A global rights group, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (OPHRD), has raised concerns over what it described as a pattern of intimidation and judicial harassment targeting the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) following the organisation’s anti-corruption advocacy and legal actions against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The concerns were contained in an urgent appeal issued by the OPHRD, a joint initiative of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), warning that the development could undermine civic space and anti-corruption advocacy in Nigeria.
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The Observatory rights group linked the developments to a series of actions taken by SERAP over the past two years, including demands for accountability in the management of public funds by the state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited and legal actions seeking transparency from the country-owned oil company.
According to the group, tensions escalated after SERAP publicly alleged the NNPC of corruption and mismanagement and criticised increases in petrol prices in a statement published on 8 September 2024.
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A day later, officials of the State Security Service (SSS) visited SERAP’s Abuja office. SERAP alleged at the time that the officials arrived in unmarked vehicles without prior notice, demanded access to management staff and official documents, and questioned personnel at the organisation’s office.
The anti-corruption group said the visit raised fears among staff that the office could be raided and workers arrested.
However, in a court case marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24 filed by two officials of the SSS, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on 5 May 2026 found SERAP liable for defamation.
The judge, Yusuf Halilu, ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages and directed it to also issue a published public apology.
SERAP subsequently filed a notice of appeal on 8 May, 2026 and an application for a stay of execution of the judgment, insisting that the matter should be determined by the appellate court.
Despite the appeal against the SSS case, SERAP continued its anti-corruption advocacy. On 11 June 2026, the organisation filed a separate lawsuit against the NNPC, seeking explanations regarding the expenditure of about N5.9 billion in public funds.
The grouo said the latest lawsuit, combined with the earlier court judgement, heightened concerns among human rights groups about the treatment of civil society organisations involved in accountability campaigns.
“The Observatory strongly condemns the judicial harassment targeting SERAP, which is likely to create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civic participation of the organisation,” the Observatory said.
“The judgement risks undermining the ability of human rights defenders, journalists, whistleblowers and civil society actors in Nigeria to carry out their legitimate activities without fear of intimidation, financial penalties or other adverse consequences.”
Threats and intimidation
Beyond the court proceedings, the group alleged that SERAP has continued to face threats and intimidation.
According to OPHRD, protests and media campaigns have been organised against the organisation, while members of its staff have reportedly received threatening messages from individuals believed to be linked to security agencies.
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The groups warned that such actions could discourage public-interest advocacy and anti-corruption work.
“The Observatory is concerned that this judicial proceeding constitutes a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aimed at intimidating and silencing SERAP for its legitimate human rights activities,” the statement said.
The organisations further argued that the case could set a troubling precedent for civil society groups, journalists and whistleblowers seeking to expose corruption or hold public institutions accountable.
The Observatory called on Nigerian authorities to guarantee the physical safety of SERAP staff, ensure a fair and independent appeal process, and end all forms of harassment against the organisation.
The rights group also urged authorities to investigate the corruption and mismanagement allegations raised by SERAP regarding the NNPC.
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