Court sets October 13 to hear SERAP defamation appeals after a delayed brief stalls proceedings in Abuja.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has officially fixed October 13 for the hearing of two critical appeals. The legal action involves the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project and its deputy director.
The central dispute stems from a high court judgment that previously found the human rights group and its official liable for defaming two personnel of the Department of State Services. Proceedings were recently stalled because one of the appellants filed a necessary legal brief late.
A three-member panel led by Justice Danlami Senchi intervened to halt partial arguments, ruling that the related matters must be heard together as sister appeals, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Background of the DSS Defamation Lawsuit
The original legal battle began when two agency officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, filed a civil suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. They claimed publications on the group website and social media falsely accused them of harassing staff.
The claimants argued that security operatives never invaded the advocacy office on September 9, 2024, as alleged. Justice Yusuf delivered a May 5 judgment, ruling that sufficient evidence proved defamation and awarded 100 million naira in damages.
SERAP Grounds of Appeal in Abuja
Challenging the ruling, legal counsel Tayo Oyetibo filed an appellant brief containing 24 distinct grounds. The organization argues that the trial court decision was legally and procedurally flawed regarding liability and damages.
A core argument focuses on whether the claimants were properly identified in the original statements. The group notes that the publication did not name specific individuals, relying instead on vague physical descriptions without independent witnesses.
Stalled Proceedings at the Court of Appeal
Friday court proceedings faced immediate hurdles when lawyer Hannah Ayanwale explained that the brief for Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare was not yet ripe. The document was filed just days prior and served in court.
Expressing clear displeasure, the appellate justices set aside initial arguments heard for the primary appeal. The bench ordered respondents to file their counter brief by October 12 ahead of the adjourned hearing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Court of Appeal adjourn the SERAP case to October 13?
The court adjourned the hearing because an appellant brief filed by Kolawole Oluwadare was not ripe, prompting justices to reschedule both sister appeals for October 13.
What is the origin of the DSS defamation judgment against SERAP?
Two security officials sued the human rights group over online publications alleging an office invasion, leading to a May 5 high court ruling and a 100 million naira damages award.
What are the main grounds of appeal raised by SERAP?
The organization argues that the original publications did not name the claimants, lacked independent witness verification, and relied on flawed judicial observations for identification.
