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DSS Breaks Silence: “We Did Not Sue SERAP” – Agency Blames Operatives for Personal Action.

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that it did not file the defamation lawsuit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the agency, the case was initiated by two of its operatives who sought legal redress in their personal capacity after claiming they were defamed.

Naija News reports that on Tuesday, a Federal Capital Territory High Court awarded ₦100 million in damages to the two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, against SERAP.

Justice Yusuf Halilu also ordered SERAP to publish a public apology, pay ₦1 million in legal costs, and comply with a 10 percent annual post-judgment interest on the damages until full payment is made.

The case stemmed from SERAP’s September 2024 statement accusing DSS operatives of unlawfully entering its Abuja office, an allegation the organisation said violated its rights. SERAP has since criticised the ruling, describing it as a setback for civic freedoms.

DSS Clarifies Position On Case

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS explained that the lawsuit was not instituted by the agency itself.

Dozie said the two operatives involved obtained approval from the Director-General of the DSS before taking legal action.

He stated that the agency has a duty to protect officers who perform their responsibilities lawfully.

According to the statement, “The Service hereby reiterates that, the suit was not between DSS as an organisation and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

“Rather, it was a case filed by two of our operatives, who in the course of their lawful duty, felt defamed by SERAP, claiming that they, on September 9, 2024, unlawfully invaded their Abuja office and harassed their staff.”

The DSS added that it had conducted an internal investigation into SERAP’s allegations before the operatives proceeded to court.

It continued, “An investigation into the claims by SERAP against the operatives was immediately initiated.

“Following the outcome of the investigation, the said operatives felt the need to seek redress in their personal capacity and subsequently sought and obtained the approval of the Director-General, State Services, to approach the Court. The Court granted their reliefs and awarded the sum of ₦100m to the duo.”

The agency further stressed its commitment to protecting law-abiding officers while also disciplining personnel who violate regulations.

“As an Agency, DSS has an obligation to protect its staff who carry out their duties in a lawful manner. At the same time, sanction erring operatives found to have breached the Nigerian laws and our extant regulations.

“We have demonstrated this time and again by prosecuting some of our staff for various offenses in competent courts,” the statement added.

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“Finally! Relief For Nigerians As Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price By N75!”.

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Dangote Refinery has officially lowered its ex-depot petrol price by ₦50, shifting the cost from ₦1,175 to ₦1,125 per litre. The company stated that this adjustment is a direct response to declining global energy costs, which were influenced by reduced tensions in the Middle East.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key details of the pricing update and recent company clarifications include:

  • Pricing Adjustments: The gantry loading price has been revised downward to ₦1,125 per litre.

  • Coastal Supplies: The price for coastal supplies has decreased from ₦1,495,215 to ₦1,428,165 per metric ton.

  • Refuting Allegations: The refinery explicitly denied reports claiming that its products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and then re-imported into Nigeria, labeling these allegations as “unsubstantiated” and “commercially illogical”.

  • Company Stance: While the refinery typically avoids responding to false claims to remain focused on its goal of ensuring energy security across Nigeria and Africa, it chose to address these “ill-motivated” rumors for the sake of clarity.

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A Massive Endorsement: US Lawmaker Praises Tinubu, Claims State Police Will Save Nigeria’s Christians!.

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U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has expressed strong support for the Nigerian Senate’s recent approval of a Constitution Alteration Bill aimed at creating state police forces. Moore, representing West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, stated that this reform is essential for empowering states to defend their own populations and reducing reliance on centralized security decision-making in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key highlights regarding the proposed legislation and Moore’s reaction include:

  • Rationale for Support: Moore, who has previously investigated violence against Christians in Nigeria, views state-level police as a critical tool for protecting persecuted religious communities.

  • Credit to Leadership: The congressman commended President Bola Tinubu for his role in advancing the initiative.

  • Legislative Hurdles: Moore noted that while the Senate’s passage is a positive step, the amendment requires ratification by at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s state Houses of Assembly to become law.

  • Structure of the Bill: The bill proposes a policing framework that functions alongside the federal system, allowing governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police, subject to legislative confirmation.

  • Safeguards: To prevent misuse of power, the proposed law includes specific provisions prohibiting the deployment of state police against critics of the government, except as permitted by law.

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“Justice For Our Own!” NiDCOM Reacts To Life Sentence For Killer Of Two Nigerians In Canada!.

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.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed its approval of the recent sentencing of the individual responsible for the 2022 nightclub shooting in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, which claimed the lives of two young Nigerians, Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe. Through a statement from its Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Commission acknowledged that while the judicial result cannot undo the tragedy, it marks an essential move toward securing justice and accountability for the victims and their families.

Key aspects of the Commission’s response and the background of the case include:

  • The Victims: Chibueze Momah, a 22-year-old computer programming graduate and the only son of his family, had ambitious plans for a career in technology. Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe was killed while performing his duties as a security worker. Both men were remembered as hardworking individuals dedicated to building successful futures.

  • Commission Support: Following the 2022 incident, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, visited the grieving families to offer the Commission’s condolences and solidarity.

  • Legal Process: NiDCOM commended the Canadian law enforcement and judicial authorities for their work in the investigation, extradition, and successful prosecution of the offender.

  • Ongoing Commitment: The Commission lauded the resilience shown by the victims’ families throughout the lengthy legal proceedings. NiDCOM reaffirmed its dedication to supporting and protecting Nigerians living abroad and pledged to continue advocating for justice in cases involving Nigerian victims of crime overseas.

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