The has clarified that the recently concluded defamation suit involving the was filed by two of its operatives in their personal capacities and not by the agency itself.
In a statement signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS said some public reactions to the court judgment had misrepresented the nature of the case.
The Service explained that the suit stemmed from allegations made by SERAP on September 9, 2024, claiming that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its Abuja office and harassed members of staff.
According to the DSS, an internal investigation was immediately launched into the allegations. Following the outcome of the probe, the affected operatives decided to seek legal redress over what they described as defamatory claims and subsequently obtained approval from the Director-General of the DSS to approach the court.
The court ruled in favour of the operatives, awarding them N100 million in general damages. The judgment also ordered SERAP to publish apologies on its website, in Punch and Vanguard newspapers, and on Arise TV and Channels Television.
The court further directed that the N100 million award would attract 10 per cent annual interest from May 5, 2026, until full payment is made.
The DSS said it has a duty to protect personnel who carry out their responsibilities lawfully, while also sanctioning any officers found guilty of misconduct.
“As such, the Service expresses happiness over the remedy to the injustice SERAP did to its officers,” the statement read.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.
