A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has postponed the hearing of a ₦5.5 billion defamation lawsuit filed against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives. The case, which was scheduled for hearing on Thursday, has now been adjourned to November 12, 2025, following the absence of SERAP’s legal counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).

Justice Halilu Yusuf presided over the case and accepted a written request from Adegboruwa, who informed the court that he was attending a matter at the Court of Appeal in Lagos. The senior lawyer sought an adjournment to allow him to be present for the defence.

The plaintiffs, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, are suing SERAP for allegedly defaming them in a media publication. They claimed that the rights group falsely accused them of unlawfully invading an office, a report they said damaged their reputation as responsible DSS officers. The duo is seeking ₦5.5 billion in damages and a perpetual injunction restraining SERAP from making further defamatory statements against them.

During the proceedings, the claimants’ lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), confirmed receiving Adegboruwa’s apology and did not oppose the adjournment request. Justice Yusuf, therefore, granted the application and fixed November 12, 2025, for SERAP to appear and defend itself.

The case has attracted attention from both legal and civil society observers, given SERAP’s reputation as a leading accountability and human rights advocacy organization. Many will be watching closely to see how the defamation claims unfold when the hearing resumes.