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 that 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.”