Amnesty International has raised alarm over a Federal Capital Territory High Court ruling involving Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and officials of the Department of State Services, warning it could shrink civic space in Nigeria.
The case stems from a 9 September 2024 incident when DSS officials visited SERAP’s Abuja office without prior written notice, questioned staff, and reportedly stationed operatives outside the premises. SERAP later described the encounter as intimidation and harassment.
Following the incident, two DSS officials filed a defamation suit against the organisation — a move widely described as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), often used to deter criticism.
In its judgment, the court imposed financial penalties on SERAP and ordered public apologies. Amnesty International said the decision raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
“The judgment risks undermining the rights to freedom of expression, association, and civic participation,” the organisation said, warning of a potential chilling effect on civil society groups, journalists, and human rights defenders.
Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, described the ruling as a troubling signal about the state of civic freedoms in the country.
He warned that such decisions could embolden the use of similar lawsuits against activists, weakening public oversight and discouraging whistleblowing, particularly on issues such as corruption and governance.
Amnesty International stressed that civil society organisations play a legitimate role in promoting transparency and accountability, adding that undermining their work could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
The organisation also pointed to constitutional protections, noting that Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression, while Section 40 protects the rights to peaceful assembly and association.
It further highlighted Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights frameworks, where authorities are expected to uphold and protect these freedoms.
Amnesty urged Nigerian authorities to avoid using defamation laws to suppress criticism, ensure security agencies operate within legal bounds, and protect activists and journalists from harassment or intimidation.
The group said it would continue monitoring the case while standing in solidarity with SERAP and other organisations advocating for accountability and justice.
