The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that the recent court judgment awarding 100 million naira in damages against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project was filed by two of its operatives in their personal capacity, not by the agency itself.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DSS said some media reports had misrepresented the case, stressing that the lawsuit arose after SERAP accused the operatives of unlawfully invading its Abuja office and harassing staff members on Sept. 9, 2024.
The agency said an internal investigation was launched into the allegations and, following its outcome, the officers sought legal redress after obtaining approval from the Director-General of the DSS.
According to the DSS, the court ruled in favour of the operatives, ordering SERAP to pay 100 million naira in general damages and issue public apologies on its website, in newspapers and on television stations.
The judgment also stipulates a 10% annual interest on the damages from May 5, 2026, until full payment is made.
The DSS said it remains committed to protecting officers who carry out lawful duties while also sanctioning personnel found to have violated the law or internal regulations.
The agency added that it has previously prosecuted erring officials in competent courts and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and the rule of law.
