The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, on Thursday, adjourned hearing in a ₦5.5bn defamation suit filed against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project by two operatives of the Department of State Services, to November 12, 2025.

Justice Halilu Yusuf adjourned the case following the absence of SERAP’s counsel, Chief Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), who wrote to the court requesting a new date due to a conflicting engagement at the Court of Appeal in Lagos.

The suit was instituted by Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye, both DSS operatives, who alleged that SERAP made false and damaging claims against them in media publications, accusing them of unlawfully invading an office.

They contended that the publications tarnished their image and subjected them to public ridicule.

The claimants are seeking ₦5.5bn as damages for defamation and are also asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining SERAP from making further defamatory statements against them.

In his letter to the court, Adegboruwa explained that although all counsel had earlier agreed on November 24 as a convenient date for the matter, his chambers were not served with the subsequent hearing notice fixing the case for October 16.

He noted that he already had scheduled appearances before the Court of Appeal and other superior courts on that date.

The letter read in part, “In the light of the foregoing circumstances, we most respectfully appeal to this Honourable Court to vacate the hearing date of 16 October 2025 and reschedule the matter to a more convenient date, preferably Tuesday, 12 November 2025, or Monday, 24 November 2025, which had earlier been agreed upon by all counsel.”

Counsel to the claimants, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), acknowledged receipt of Adegboruwa’s letter and did not oppose the application for an adjournment.

Justice Halilu subsequently granted the request and fixed November 12, 2025, for continuation of the hearing, during which SERAP is expected to open its defence.