Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Association of Nigerian Students has cautioned civil society organisations against statements capable of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary and security institutions following a recent court ruling involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and operatives of the Department of State Services.
In a Saturday statement signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the student body reacted to a judgment delivered by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
The court reportedly ruled in favour of two DSS operatives in a defamation suit against SERAP over publications linked to an incident at the organisation’s Abuja office in September 2024.
According to NANS, advocacy organisations must exercise caution and responsibility in public communication, especially on issues involving national security agencies and the judiciary.
“The court, after examining the matter, found the allegations to be false and defamatory and consequently awarded damages and ordered public apologies in favour of the affected operatives,” the statement says.
NANS argues that while freedom of expression and civic advocacy remain fundamental in a democratic society, such rights must be exercised within the limits of truth, accountability and the rule of law.
The association also warns that attacks on judicial decisions could weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
“Such inflammatory commentary against the judiciary poses grave dangers to democratic stability, institutional confidence and public trust in the administration of justice,” it adds.
The student body welcomes clarification from the DSS that the suit was filed by the operatives in their personal capacities rather than directly by the agency.
Legal analysts say the ruling may shape future interactions between advocacy groups and public institutions concerning defamation and public interest advocacy under Nigerian law.
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Korede Abdullah