The ongoing legal battle between the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) took a surprising turn during a recent court hearing when SERAP allegedly insisted on being referred to by its full legal name, “Registered Incorporated Trustees of SERAP,” rather than the commonly used acronym.
The case stems from a September incident in which SERAP claims DSS agents raided its Abuja office following the organization’s call for President Bola Tinubu to investigate corruption allegations against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and reverse a petrol price hike. The DSS characterized the visit as routine, and two DSS officials subsequently filed a ₦5 billion defamation suit against SERAP.
In court filings, SERAP’s legal team, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, alleged that one DSS official used a false name to conceal their identity during the office visit, suggesting “bad faith and sinister motives.” The lawyers also asserted that the DSS does not routinely engage with NGO officials.
However, an unnamed security source criticized SERAP’s focus on its official name as a delay tactic and an attempt to “apply technicality” rather than abide by the “rule of substantial justice” that the organization frequently advocates. The source highlighted the apparent contradiction between SERAP publicly condemning the “DSS raid” on “SERAP’s office” but then insisting on the use of its full legal name in court.
“It is ironic that SERAP, an advocate for accountability, does not want to account for its actions,” the source claimed, suggesting that SERAP aims to “evade justice” and prevent the matter from proceeding to trial.
Per court orders, all parties are required to submit preliminary arguments by February 10, 2025. As the case unfolds, observers are watching to see how SERAP will navigate the “accountability test” posed by the DSS officials’ complaint.