A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has ruled against Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, ordering the group to pay N101 million in damages to two operatives of the Department of State Services after finding it guilty of libel.

Justice Yusuf Halilu held that the publication in question falsely painted Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele as lawless officers during an alleged office invasion narrative. The court noted that even without explicitly naming them, the statements clearly damaged their professional reputation.

The suit, filed in October 2024 by the operatives in their personal capacity, originally demanded N5 billion. The court, however, awarded N100 million as damages and an additional N1 million as litigation costs, with a 10% annual interest attached until full payment is made.

Beyond the financial penalty, the court directed Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project to issue a public apology across its X platform, national newspapers, and television stations—cementing the ruling as both a reputational and financial blow.