The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint initiative of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has raised concerns over what it describes as continued intimidation and judicial harassment of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Nigeria. The group issued an urgent appeal on June 23, 2026, warning that the situation may threaten civic space and weaken protections for human rights defenders in the country.
According to the Observatory, SERAP has faced increasing pressure following its calls for investigations into alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The rights body linked the concerns to a judgment delivered by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on May 5, 2026, arising from a defamation suit filed by two Department of State Services (DSS) officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.
The court reportedly ordered SERAP to pay N100 million in damages and publish a public apology. SERAP has since filed an appeal and applied for a stay of execution. The case stemmed from a 2024 post by SERAP on X, in which the organisation alleged that DSS officials entered its Abuja office without prior notice.
SERAP said the officials requested access to management staff, demanded documents and questioned a front desk officer, an incident the organisation said raised fears of a possible raid or arrests. The group maintained that the visit followed its public criticism of alleged irregularities at NNPCL and concerns over fuel price increases.
The Observatory also noted that SERAP filed a separate legal action on June 11, 2026, against NNPCL over alleged failure to account for about N5.9 billion in expenditure.
It alleged that despite the ongoing appeal process, SERAP continues to face intimidation through smear campaigns, public protests and media attacks. It also claimed that members of the organisation have received threatening messages allegedly linked to state security actors. The rights groups warned that such developments could discourage journalists, whistleblowers and civil society organisations from engaging in public-interest advocacy.
Describing the matter as a possible Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), the Observatory said the ruling could undermine constitutional freedoms of expression and association. It referenced protections under the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, warning that the case may set a worrying precedent for civic engagement.
The Observatory called on Nigerian authorities to guarantee a fair and independent appeal process for SERAP and to halt alleged harassment of the organisation and other human rights defenders. It also urged authorities to investigate corruption allegations raised by SERAP against NNPCL and ensure the safety of its staff.
The appeal was addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, and DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, among others.
The Observatory, founded in 1997 by FIDH and OMCT, said the situation underscores the need for stronger protections for human rights defenders and renewed commitment to civic freedoms in Nigeria.
