In a recent court ruling, a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Nigeria has criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for misusing her social media presence. The court’s decision came after Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, filed a lawsuit against the suspended senator, alleging a breach of his privacy.

At the heart of the issue was a social media post by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, where she published pictures of Bello’s house and address, claiming it belonged to former Governor Yahaya Bello. The senator’s actions were deemed improper by the court, with Justice Slyvanius Oriji stating that such conduct was “reprehensible and unconscionable” for a person of her status.

Bello had sought eight reliefs, including respect for his dignity and the right to own property, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. He also claimed that the senator’s post alleged he had lodged the former governor in his house while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was searching for him. The court found that the senator failed to establish her claims about the property’s ownership and that there was no evidence to support her assertions.

The court ultimately ruled in favor of Bello, declaring that the senator’s publication on her social media handle violated his fundamental right to privacy under Section 37 of the Constitution. Justice Oriji noted that the right to privacy is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, and the applicant was entitled to this relief. The parties were ordered to bear their costs.

This ruling highlights the importance of responsible social media use, especially by public figures, and the need to respect individuals’ privacy and dignity. The court’s decision serves as a reminder that actions on social media can have serious consequences and that the law will hold individuals accountable for their online behavior.