Court advises Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, Wike’s aide to explore reconciliation in N10bn suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has urged Nollywood actor Emeka Ike and Lere Olayinka, a Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to pursue an out-of-court settlement in a N10 billion lawsuit concerning an alleged privacy breach. The suit also names the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During Wednesday's proceedings, Justice Salim Ibrahim advised all parties involved to explore amicable resolution options. Ike's lawyer, Leonard Adeh, confirmed the matter was scheduled for further mention, while INEC's lawyer, Solomon Umoh, stated that their counter-affidavit had been filed and served. Adeh acknowledged receipt of INEC's documents, noting they were served late Tuesday and that they required time to respond.

Mr Olayinka's lawyer, Akpama Ekwe, indicated that the decision on reconciliation rested with the applicant, Mr Ike. Adeh responded that his client was open to an amicable settlement if the respondents, Olayinka and INEC, made an offer. The judge subsequently adjourned the case to October 12 for a definite hearing, with the agreement of all counsel.

The lawsuit stems from an alleged incident in May where Olayinka reportedly leaked Emeka Ike's confidential voter registration transfer details on social media via an X post. Ike, who intends to contest for the House of Representatives seat for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, is seeking a declaration that Olayinka's actions constituted a gross violation of his fundamental right to privacy and personal data protection. He argues that constitutional and statutory provisions guarantee his right to privacy and that INEC has a duty of care to protect voters' data. Ike is claiming N10 billion in aggravated and general damages.