The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has faulted the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over its reaction to Tuesday’s judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which awarded N100 million in damages against the organisation.

The court also ordered SERAP to publish apologies in two national newspapers and on two television stations to two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives found to have been defamed.

In its reaction, SERAP described the judgment as a “travesty,” and expressed concern about its implications for civic space and accountability.

Responding in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna, NEYGA said SERAP’s position was inappropriate for an organisation that advocates accountability.

The statement, signed by NEYGA spokesperson, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa, said the group disagreed with SERAP’s interpretation of the judgment and its broader implications.

NEYGA also questioned SERAP’s reaction to the ruling, noting that the organisation retains the right to appeal the decision through the courts.

The group added that the judgment reinforces the principle that all individuals and organisations are subject to the law and can seek redress through legal means.

NEYGA further commended the DSS leadership for allowing the matter to be resolved through the judicial process, noting that it reflects confidence in the rule of law.