Crime
DSS Operatives Take SERAP To Court, Demand N5bn For Alleged Defamation
In a significant legal move, two operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) have filed a lawsuit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), alleging defamation and demanding N5 billion in damages due to false claims made against them.
The suit, numbered CV/4547/2024, was filed on October 17 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a legal team led by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.
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Claimants Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye contend that SERAP’s allegations ridiculed them and tarnished the reputation of the DSS after the organization claimed that DSS agents unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and interrogated its staff.
The controversy began on September 9, 2024, when the DSS directed the operatives to invite SERAP’s new leadership for a familiarization meeting.
According to John, they arrived at the SERAP office without any escorts and left without incident.
However, shortly after their visit, SERAP published a statement on its X (formerly Twitter) account, alleging that DSS officers were unlawfully occupying its premises.
The claimants assert that SERAP’s post went viral, attracting widespread condemnation and leading to significant public backlash against the DSS.
This included criticism from notable figures, such as senior lawyer Femi Falana.
John and Ogunleye have expressed concern that the fallout from the allegations has resulted in a damaging perception among their colleagues, who believe they acted without authorization.
In their 43-paragraph statement of claim, John and Ogunleye highlight the emotional and psychological impact the situation has had on them.
They assert that their reputations have suffered as a result of SERAP’s statements, leading to ongoing investigations within the DSS, interrogations, and disciplinary actions, including suspension.
The operatives are seeking a public apology from SERAP to be issued through its website, social media channels, two national newspapers, and two major television stations.
They are also requesting an additional N50 million to cover legal costs related to the case.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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