The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, recently issued a stern rebuke to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for unlawfully sharing the address and images of Ali Bello , Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, on her social media account. The court condemned her actions as “improper, reprehensible, and unconscionable” for a public figure of her stature.
Case Background
Ali Bello filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FCT/HC/CV/2574/2024) against Akpoti-Uduaghan in May 2024, alleging breach of privacy and defamation. He claimed the senator publicly linked his Abuja residence to former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello (dubbed the “White Lion of Kogi”) on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, violating Section 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution , which safeguards privacy and property rights.
Bello’s legal team, led by Adeola Adedipe, SAN , sought N1 billion in damages , arguing the posts infringed on his dignity, privacy, and right to property (Sections 34, 35, 43, and 44 of the Constitution).
Court’s Ruling
Justice Slyvanius Oriji dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that the property belonged to Yahaya Bello, emphasizing she failed to provide evidence linking it to the ex-governor or EFCC forfeiture proceedings. Key takeaways:
- Privacy Violation: The court ruled that posting Bello’s home details on social media constituted a breach of privacy, even if the property was visible publicly.
- No Damages Awarded: While the judge condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, he ruled that Bello’s residence was already in the public domain and the posts were not “highly offensive” enough to warrant damages.
- Legal Precedent: The case underscores the importance of Section 37 in protecting citizens’ privacy, even for public officials.
Why This Matters
The ruling highlights the fine line between public accountability and privacy in Nigeria’s digital age. While public figures are subject to scrutiny, baseless allegations or sharing private details without evidence can backfire legally. Justice Oriji stressed:
“A distinguished senator must exercise restraint… Such conduct must be deprecated by the court.”
Call to Action (CTA):
- Join the Debate: Should public figures face stricter penalties for social media misconduct? Share your views in the comments.
- Stay Updated: Follow us on social media for insights on Nigerian legal battles and digital ethics.
- Protect Your Rights: Learn how to safeguard your privacy online—subscribe to our newsletter for tips and updates.
Final Thought:
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the power—and pitfalls—of social media. As the court affirmed, even “public” figures deserve privacy. How can Nigeria balance transparency with individual rights in the digital era? Let’s discuss.
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