In an ironic twist, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a prominent civil society organization known for championing transparency and justice, has found itself in the spotlight for allegedly evading accountability. At the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, SERAP, facing a defamation suit by aggrieved staff of the Department of State Services (DSS), denied being identified as “SERAP” and instead insisted on being addressed as the “Registered Incorporated Trustees of SERAP.”
This stance came despite the organization’s prior posts alleging “DSS raids SERAP office” and “DSS invades SERAP office,” which form the basis of the legal action. The complainants argue that the posts damaged their reputation and that SERAP’s denial of its commonly used name is a tactic to delay justice.
Critics have highlighted the apparent contradiction between SERAP’s public advocacy for accountability and its court strategy, which some perceive as an attempt to avoid facing the allegations.
In response to the ongoing legal wrangling, the court directed all parties to file preliminary arguments ahead of the next hearing scheduled for February 10, 2025. Observers are closely watching to see how the organization navigates the accountability test it is now facing.
