A high court in the federal capital territory (FCT) has
dismissed a privacy violation suit filed by Ali Bello, a nephew to Yahaya
Bello, former governor of Kogi, against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Sylvanus Oriji, the presiding judge, on Tuesday, ruled that
Ali Bello, chief of staff to the Kogi state governor, failed to prove that
Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kogi central senator, violated his fundamental rights to
privacy.
THE CASE
In March 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had published an X post announcing that it had filed charges against the former Kogi governor over alleged N84 billion fraud.
Responding to the post, the Kogi senator, via her handle
@NatashaAkpoti, wrote: “Dear @officialEFCC why did you delete this post on
Facebook after I commented and requested that you kindly help find my favourite
storybook “The Defeated White Lion” at No. 1 Dala Hills street, off Agulu Lake
street, Maitama, Abuja. That White House was amongst the 14 properties you
approached the court for forfeiture in December 2022. Don’t delete this tweet
o. Thanks and God bless Nigeria.”
THE JUDGMENT
In his judgment, Oriji held that three issues were meant to
be resolved in the suit, including whether the X post violated Bello’s privacy
and his home, and the prayers sought against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The judge ruled that the senator’s X post referenced the
house address, which is a public space, and did not mention Bello’s name.
The judge held that Bello has a right to privacy but
dismissed the public apology and N1 billion compensation sought against the
senator.
The judge criticised the Kogi senator for posting the
picture of the applicant’s house on X, adding such conduct is “improper”.
“It is improper, reprehensible, and unconscionable for a
distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to post a picture of
the applicant’s house and the house address in her X social media handle
without just cause,” he said.
“Such conduct must be and is thereby deprecated by the court.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com