An Abuja High Court on Tuesday threw out a legal action initiated by Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over a controversial social media post.
Bello, who sued in May 2024, alleged that Senator Natasha had violated his rights by posting images of his house and disclosing its address in March.
The senator’s post implied that former Governor Yahaya Bello was hiding in the home to avoid arrest by the EFCC.
He further contended that Natasha inaccurately claimed the property was owned by the ex-governor, known as the “White Lion of Kogi.”
Bello demanded a public apology and N1 billion in damages, citing threats to his family’s safety and an invasion of privacy.
However, Justice Sylvanus Oriji ruled that the claim did not hold water.
He noted that publishing a photo of a house visible from public view does not necessarily equate to a privacy breach.
The court also found no evidence linking the senator’s post to any EFCC action or proving the property belonged to Yahaya Bello.
A court inspection verified that Ali Bello and his family were the actual occupants of the house.
Though the judge acknowledged the inappropriateness of sharing someone’s address without cause, he concluded it didn’t justify monetary compensation or an apology.
Justice Oriji dismissed the case and directed both parties to cover their own legal costs.