International human rights organisations have expressed concern over what they describe as rising SERAP harassment concerns in Nigeria, warning that civic space and freedom of expression may be under threat. 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), issued an urgent appeal highlighting alleged intimidation and judicial pressure against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
In its statement issued on June 23, 2026, the Observatory said SERAP has faced increasing pressure following its advocacy on alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The group referenced a judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered on May 5, 2026, in 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 sought a stay of execution. The international body said the case adds to growing SERAP harassment concerns, particularly given ongoing legal disputes involving the organisation.
The defamation case stemmed from a SERAP post on X in September 2024, in which the organisation alleged that DSS officials visited its Abuja office without prior notice.
SERAP claimed the visit followed its criticism of alleged irregularities at the NNPCL and rising fuel prices, and said staff were questioned during the encounter. The organisation maintained that the incident raised concerns among its personnel about possible surveillance or enforcement action.
The Observatory also noted that SERAP recently filed a separate case against the NNPCL on June 11, 2026, over alleged failure to account for approximately N5.9 billion in expenditure. It argued that the combination of ongoing litigation and public pressure has intensified SERAP harassment concerns, particularly in relation to civic advocacy and accountability campaigns.
The rights organisations further alleged that SERAP is facing smear campaigns, public protests and media attacks intended to pressure the group following the court ruling.
They also claimed that some SERAP staff have received threatening messages allegedly linked to individuals associated with state security agencies. The Observatory warned that such developments could discourage journalists, whistleblowers and civil society actors from engaging in public-interest advocacy.
Describing the situation as potentially resembling a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), the group said the case may undermine constitutional protections for free expression and association. It warned that worsening SERAP harassment concerns could weaken Nigeria’s civic space and discourage accountability-driven investigations.
The Observatory urged Nigerian authorities to ensure a fair and independent appeal process for SERAP and to halt any form of intimidation against the organisation and other human rights defenders. It also called for investigations into allegations raised by SERAP against the NNPCL and demanded guarantees for the safety of civil society actors.
The appeal was directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Director-General of the DSS, among others. The organisations reiterated that Nigeria is bound by constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of expression and association while ensuring accountability in governance.
