A global rights group, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (OPHRD), has expressed worry over what it calls a pattern of intimidation and judicial harassment aimed at the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). This follows SERAP's work against corruption and legal actions against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The OPHRD shared its concerns in an urgent appeal. This group is a partnership between the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT). They warned that this situation could weaken civic space and anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
The Observatory linked these issues to a series of actions taken by SERAP over the last two years. This includes demands for accountability in how public funds are managed by the state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, and legal actions seeking transparency from the oil company.
Tensions rose after SERAP publicly accused the NNPC of corruption and mismanagement. They also criticized the rise in petrol prices in a statement released on 8 September 2024.
The following day, officials from the State Security Service (SSS) visited SERAP’s office in Abuja. SERAP claimed that the officials arrived in unmarked cars without notice, demanded to see management staff and official documents, and questioned workers at the office.
This visit made SERAP staff fear that their office might be raided and that workers could be arrested.
In a court case marked FCT/HC/CV/4547/24 filed by SSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja ruled on 5 May 2026 that SERAP was liable for defamation.
Judge Yusuf Halilu ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages and also told them to issue a public apology.
SERAP filed a notice of appeal on 8 May 2026 and an application to pause the execution of the judgment. They argued that the appellate court should review the matter.
Despite the appeal against the SSS case, SERAP kept pushing its anti-corruption work. On 11 June 2026, the group filed a new lawsuit against the NNPC, asking for details about the spending of around N5.9 billion in public funds.
They said this latest lawsuit and the earlier court ruling raised more concerns among human rights groups about how civil society organizations are treated when they fight for accountability.
“The Observatory strongly condemns the judicial harassment targeting SERAP. This might create fear around freedom of expression and civic participation for the organization,” the Observatory said.
“The judgment risks harming the ability of human rights defenders, journalists, whistleblowers, and civil society members in Nigeria to do their important work without fear of intimidation, financial penalties, or other negative consequences.”
Beyond the court issues, the group claimed that SERAP has faced ongoing threats and intimidation.
According to OPHRD, protests and media campaigns have been organized against SERAP. Staff members have reportedly received threatening messages from people believed to be linked to security agencies.
The groups warned that such actions could discourage public-interest advocacy and anti-corruption efforts.
“The Observatory is concerned that this judicial proceeding is a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) meant to intimidate and silence SERAP for its legitimate human rights work,” the statement said.
The organizations argued that this case could set a bad example for civil society groups, journalists, and whistleblowers who want to expose corruption or hold public institutions accountable.
The Observatory called on Nigerian authorities to protect the physical safety of SERAP staff, guarantee a fair and independent appeal process, and stop all forms of harassment against the organization.
The rights group also urged officials to look into the corruption and mismanagement claims raised by SERAP regarding the NNPC.
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