Leadnaija
A High Court sitting in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Tuesday sharply criticized suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for sharing images of the residence of Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, on her social media account.
Delivering judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Bello, Justice Sylvanus Oriji stated that the senator’s actions were “improper, reprehensible, and unconscionable,” particularly for someone holding high public office.
“It is improper, reprehensible and unconscionable for a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to post the picture of the applicant’s house and the house address on her X social media page on the unfounded belief that the property belonged to Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State,” Justice Oriji declared. “Such conduct must be and is hereby deprecated by the Court.”
The lawsuit, filed on May 21, 2024, and marked FCT/HC/CV/2574/2024, accused Senator Natasha of violating Ali Bello’s constitutional rights to privacy, dignity, and property ownership. Bello, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeola Adedipe, sought eight specific reliefs, including N1 billion in general damages.
Bello told the court that on March 15, 2024, the suspended senator posted photos and the address of his residence on her verified X account (@NatashaAkpoti). He said she falsely alleged that he was harboring former Governor Yahaya Bello, who at the time was being sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She also claimed the property was owned by the ex-governor, widely known as the “White Lion of Kogi.”
Justice Oriji emphasized that such public dissemination of private residential information based on speculation endangered the applicant and violated Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
The ruling comes amid rising tensions in Kogi politics, with Senator Natasha already suspended from the Senate and various legal and political controversies surrounding figures linked to the state government.
