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DSS N5.5b Defamation Suit: SERAP Deputy Director Admits to ‘No Invasion By Operatives’

Published

4 months ago

November 24, 2025

*Court Adjourns To Feb 19 For Adoption Of Final Written Addresses

A witness of the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare on Monday admitted at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that he used some libelous words like “unlawful, invasion, intimidation and harrassment”
in media publications to falsely depict the Department of the State Service (DSS) as invading their Abuja office.

The civic group had on September 9, 2024 posted on X that operatives of the secret police were “unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors,” stressing, “President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”

After several weeks of the NGO failing to heed to appeals by the secret police tell the truth and apologise for misrepresenting the facts of their visit, the DSS slamed a N5.5 billion defamation suit against SERAP.

In court on Monday, the SERAP witness, who admitted that the NGO has local and international fund donors admitted using libelous publications against the DSS, but blamed the move on the facts one Vivian Amadi, their front Desk officer and receptionist, supplied.

The SERAP official, Oluwadare, made the admittance while being crossed examined by Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, counsel to two DSS operatives, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.

The witness further told the court that the publications which the DSS found offensive, were based on the presence of two DSS officers in SERAP office on September 9, 2024.

He said that he was not in the office when Vivian Amadi called him to inform him of the presence of the DSS officers in the compound of his organization.

Oluwadare who was taken through two exhibits of publications made by him against DSS read out the first paragraph of one of the publications where the alleged libelous words were used, including their website.

He, however, disagreed that the words used in the publications were serious allegations against the two claimants.

The witness also admitted that he did not consult DSS before posting the publications on the website of SERAP.

He admitted that throughout the presence of the two DSS officers in the SERAP office, no property of the organization was seized or damaged and that no staff was physically assaulted by the security agents.

Responding to a question, the SERAP witness admitted that the DSS officers did not break any door to gain entrance into the organization’s office, neither did they, upon entry, brandish any weapon.

He, however, added that the first claimant (Sarah John) was making calls asking other officers not to come inside SERAP office but to “take position.”

The witness said the office had the CCTV footage of the DSS officers’ entrance into the organization’s office.

The witness had earlier adopted his witness statement made on oath during his his evidence-in-chief where he was led by lawyer Oluwatosin Adesioye.

Meanwhile, Justice Halilu Yusuf has fixed February 19, 2026 for adoption of final addresses by parties in the suit.

In the suit, marked: CV/4547/2024, filed in the names of two officials of DSS – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele – the claimants accused the defendants of making a false claim that John and Ogundele invaded SERAP’s Abuja office.

The claimant stated among others, that the alleged false claim by SERAP has negatively impacted on its reputation and that of the two officials involved.

They also stated, in their statement of claim, that, in line with its practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT, to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two officials – John and Ogunleye – to visit SERAP’s office and invite its new leadership for a familiarisation meeting.

The claimants added that, in carrying out the directive, John and Ogunleye paid a friendly visit to SERAP’s office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth, who upon being informed of the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP’s management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS.

John and Ogundele, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said before they immediately exited SERAP’s office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation’s management about the visit and volunteered a phone number – 08160537202.

They said it was surprising that, shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle: @SERAPNigeria, that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office.

The claimant added that “on the same day, the defendants also published a statement on SERAP’s website, which was widely reported by several media outfits, falsely alleging that some officers from the DSS, described as “a fall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark skinned man,” invaded their Abuja office and interrogated the staff of the first defendant (SERAP).

John and Ogundele stated that “due to the false statements published by the defendants, the DSS has been ridiculed and criticised by international agencies such as the Amnesty International and prominent members of the Nigerian legal society, such as Femi Falana (SAN).

“Due to the false statements published by the defendants, members of the public and the international community formed the opinion that the Federal Government is using the DSS to harass the defendants.”

They added that the defendants’ statements caused harm to the claimants’ reputation because the staff and management of the DSS have formed the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders and carried out an unsanctioned operation and are therefore, incompetent and unprofessional.

The claimants are therefore praying the court for the following reliefs:

*An order directing the defendants to tender an apology to the claimants via the first defendant’s (SERAP’s) website, X (twitter) handle, two national daily newspapers (Punch and Vanguard) and two national news television stations (Arise Television and Channels Television) for falsely accusing the claimants of unlawfully invading the first defendant’s office and interrogating the first defendant’s staff.

*An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5billion as damages for the libellous statements published about the claimants.

*Interest on the sum of N5b at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is realised or liquidated.

*An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N50 million as costs of this action.

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NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, Hailed as Transformative Leader on Birthday

Published

6 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been described as a transformative leader in the media profession as she marks her birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, a former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended Ike for breaking barriers and redefining leadership within the union.

Onyilo noted that Ike made history as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in over four decades, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in journalism.

She said Ike’s tenure had been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructural development and the welfare of members, adding that her leadership had also strengthened participation and unity within the union.

“Her tenure has witnessed unprecedented development and effective mobilisation of members to actively participate in the affairs of the union, making her a foremost transformative leader of our era,” Onyilo said.

The publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine further described Ike as a media icon of immense value, praying for greater accomplishments, good health, and continued success in her leadership journey.

Onyilo congratulated Ike on her birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.

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COAS Salutes Troops’ Sacrifice, Hosts Special Sallah Luncheon in Edo

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2026

Daily Mirror

he Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted a special Sallah luncheon for troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Speaking at the event, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale through strategic initiatives. He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in their duty to defend the nation’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

Represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Army Chief commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism despite operating under challenging conditions. He noted that their sacrifices and dedication embody the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier.

“They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism.

Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” he said, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.

The COAS also lauded the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security and intelligence agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, noting that the President’s leadership remains a strong source of motivation for the Armed Forces.

In his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a significant annual tradition held during major festive periods, including Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas.

He said the initiative is aimed at boosting troop morale, recognising their sacrifices, honouring fallen heroes, and strengthening camaraderie within the ranks.

Agboro appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting the base to celebrate with the troops. He also acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr Dele Aleburu, who represented the council chairperson, Madam Joy Ohonyon, as well as the traditional ruler of Sobe, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, and heads of other security agencies in the area.

The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops.

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54 Garlands To A Performer: Happy Birthday To Governor Peter Mbah

Published

1 week ago

March 17, 2026

Daily Mirror

Happy Birthday To An Achiever, History Shall Be kind To You For Your Noble Strides In Leadership.

In the theatre of leadership, where promises often fade into the background of political routine, a few performers step onto the stage with clarity, purpose, and measurable impact. One such figure is Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, whose journey continues to attract attention for its pace, precision, and ambition.

As he marks his 54th birthday today the 17th of March, it is fitting to string together not just words, but garlands—symbols of appreciation for a man whose governance style has leaned heavily toward results.
Governor Mbah’s leadership narrative is one defined by urgency.

From the outset, he signaled that governance would not be business as usual. His administration set bold targets, particularly in areas such as education, infrastructure, and economic expansion. Rather than dwell in rhetoric, his approach has emphasized timelines, deliverables, and accountability—traits more commonly associated with corporate leadership than traditional politics.

One of the most striking elements of his governance is his focus on education reform. By prioritizing smart schools and digital learning infrastructure, Mbah has demonstrated an understanding that the future of any society lies in how well it prepares its young minds. His policies reflect a belief that education must not only be accessible but also relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape, little his signature refrain TOMORROW IS HERE resonates not only with Ndi’Enugu and the people of the South East but across the nation.

Infrastructure development under his watch has also taken center stage. Roads, transport systems, and urban renewal projects have been approached not just as physical upgrades, but as economic enablers. The philosophy is simple: when movement becomes easier, commerce thrives, and when commerce thrives, people prosper.

Beyond policy and projects, there is also the intangible quality of leadership presence. Governor Mbah has cultivated an image of a leader constantly in motion—inspecting, engaging, pushing. This has helped shape public perception of a government that is active and responsive, rather than distant and ceremonial.

At 54, the Governor stands at a point where experience meets momentum. There is enough behind him to assess his direction, and enough ahead to determine his legacy. The expectations are high, but so too is the energy he appears to bring to the role.

Birthdays often invite reflection, but they also offer an opportunity to look forward. For the people of Enugu State, this moment is not just about celebrating the man, but also about evaluating the journey so far and anticipating what lies ahead.

Fifty-four garlands, then, are not merely decorative—they represent milestones, challenges overcome, and ambitions still in pursuit. For a performer in the arena of governance, the applause is never final. It is earned, continuously, in the quiet execution of vision.

Happy Birthday, Governor Peter Mbah, indeed under your responsible and responsive watch over Enugu State TOMORROW IS HERE.

Okechukwu Nwafor
Concerned Professionals For Good Governance. (A Good Leadership Advocacy Group).