DSS N5.5b Defamation Suit: SERAP Witness Admits to ‘No Invasion by Operatives’; Case Adjourned to Feb 19, 2026 for Adoption of Final Written Address

Abuja, Nigeria — November 25, 2025

A witness of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare, on Monday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that certain words he used in publications about the Department of State Services (DSS) wrongfully suggested an invasion that did not occur.

Testifying in the ₦5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two DSS operatives—Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele—Oluwadare admitted during cross-examination that terms such as “unlawful,” “invasion,” “intimidation,” and “harassment” were employed in the publications based solely on information relayed to him by Vivian Amadi, a front desk officer at SERAP.

Witness Admits Basis of Claims Was Second-hand Information
Oluwadare confirmed that he was not physically present at the SERAP office on September 9, 2024, when the DSS officers visited. Instead, he relied entirely on phone updates from Amadi.
While being questioned by counsel to the claimants, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, the witness acknowledged that although the publications were drafted in reaction to the officers’ visit, the language used may have exaggerated the situation.

He was taken through two exhibits containing the publications and read aloud paragraphs where the disputed wording appeared. One of the statements—published on SERAP’s website—alleged that DSS operatives had “unlawfully invaded” the organisation’s Abuja office and were “intimidating and harassing” staff, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
Oluwadare, however, denied that the terms were intended as serious allegations against the claimants personally.
No Property Damage, No Force Used — Witness
Under further questioning, the SERAP witness admitted that:

No SERAP property was seized or damaged.
No staff member was physically assaulted.
The DSS officers did not forcefully enter the premises or break any doors.
The operatives did not brandish weapons.
The first claimant, Sarah John, was making calls instructing colleagues not to enter the office but to “take their position.”
He also confirmed that SERAP had CCTV footage of the officers’ entrance.

Oluwadare further admitted he did not contact the DSS for clarification before releasing the publications.
Earlier, he had adopted his witness statement on oath during examination-in-chief led by SERAP’s counsel, Oluwatosin Adesioye.
Background of the Suit
In suit CV/4547/2024, DSS operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele allege that SERAP issued false statements portraying them as having invaded and interrogated staff at the organisation’s Abuja office.
They stated that their visit was part of a routine DSS engagement with NGOs to familiarise themselves with new leadership teams. According to their claim, a staff member identified as Ruth advised them to send a formal invitation before they left.

The claimants argue that SERAP’s subsequent publications falsely framed the routine visit as an unlawful occupation, leading to criticism from the public, international bodies, and legal figures, including Amnesty International and Femi Falana (SAN).
They further state that the publications damaged their reputations within and outside the DSS.
Reliefs Sought
The claimants are asking the court to order:
A public apology on SERAP’s website, X handle, two national newspapers (Punch and Vanguard), and two national TV stations (Arise and Channels).

₦5 billion in damages for alleged libel.
10% annual interest on the judgment sum until fully paid.
₦50 million as the cost of the suit.
Next Steps
Justice Halilu Yusuf adjourned the case to February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by the parties.