Nigeria: IHRDA raises concern over defamation judgment against SERAP

…Warns of Chilling Effect on Civic Space
The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) has noted with deep concern the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, delivered on 5 May 2026 awarding N100 million (approximately USD 65,000) in damages and N1 million (approximately USD 650) in legal costs against public interest NGO Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in a civil defamation suit by officials of the Department of State Service (DSS).
On 9 September 2024, SERAP issued a statement concerning the visit of two DSS officials to its Abuja office, which the organisation characterised as an act of invasion, inti...