SERAP Witness Admits Using “Harsh Words” Against DSS Operatives in Defamation Suit
A witness for the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare, admitted before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Monday that he used harsh words, including “unlawful, invasion, intimidation, and harassment,” in publications made against the Department of State Services (DSS).
Oluwadare made the admission while being cross-examined by Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde in a ₦5.5 billion defamation suit instituted against SERAP by two DSS operatives, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
Allegations Based on Hearsay Information
The witness, who testified that SERAP has both local and international fund donors, admitted the harsh words were used based on information supplied to him by Vivian Amadi, a front desk officer and receptionist with the organization.
Oluwadare confirmed he was not in the office on September 9, 2024, when Amadi called him to inform him of the presence of the DSS officers.
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The publication, posted on SERAP’s website, raised an alarm that DSS had “invaded” SERAP’s office “unlawfully,” intimidating and harassing its staff, and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
DSS Claims Harassment Reports Damaged Reputation
During cross-examination, Oluwadare admitted that throughout the presence of the two DSS officers at the SERAP office, no property was seized or damaged, and no staff was physically assaulted. He also confirmed the officers did not break any door to gain entrance.
The two DSS operatives, John and Ogundele, claim in their suit that their visit was merely a “friendly visit” to invite the new SERAP leadership for a familiarization meeting, in line with their practice of engaging with NGOs. They contend that SERAP’s false claims have negatively impacted the reputation of the DSS and caused the agency’s staff and management to form the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders, making them appear incompetent and unprofessional.
The claimants are seeking ₦5 billion as damages for the libelous statements and an apology to be published widely, including on SERAP’s website and X (Twitter) handle.
The trial judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, has fixed February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final addresses by all parties in the suit.
By PRNigeria
