Stop weaponising DSS, proxies to silence us — SERAP blows hot, calls out FG
…Warns of legal action if DSS defamation lawsuit is not withdrawn
…Calls for investigation into allegations of corruption in oil sector
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has publicly called out the Tinubu government for allegedly weaponizing the Department of State Services (DSS) and other proxies to silence human rights defenders.
The accusation comes after SERAP itself faced a ‘baseless defamation’ lawsuit from two DSS officials, which the organisation believes was instigated and sponsored by the DSS under the watch of the federal government.
It also urged the President to direct DSS to immediately withdraw the defamation lawsuit against the organisation and its management staff.
The body revealed that two named DSS officials last week filed a defamation lawsuit against it, following allegations by the organisation regarding the recent invasion of its Abuja office by some officials of the security agency.
In the open letter dated 19 October 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We are seriously concerned that your government seems to be weaponising the DSS and misusing defamation laws as a tool of repression and to target those who defend human rights.
“Rather than addressing the allegations of widespread corruption in the oil sector and the worsening economic situation in the country, and reducing the cost of governance, your government is targeting those who campaign for actions in these areas.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken following the receipt and/or publication of this letter.
“If the lawsuit is not immediately withdrawn, we will be prepared to defend our organisation and management staff in court and to join your government and DSS in the lawsuit. This may include calling witnesses to ensure justice, end impunity for rights abuses, and achieve legitimate public interests in this matter.
“We have since 2004 pursued several public interest cases against the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. This is the first time any government will weaponize the country’s security agencies to intimidate and target our organisation.
“The defamation lawsuit is brought by two named DSS officials but their names are unknown to our organisation. The lawsuit by these officials is apparently instigated and sponsored by the DSS under your watch.
“It is critical for human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other citizens to be able to organise and freely exercise their human rights without the threat of baseless lawsuits by your government or its security agencies and/or their proxies.
“Weaponising the security agencies to intimidate, harass and silence human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors will weaken representative democracy, deepen impunity and undermine the rule of law.
“Rather misusing the security agencies to crackdown on human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors, your government ought to take steps to thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate the allegations raised by SERAP.
“We are disappointed that your government has so far failed to respond to our recommendations calling on you to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the apparently illegal and unconstitutional increase in the pump price of petrol across its retail outlets.
“Your government has also failed to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million ‘bailout funds’ collected from the Federal Government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury and to prosecute suspected perpetrators.”
