By Amofokhai Williams
SERAP has doubled down on its claim that DSS officials “unlawfully invaded” its Abuja office.
The organisation said this in a new statement on Tuesday. It also dismissed reports that its deputy director denied the incident in court.
The statement, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, said some media outlets misreported Monday’s hearing.
“The reports that SERAP deputy director ‘admits no invasion’ are entirely incorrect,” it said. “These impressions do not reflect what happened in open court.”
SERAP restated the details of its earlier filings. “The DSS used fake names and arrived in two unmarked vehicles,” it said. The group insisted that two officials entered its office and acted improperly.
The statement added: “One official signed our visitor’s book as ‘Sarah David,’ not ‘Sarah John.’ She hid her true identity.”
SERAP said the officers demanded documents and interrogated the front desk staff. It described the visit as hostile and intimidating.
The group accused the DSS of giving conflicting reasons for the visit. “The DSS first said it was a routine investigation,” SERAP noted.
“Later, they told the court it was a familiarisation visit. Both cannot be true.”
SERAP said it had no “new leadership” at the time and insisted the DSS should have sent an official letter, not arrived unannounced.
SERAP said its staff felt unsafe, saying “The actions of the DSS officials caused fear and psychological trauma,” the statement read.
The organisation said some staff were afraid to return to work afterward, adding that the DSS operatives stayed outside the office in unmarked vehicles, as the convoy only withdrew when journalists arrived.
The lawsuit, filed by DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, continues. Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned the case to 19 February 2026 for adoption of final written addresses.
SERAP vowed to fight the case. “We shall urge the court to dismiss the claims in their entirety,” the group said. It called the suit a SLAPP designed to silence public interest advocacy.
