Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike has filed a ₦10 billion lawsuit against Nyesom Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, and the Independent National Electoral Commission over the alleged publication of his personal voter information.
The Federal High Court in Abuja fixed July 2 for hearing in the fundamental rights enforcement suit. Ike’s lawyer, Leonard Adeh, told the court that the respondents had only recently been served and needed time to file their responses.
The suit followed an incident in May when Olayinka allegedly shared screenshots containing Ike’s voter registration details on social media. The information reportedly showed that the actor transferred his voter registration from Imo State to Abuja.
Ike alleged that the publication was used to question his eligibility to contest for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
He argued that sharing the information without his consent violated his constitutional right to privacy and protection of personal data. He also accused INEC of failing to properly safeguard confidential voter information.
Aside from the ₦10 billion damages, Ike is seeking a public apology and an order directing the removal of the disputed post from social media platforms.
The case has been adjourned until July 2 for hearing.
Reactions:
“Government agencies must protect citizens’ data, not expose it.”
“This case could set an important precedent for voter-data privacy in Nigeria.”
“If the allegations are proven, there should be consequences.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
