A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has reprimanded suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for improperly using her social media platform in a case involving Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.

In his judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Slyvanius Oriji described the senator's conduct as "improper, reprehensible and unconscionable" after she posted pictures of Bello's residence and address on her X (formerly Twitter) handle.

"Such conduct must be and is hereby deprecated by the court," Justice Oriji stated, emphasizing that such behavior was unbecoming of a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Details of the Case

Ali Bello had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FCT/HC/CV/2574/2024) against Senator Natasha, alleging breach of privacy. Through his counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, Bello sought eight reliefs, including respect for his dignity and right to own property as guaranteed by Sections 34(1), 35(1), 37, 43, and 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The applicant complained that on March 15, 2024, Senator Natasha published pictures of his house and address on her X handle @Natashaakpoti, violating Section 37 of the Constitution which guarantees privacy.

Bello further alleged that the senator claimed in her social media post that he had harbored former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello in the residence when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was searching for him. The senator also allegedly stated that the property at No. 1 Dala Hills, Maitama, Abuja, belonged to the former governor, referred to as the 'White Lion of Kogi'.

Bello sought N1 billion in general damages and compensation.

Court's Ruling

In his judgment, Justice Oriji identified three key issues for determination: whether the publication on Natasha's X handle violated Bello's right to privacy under Section 37 of the Constitution; whether her petition to the Inspector General of Police regarding the property's ownership violated the applicant's rights; and whether Bello was entitled to the reliefs sought.

The judge ruled that publicity cannot be given to a house that is already in public space and visible to everyone. He also held that the social media post "would not be considered highly offensive to an objectively reasonable person."

Justice Oriji further noted that Senator Natasha failed to establish her claims that the property belonged to former Governor Yahaya Bello or that it was among properties for which the EFCC had obtained an interim forfeiture order.

"There is nothing before the court to show that the property belongs or belonged to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State," the judge stated. "In the absence of any contrary proof by the respondent, the court accepts the applicant's assertion that he is the owner of the property, that he lives there with his family."

The court confirmed during a visit to the property that Bello indeed lived there with his family.

On the issue of privacy rights, Justice Oriji acknowledged that Section 37 of the Constitution protects citizens' privacy and their homes. He ruled that Bello, like all citizens, is entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

"Therefore, the applicant is entitled to this relief, which is a general declaration," the judge concluded, ordering that each party should bear their own costs.