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NDPC Investigates INEC over Breach of Emeka Ike’s Personal Data

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Nigeria's National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is investigating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a data breach involving actor Emeka Ike's personal information.
  • The breach occurred when the media aide to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Lere Olayinka, released Ike's data.
  • The NDPC has generated over N8 billion for the federal government in four years and is working to integrate data protection into the national education curriculum.

The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following allegations of a data breach. The breach reportedly led to the public release of actor Emeka Ike's personal data by Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister.

We are investigating the INEC and Lere Olayinka on the data breach that has to do with Emeka Ike’s personal data that has been made public by Lere Olayinka.

— Dr. Vincent OlatunjiThe NDPC National Commissioner announced the investigation into the data breach involving Emeka Ike's personal information.

NDPC National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, stated that the commission is diligently investigating both INEC and Olayinka. He emphasized the sensitivity of the matter, especially with upcoming elections, and highlighted the importance of the database's credibility. Olatunji assured that the NDPC, despite its thoroughness, would not rush to judgment or push a premature narrative until investigations are complete and proven in court.

No matter who you are, we invite you. No matter how big you are, we invite you, and we take the necessary actions.

— Dr. Vincent OlatunjiThe NDPC National Commissioner asserted the commission's authority to investigate all parties involved in data protection violations.

Olatunji also highlighted the NDPC's achievements over the past four years, including generating over N8 billion for the federal government and creating an ecosystem valued at $12 billion. The commission is collaborating with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to incorporate data protection into the educational curriculum and other societal sectors. The goal is to foster a trustworthy data ecosystem that attracts investors and boosts confidence in Nigeria's digital economy.

But we have to be very diligent and not push out a wrong narrative out there until even when you go to court, until you are proven guilty. You can’t pronounce anybody guilty.

— Dr. Vincent OlatunjiThe NDPC National Commissioner explained the commission's meticulous approach to investigations to avoid premature conclusions.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.