Former Abia State Commissioner Chief John Okiyi Kalu has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos to overturn an ex‑parte order issued against him in a lawsuit filed by lawyer Ken Ahia, SAN. Ahia is seeking N500 million in damages for alleged privacy infringement. Court documents filed on 29 December 2025 show that Okiyi is challenging the order granted on 3 December 2025 on the grounds that the court lacks jurisdiction and that the matter involves public expenditure, which is subject to public scrutiny under the law.
The lawsuit was initiated by Ahia to enforce his fundamental rights after a publication of documents he claimed were private. Prior to filing the suit, Ahia wrote to Okiyi on 26 October 2025, demanding a retraction, a public apology, and damages. Okiyi’s refusal to comply led Ahia to obtain an interim order from the Federal High Court restraining further public comments on the matter.
In his response, Okiyi argued that the disputed documents were sourced from publicly available materials and relate to payments made by a state government. He emphasized that documents connected to public funds cannot be treated as purely private, citing existing procurement and transparency laws. Okiyi urged the court to consider the interest of justice, the right of citizens to question public spending, and the need for openness in democratic governance when deciding the case.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing. This development highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between individual privacy rights and the public’s right to information, particularly regarding public expenditure. The outcome may have implications for transparency and accountability in governance, as well as the limits of free speech in Nigeria. As the case unfolds, it is likely to attract attention from civil‑society organizations, media outlets, and the general public, all interested in the intersection of privacy, transparency, and good governance.
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