Amnesty International has condemned the recent judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in the defamation case involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing it as a serious setback for freedom of expression and civic engagement in Nigeria.
The organisation expressed concern that the ruling, which imposed financial penalties and ordered public apologies against SERAP, could undermine constitutional rights and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law.
The case stems from a September 9, 2024 incident in which DSS officials reportedly visited SERAP’s Abuja office without prior notice, questioned staff, and stationed operatives outside the premises—actions the group publicly described as intimidation and harassment. Two DSS officials subsequently filed a defamation suit against the organisation, a move widely characterised as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP).
In a statement, Amnesty International warned that the judgment risks eroding rights to freedom of expression, association, and civic participation, and could have a chilling effect on civil society organisations, journalists, and human rights defenders.
“This judgment sends a deeply troubling signal about the state of civic space in Nigeria,” said Isa Sanusi, noting that the decision may embolden the use of similar lawsuits to silence dissent and weaken public oversight.
The group argued that such legal actions could discourage whistleblowing and undermine efforts to combat corruption and illicit financial flows, particularly where civil society organisations are engaged in public interest advocacy.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to overturn the judgment and end what it described as judicial harassment of civil society actors, urging restraint in the use of defamation laws to suppress criticism.
The organisation emphasised that Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, describing these freedoms as fundamental to democratic governance and accountability.
It also noted that Nigeria is bound by international and regional human rights instruments, and referenced warnings by United Nations human rights experts against the misuse of defamation laws to stifle dissent.
Amnesty International urged authorities to ensure that security agencies operate within the law, protect civil society actors from intimidation, and align domestic legal practices with international human rights standards.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments in the case, reaffirming solidarity with SERAP and other groups advocating transparency, accountability, and justice in Nigeria.
