A federal high court sitting in Maitama, FCT on T berated the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for sharing a post on her X-handle that included an image of a cosuin of Ali Bello’s house. Bello who serves as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State is a cosuin of the former Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice Slyvanius Oriji, in delivering the judgment on a fundamental rights enforcement suit brought by Bello, the Chief of Staff to Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, against the suspended senator, stated that such behavior is inappropriate for someone of her status.
On May 21, 2024, Ali Bello filed a lawsuit, identified as FCT/HC/CV/2574/2024, against Natasha, who is the only respondent in the case, accusing her of, among other things, violating his privacy. Represented by his lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, Bello is seeking eight remedies, including the respect for his dignity and his right to own and acquire property, as guaranteed by Sections 34(1), 35(1), 37, 43, and 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
The applicant additionally expressed concern about the release of photographs of his residence and address on the senator’s X account, @Natashaakpoti, on March 15, 2024, which he claimed violated Section 37 of the Constitution.
Bello further stated that the respondent accused him on social media of allowing former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, to stay in his family home while he was being sought by the EFCC.
He mentioned that the lawmaker also claimed the residence he occupies in Abuja is owned by the ex-governor, often referred to as the “White Lion of Kogi.”
Bello consequently pursued N1 billion in general damages and compensation.
In delivering the verdict of the case, Justice Oriji remarked, “Before I go further, the point must be made that 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.w
“Such conduct must be and is hereby deprecated by the Court.”
