The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint initiative of the International Federation for Human Rights and the World Organisation Against Torture, has raised concerns over what it described as continued intimidation and judicial harassment of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project in Nigeria.
In an urgent appeal issued on June 23, 2026, the Observatory alleged that SERAP has come under increasing pressure following its calls for investigations into alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
According to the statement, the concern stems from a judgment delivered by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on May 5, 2026, in a defamation suit instituted by two officials of the Department of State Services, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
The court reportedly found SERAP liable for defamation and ordered the organisation to pay N100 million in damages to the DSS officials, as well as publish a public apology. SERAP subsequently filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution on May 8.
The case arose from a post published by SERAP on X in September 2024, alleging that DSS officials had entered its Abuja office without prior notice. The organisation claimed the officials sought access to management personnel, requested official documents and questioned a front desk officer, prompting fears among staff that a raid or arrests could follow.
SERAP maintained that the DSS visit occurred shortly after it had publicly criticised alleged irregularities in the operations of the NNPCL and condemned increases in petrol pump prices.
The rights groups further noted that on June 11, 2026, SERAP initiated legal action against the NNPCL over an alleged failure to account for approximately N5.9 billion in expenditure.
The Observatory alleged that despite the pending appeal, SERAP continues to face intimidation through what it described as smear campaigns, public protests and media attacks aimed at pressuring the organisation to comply with the judgment. It also claimed that members of SERAP’s team have received threatening messages from individuals believed to be linked to state security agencies.
The international rights bodies warned that the case could have wider implications for civic space in Nigeria, arguing that it risks discouraging journalists, whistleblowers, civil society groups and human rights defenders from engaging in legitimate public-interest advocacy.
Describing the legal proceedings as a possible Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), the Observatory said the judgment could undermine freedoms of expression and association protected under Nigeria’s Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Observatory called on Nigerian authorities to ensure a fair, independent and impartial appeal process for SERAP, halt all forms of harassment against the organisation and other human rights defenders, and investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement raised by SERAP concerning the NNPCL.
It also urged the government to guarantee the safety and well-being of SERAP staff and uphold constitutional and international protections for freedom of expression and association.
The appeal was addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and other relevant authorities.
The Observatory was established in 1997 by FIDH and OMCT to monitor and respond to threats against human rights defenders worldwide.
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