The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that its operatives invaded SERAP’s Abuja office. The DSS said the accusation misrepresented its officers and unfairly portrayed the agency as engaging in unlawful activities.
A senior DSS official, John Afolabi, testified on Monday before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama during a hearing in the N5.5 billion lawsuit filed by two DSS officers—Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye. The officers are seeking N5 billion in damages, N50 million in litigation costs, and a public apology to be published across various media outlets. SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, are named as defendants.
Afolabi, who testified as the second witness for the claimants, adopted his written statement as evidence and urged the court to uphold the reliefs requested. During cross-examination by SERAP’s counsel, Devine Oguru, he stated that the visit by John and Ogunleye to SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024, was routine and not an invasion, contrary to the impression created by SERAP’s public report.
Although Afolabi confirmed he was not physically present during the visit, he said he became aware of the situation through media reports and his own subsequent investigation. “I wasn’t at SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024, and I’ve never been there,” he said. “But based on reports from both social and traditional media and my own investigation, I have a clear understanding of what happened.”
Afolabi, who serves as a Director in the DSS Investigation Directorate, described both John and Ogunleye as competent and professional officers. He added that the accusations by SERAP not only damaged the officers’ reputations but also embarrassed the DSS, prompting an internal investigation.
According to Afolabi, the DSS launched an inquiry following public reaction to the allegations. As a result, John and Ogunleye were questioned, required to submit statements, appeared before a disciplinary panel, and were subsequently suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Under further cross-examination by Oluwadare’s counsel, Oluwatosin Adesioye, Afolabi stated that the two officers, assigned to the NGO Desk within the Investigation Directorate, were acting under instructions from their supervisor during the visit to SERAP’s office.
Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned the case until June 30 for the commencement of the defence.