A 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, seeking N500 million in damages for alleged privacy infringement.
According to court documents filed on December 29, 2025, Okiyi is challenging the order granted on December 3, 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, who is seeking to enforce his fundamental rights, following a publication of documents he claimed were private.
Prior to filing the lawsuit, Ahia had written to Okiyi on October 26, 2025, demanding a retraction, public apology, and damages. However, Okiyi’s refusal to comply with these demands led Ahia to obtain an interim order from the Federal High Court in Lagos, 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 about the balance between individual privacy rights and the public’s right to information, particularly when it comes to public expenditure. The outcome of this case 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, who are interested in the intersection of privacy, transparency, and good governance.
