A High Court in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Ali Bello, nephew to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, accusing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of violating his right to privacy.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Sylvanus Oriji, the presiding judge on Tuesday, ruled that Bello, who serves as Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, failed to establish that the senator infringed upon his fundamental rights.
Earlier in March 2024, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had posted on X, announcing that it had filed charges against Yahaya Bello over alleged N84 billion fraud.
In response, Natasha posted from her handle @NatashaAkpoti, referencing a property tied to the forfeiture case, along with a sarcastic remark about her “favorite storybook,” citing a specific house address linked to Bello.
She 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.”
Justice Oriji held that the senator’s post did not mention Bello by name and referenced a property address considered to be in the public domain.
He added that while Bello’s right to privacy is valid, the demand for a public apology and N1 billion in compensation lacked sufficient grounds and was therefore dismissed.
However, the judge criticised the senator’s action, calling the decision to post a picture and address of the property on social media “improper.”
He said, “ 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.”
“Such conduct must be and is thereby deprecated by the court.”
