The National Association of Nigerian Students has criticised the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project over its reaction to a recent court judgment involving two operatives of the Department of State Services.
NANS described SERAP’s comments against the judiciary as reckless and capable of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
The students’ body stated this in a statement signed by its National President, Olushola Oladoja, and made available to journalists on Saturday.
The association threw its weight behind the judgment delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in favour of the DSS operatives.
The case stemmed from the September 2024 incident at SERAP’s Abuja office, which the organisation had allegedly described as an ‘unlawful invasion,’ ‘raid,’ and ‘intimidation.’
According to NANS, the court found the allegations against the DSS operatives to be false and defamatory, awarding damages and ordering public apologies in their favour.
The association said the ruling reaffirmed the rule of law, judicial independence and the constitutional right of citizens to seek legal redress against defamatory publications.
‘NANS considers the judgment as a courageous and commendable reaffirmation of the sanctity of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the constitutional right of citizens to seek lawful redress against defamatory and injurious statements,’ the statement read.
The students’ body also faulted SERAP for allegedly describing the judgment as a ‘travesty’ and a ‘dangerous precedent.’
It argued that while parties had the constitutional right to appeal court decisions, no organisation should undermine the judiciary because a verdict did not favour it.
‘Such inflammatory commentary against the judiciary poses grave dangers to democratic stability, institutional confidence, and public trust in the administration of justice,’ NANS stated.
The association further commended the DSS for clarifying that the lawsuit was filed by the affected operatives in their personal capacities and not directly by the agency.
According to NANS, the clarification showed that the matter centred on personal dignity and the constitutional right to seek remedy against defamation.
The group maintained that the judiciary must be respected and protected from attempts to discredit it.
It also urged advocacy groups to avoid sensational narratives capable of inciting distrust against state institutions.
NANS called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to continue safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary and uphold constitutional order in the country.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to justice, responsible civic engagement and respect for the rule of law.