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FEDERAL HIGH COURT DISMISSES ACTOR EMEKA IKE'S ₦10 BILLION FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS SUIT AGAINST INEC, WIKE'S AIDE


By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a ₦10 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted by popular Nollywood actor Emeka Ike against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Delivering judgment on 28 October 2026, Justice Salim Ibrahim upheld the preliminary objections raised by the respondents, holding that the suit was incompetent and improperly constituted.

The court also dismissed the substantive claims for lack of sufficient proof.

The dispute arose from the alleged publication of the actor's voter registration information on social media.

Ike contended that the publication violated his constitutional right to privacy and the protection of his personal data.

He relied on Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and relevant provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.


The applicant sought declarations, an order directing the removal of the publication, an apology and ₦10 billion in damages.

However, INEC maintained that the information complained of was not confidential in the manner alleged and that the commission was legally empowered to publish specified voter registration information.

The respondents disputed liability and urged the court to dismiss the action.

Legal Implications

The judgment highlights the importance of establishing the essential ingredients of a fundamental rights claim through credible evidence.

It also raises important questions concerning the relationship between constitutional privacy rights, electoral transparency and statutory obligations relating to voter information.

While Section 37 of the Constitution guarantees privacy, the scope of protection applicable to particular information may depend on the governing law and circumstances of its disclosure.

Reporter's Analysis

The decision demonstrates that allegations of fundamental rights violations must be supported by sufficient evidence and brought through properly constituted proceedings.

It also highlights the increasing relevance of data protection legislation in Nigeria's electoral and digital environment.

Public institutions and individuals must remain mindful that the lawful publication of information and the unauthorised disclosure of protected personal data involve distinct legal considerations.

Reporter: Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq.
Legal Diary News

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