP concerning NNPCL and to ensure that civil society groups, journalists and whistleblowers can operate without fear of judicial, administrative or security-related reprisals.
The Human Rights Association said it operates as an initiative of the WeCare Foundation and works across Africa, South Asia and the Gulf region on issues relating to human rights, due process and access to justice.
F.O
Tags: Human Rights Association judgement SERAP