Emeka Ike’s N10bn Lawsuit Against Wike’s Aide, INEC Dismissed

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N10 billion fundamental rights suit filed by Nollywood actor Emeka Ike against Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Salim Ibrahim dismissed the suit on Wednesday after upholding the respondents’ preliminary objections, ruling that the case was incompetent and improperly constituted. The court also dismissed the substantive suit for lack of proof.

Ike had approached the court after Olayinka allegedly published his confidential voter registration details on X in May, including information about the transfer of his registration from Imo State to Abuja.

The actor argued that the alleged disclosure violated his constitutional right to privacy and breached provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

He also accused INEC of failing in its duty to protect voters’ personal information against unauthorised access.

Ike, who sought to contest the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections under the Nigerian Democratic Congress, had lost the party’s primary election.

He asked the court to award him N10 billion in general and aggravated damages against Olayinka and INEC for the alleged violation of his privacy rights.

However, the court rejected his claims, bringing the suit to an end at the Federal High Court.