Civil Society Groups Raise Alarm Over DSS-SERAP Judgment, Demand Judicial Transparency
More than 50 Nigerian civil society organisations have expressed concern over what they described as growing threats to civic freedom, judicial transparency and constitutional democracy following the reported defamation judgment secured by officials of the Department of State Services against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
In a joint statement dated May 11, the groups questioned the public discourse surrounding the case amid reports that the Certified True Copy and full judgment had not been publicly released at the time reactions began to circulate.
The organisations argued that timely access to court judgments is essential to fair hearing, transparency and the right of appeal as guaranteed under Sections 36 and 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution, as well as international human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
They warned that delays in releasing the judgment could undermine public confidence in the judiciary, weaken democratic accountability and discourage responsible civic engagement.
The coalition also cautioned against the increasing use of defamation suits and coercive legal measures against anti-corruption advocates and civil society groups, stressing that democratic societies thrive when citizens and organisations are free to question authority and hold public institutions accountable without fear.
Among the key demands made by the groups were the immediate release of the Certified True Copy of the judgment, protection of civic space, respect for constitutional freedoms and greater institutional restraint in commenting on judicial matters where official records are not publicly accessible.
Signatories to the statement include Amnesty International Nigeria, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), ActionAid Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development and several other civic and human rights organisations.
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