The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has acknowledged the ruling of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in a defamation case filed by two officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
As a leading human rights body dedicated to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and accountability, CDHR emphasized that all individuals and organisations — including civil society groups — are expected to respect valid court decisions, even when they disagree with them.
The group noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the right to criticise public institutions, such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within legal limits. According to the court’s findings, the publication in question was considered defamatory and damaging to the professional reputation of the DSS officers involved.
CDHR therefore urged Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project to:
Respect the court’s judgment
Obey all lawful directives in the ruling while any appeal process is ongoing
Avoid further public remarks that could heighten tensions or undermine confidence in the judiciary
Make use of the appellate process if it wishes to challenge the decision
The organisation also called on the public and stakeholders to be cautious in their commentary, warning against statements that could deepen mistrust in public institutions or unfairly portray the judiciary as biased without solid evidence.
CDHR stressed that the rule of law is central to any democratic system, adding that human rights advocacy must go hand-in-hand with responsibility, fairness, and respect for due process. It reaffirmed that no organisation is above the law, just as security agencies must remain subject to lawful scrutiny.
Signed:
Comrade Debo Adeniran – CDHR President and Secretary, Board of Trustees
Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe – National Publicity Secretary, CDHR
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