Drama As SERAP Denies Its Name In Court

In what appeared like a scripted drama, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a leading Civil Society organization in the country specifically identified with championing transparency and justice, has found itself in a tight and difficult situation that has forced it to out rightly denied its name before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

SERAP which is known for spearheading accountability but, presently facing a legal lacuna over alleged defamation, and found itself on the spotlight had to quickly move to deny its name thus, evaded accountability.

Some aggrieved staff of the Department of State Services had dragged SERAP before an FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, for alleged defamation.

As part of its defence, SERAP denied being identified as “SERAP” but, insisted on being addressed as the “Registered Incorporated Trustees of SERAP.”

This drama was in spite of the fact that its prior posts alleged “DSS raids SERAP office” and “DSS invades SERAP office,” which culminated into legal action.

The claimants told the Court that the posts damaged their reputation, stressing that SERAP’s sudden denial of its known and commonly used name was a deliberate tactic imed at delaying justice.

This was as public commentators highlighted the apparent contradiction between SERAP’s public advocacy for accountability and its strategy in Court that contradicts its public posture as an advocate for truth, transparency, equity and justice.

Following the legal wrangling, the Court accordingly, directed all parties to file preliminary arguments ahead of the next hearing fixed for February 10, 2025.

All eyes are now on SERAP by members of the public to see how SERAP intend to navigate the accountability test it is presently facing.