The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the judgment delivered against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by a Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the ruling as unconstitutional, oppressive and a threat to freedom of expression in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the civil rights group said the judgment, which awarded N100 million damages against SERAP in favour of two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), amounted to an attempt to intimidate civil society organisations and suppress legitimate criticism of government institutions.
HURIWA accused the judiciary of failing to address critical legal and constitutional issues raised by the case, particularly the question of whether the DSS is a legal entity capable of instituting such an action in the manner it was presented before the court.
The group questioned how allegations of defamation involving unnamed DSS operatives allegedly evolved into a case carrying the full weight of the security agency.
According to HURIWA, SERAP merely exercised its constitutional responsibility by alerting Nigerians and the international community to what it perceived as intimidation and harassment after criticising alleged corruption in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and worsening economic conditions.
“It is shocking that the court failed to interrogate the fundamental issue of whether the DSS is even a juridical personality recognised by law,” the group stated.
HURIWA also raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the visit of DSS operatives to SERAP’s office, questioning claims that the visit was merely friendly.
The association said reports that staff members were questioned about the organisation’s activities and leadership structure, alongside the alleged presence of unmarked vehicles around the office, were capable of creating fear and apprehension.
The rights group warned that the judgment could create a chilling effect on civic advocacy, anti-corruption campaigns and democratic participation, arguing that it sends a dangerous message that citizens may now face legal consequences for publicly disclosing encounters with security agencies.
HURIWA further demanded transparency regarding the funding and prosecution of the suit, asking whether public resources were used in what was presented as a private legal action by two DSS operatives.
The association also faulted the court order directing SERAP to pay litigation costs and publish public apologies, describing the ruling as excessive and vindictive.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s military era, HURIWA said the verdict recalled the period when sections of the judiciary were allegedly used to legitimise repression and suppress dissent under the late General Sani Abacha regime.
The group called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups, media practitioners and pro-democracy advocates to support SERAP as it heads to the Court of Appeal.
According to HURIWA, the case goes beyond SERAP and touches on the broader issue of protecting civic space and democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
HURIWA Condemns Court Verdict Against SERAP, Alleges Attack on Free Speech
