By Yemi Oyeyemi
A witness for the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare, on Monday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that he used terms such as “unlawful,” “invasion,” “intimidation,” and “harassment” in publications about the Department of State Services (DSS) based on information provided by a colleague.
Testifying under cross-examination by counsel Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde in a N5.5 billion defamation suit filed by DSS operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, Oluwadare acknowledged that the language he used stemmed from details relayed to him by Vivian Amadi, a front-desk officer at SERAP.
He confirmed that the publications followed the presence of two DSS officials at SERAP’s Abuja office on September 9, 2024. Oluwadare also admitted he was not physically present during the visit, saying Amadi called to notify him.
While being taken through two exhibits—SERAP publications in which the contentious words appeared—Oluwadare read aloud portions where he accused DSS officers of unlawfully invading the office, intimidating staff, and urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the agency. He insisted, however, that he did not consider his statements to be serious allegations against the claimants personally.
Oluwadare further conceded that he did not contact the DSS before publishing the statements on SERAP’s website. He also confirmed that no SERAP property was seized or damaged, and no staff member was physically assaulted during the officers’ visit. He agreed that the DSS operatives did not break any doors, nor did they brandish weapons.
According to him, the first claimant, Sarah John, was instead making phone calls instructing other officers to remain outside. He said he possesses CCTV footage capturing the officers’ entry into the premises. Earlier, he had adopted his witness statement on oath while being led in evidence by SERAP’s lawyer, Oluwatosin Adesioye.
Justice Halilu Yusuf adjourned proceedings to February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.
Background to the Suit
In the suit CV/4547/2024, DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele allege that SERAP falsely claimed they “invaded” the organisation’s Abuja office. The claimants contend that SERAP’s online publications tarnished their reputation and that of the DSS.
They explained that the officers’ visit was part of the DSS’s routine engagement with NGOs operating in the FCT to familiarise themselves with new leadership teams. Upon arriving at SERAP’s Wuse Zone 1 office on September 9, the officers reportedly met a staff member named Ruth, who told them management was out of the country and advised them to send a formal letter. Ruth also allegedly provided a phone number and promised to inform her superiors.
The operatives maintain that shortly after they left, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) account that DSS officers were “unlawfully occupying” its office. SERAP later published a statement on its website—widely circulated by the media—describing the DSS officers as having “invaded” its premises and interrogated staff.
According to John and Ogundele, the publications drew criticism from international bodies, including Amnesty International, and from prominent Nigerians such as Femi Falana (SAN). They claim the statements created the impression that the Federal Government was using the DSS to harass SERAP, and that the accusations caused internal reputational damage, with DSS staff believing the officers acted outside official orders.
Reliefs Sought
The claimants are seeking:
• An order compelling SERAP to publish a public apology on its website, X handle, two national newspapers (Punch and Vanguard), and two national television stations (Arise TV and Channels TV).
• N5 billion in damages for alleged libel.
• Interest at 10% per annum on the judgment sum until fully paid.
• N50 million as costs of the action.
