Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak

Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged unlawful disclosure of his personal voter information.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1272/2026 and filed on June 15, seeks N10 billion in aggravated and general damages for what the actor described as a gross violation of his constitutional right to privacy and personal data protection.

The legal action follows a controversy that erupted in May after Olayinka published screenshots on his X (formerly Twitter) account showing details of Ike’s voter registration transfer from Imo State to Abuja. The information was posted while questioning the actor’s eligibility to contest the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The screenshots, which appeared to have been obtained from a restricted section of INEC’s voter registration database, reportedly contained sensitive information, including Ike’s voter identification number, registration details, passport photograph, polling unit information, and voter transfer records.

The publication sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians, with many raising concerns about the security of the electoral commission’s database and questioning how confidential voter information became publicly accessible.

Through his counsel, Leonard Adeh, Ike argued that the publication of his voter information without his consent amounted to a breach of rights guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Sections 24 and 39 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The actor is asking the court to declare that the disclosure of his personal voter information constitutes a violation of his fundamental right to privacy and data protection. He also contends that INEC failed in its statutory responsibility to safeguard sensitive voter information entrusted to its care.

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In the suit, Ike further argued that INEC’s press statement issued on June 2, following public outrage over the incident, amounted to a tacit admission that unauthorized access to his voter records had occurred.

Among the reliefs sought, the actor wants the court to declare both Olayinka and INEC jointly liable for the alleged breach of his privacy rights and order the immediate removal of the social media post containing his personal information.

He is also seeking an order directing Olayinka to tender an unreserved written apology and publish it on his X account as well as in three national newspapers — The Punch, The Nation, and ThisDay — for two consecutive weeks to ensure the apology receives publicity comparable to that of the original publication.

The controversy first gained national attention after Olayinka used the information to challenge Ike’s political aspirations in Abuja. Critics argued that the disclosure raised serious questions about data security, electoral transparency, and the protection of citizens’ personal information held by public institutions.

Reacting to the incident earlier, Ike described the publication as “the height of political rascality,” insisting that no government official had the right to access and publicly expose a citizen’s confidential records.

Following public criticism, INEC launched an internal investigation into the matter. The commission stated that preliminary findings showed there was no external hacking or cyberattack on its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database.

Instead, the electoral body disclosed that the information was accessed using valid credentials assigned to authorized personnel. According to INEC, its audit trail identified the specific user account through which the data was retrieved, prompting further internal investigations.

The commission also maintained that the incident involved a specific voter record and did not amount to a compromise of the personal data of Nigeria’s millions of registered voters.

The matter has since attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies. Reports indicate that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) interrogated Olayinka, while an INEC official was reportedly arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged unauthorized access to voter records.

Legal analysts say the case could become one of Nigeria’s most significant judicial tests of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, particularly regarding the responsibilities of government institutions in safeguarding personal information and the consequences of unauthorized disclosure.

The outcome of the lawsuit is also expected to shape future interpretations of privacy rights, data protection obligations, and accountability standards for public officials handling sensitive citizen data.

As proceedings commence at the Federal High Court, the case is likely to attract significant public attention due to its implications for data privacy, electoral database security, and the protection of citizens’ personal information in Nigeria’s digital age.

Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Professor Kola Oyewo. He was 80 years old. The legendary thespian passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by his colleague in the movie industry, Kunle Afod, as well as a separate announcement by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo. The family, in a statement signed by Adewale Oyewo, described the deceased as a man who lived “a life of purpose, faith, dedication, and service.”

Announcing the passing on social media, Kunle Afod described the late actor as a legend whose remarkable talent and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry would continue to inspire future generations. “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten,” Afod wrote.

Born Gabriel Adekola Akangbe Oyewo on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his professional acting career in 1964 with the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His first role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography. He spent nine years with the group, honing his craft and learning the ropes of the travelling theatre tradition that dominated Yoruba entertainment at the time. He later transitioned to the University of Ife Theatre, where he collaborated with the late dramatist Chief Ola Rotimi. It was there that his career would take a defining turn.

Oyewo gained widespread recognition across the African theatre scene for his powerful portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s renowned play, The Gods Are Not to Blame. The performance remains one of the defining interpretations in African theatre history and established him as a respected figure across the continent’s dramatic landscape. This role elevated him beyond the boundaries of Yoruba theatre and placed him among the pantheon of Nigerian acting greats.

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Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo featured in numerous acclaimed productions. He was best known to television audiences for his role in the classic film Saworoide, where he delivered a memorable performance. His other notable works include Sango, the epic tale of the Yoruba deity of thunder; Koseegbe; Super Story, the popular television drama series; Efunsetan Aniwura; O Le Ku; Yemoja; Omo University; Ayomi; Ewon Laafin; and Oba Bi Olorun. At a time when the Nigerian film industry was evolving from traditional travelling theatre to modern Nollywood, Oyewo stood as one of the bridge figures who carried the richness of indigenous storytelling into a new era. He successfully navigated both the Yoruba-language film sector and mainstream Nigerian cinema.

In addition to his extensive career in Yoruba theatre and mainstream Nigerian cinema, Oyewo was a distinguished scholar. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) , where he obtained certificates in dramatic arts and Yoruba oral literature. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from OAU in 1995. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master of Arts and a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Drama. This academic journey transformed him from a practitioner into a scholar who could both perform and teach the theory behind the art. He served as a senior lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University from 1996 until his retirement in September 2011. After retiring from OAU, he joined Redeemer’s University, where he served as head of the Department of Dramatic Arts. He subsequently worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as a lecturer in performing arts. Through decades of teaching, research, and mentorship, he helped shape generations of actors, playwrights, scholars, and cultural practitioners. His work as a lecturer and mentor may represent his most enduring impact – the students he trained and the cultural knowledge he helped preserve.

In April 2026, just two months before his death, Oyewo had publicly revealed his struggle with prostate enlargement. He disclosed that the condition had slowed him down and limited the roles he could take in films and stage productions. Speaking candidly about his health at the time, he said: “Before now, I could be here and there and play any role, but the sickness laid me back. I can’t play some roles anymore. Except for some minor roles. Well, thank God I am okay now. You can’t go through some kind of sickness and go back to how you’ve been before, but I thank God.” His openness about his health struggles was characteristic of a man who believed in transparency and used his platform to encourage older adults to take their health seriously.

Earlier this year, as Oyewo celebrated his 80th birthday in March 2026, President Bola Tinubu described him as a “national treasure” and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling. The President emphasized Oyewo’s long-standing influence on academia, theater, and film, stating that generations of performing arts practitioners and scholars have been impacted by the veteran actor’s work. The presidential recognition underscored the high regard in which Oyewo was held, not just within the entertainment industry, but at the highest levels of the Nigerian state.

Oyewo’s passing underscores the gradual departure of a generation that laid the foundations for modern Nollywood. Before streaming platforms, social media promotion, and blockbuster premieres, there were theatre practitioners like him who travelled, performed, taught, and documented Nigerian stories with unwavering dedication. Their work created the cultural ecosystem upon which today’s industry stands. What distinguished Kola Oyewo was not celebrity, but longevity and intellectual depth. Few performers successfully navigated traditional theatre, film, television, and academia while maintaining relevance across generations. He did so with quiet authority and a deep respect for craft. His career became a living archive of Nigerian performance history. The curtain has fallen on one of Nigeria’s most respected theatre icons, but his voice will continue to echo through classrooms, stages, and screens for years to come. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Further details regarding his funeral arrangements and official memorial services are expected to be announced by the family and university authorities in the coming days.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

Davido Turns World Cup Stage Into Protest – Wears Jacket Bearing Names of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren at FIFA Concert

LOS ANGELES – Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, transformed his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert into a powerful plea for justice on Wednesday, wearing a customized jacket bearing the names of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in Oyo State, Nigeria. Taking the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Grammy-nominated singer used one of football’s biggest global stages to spotlight the security crisis back home, demanding immediate government action for the victims who remain in captivity. The concert formed part of FIFA’s global countdown activities, with simultaneous events held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the lead-up to football’s biggest tournament. Davido performed alongside American singer America Foster, electronic music group Major Lazer, and renowned producer and DJ Diplo. By displaying the victims’ names before a global audience, the singer effectively transformed a World Cup celebration into a platform for advocacy, ensuring that the plight of the abducted children and their teachers reached millions beyond Nigeria’s borders.

A viral backstage video revealed the striking details of Davido’s carefully planned attire. The singer wore a white T-shirt reading “NIGERIA” beneath a black leather jacket. The jacket featured the message “BRING THEM HOME” boldly printed across the back and was decorated with green circular buttons on the front. Each button bore the name of a kidnapped victim. In a poignant design choice, the names of those still in captivity were written in white, while the names of those who had lost their lives were inscribed in red. The victims were pupils and teachers abducted during a deadly attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. Armed bandits reportedly stormed the schools, abducting dozens of students and teachers, including a vice-principal. One teacher was killed during the attack, while another abducted teacher was later murdered by the kidnappers. Before his musical performance, Davido addressed the international audience, saying: “Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and the ones who have been killed.”

Before his musical performance, Davido addressed the international audience, expressing grief over the pace of rescue operations and urging both federal and state governments to hasten their intervention. “They still haven’t been rescued, we’re praying to God every day. We’re also praying to God that the government hastens. My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go,” the singer added. The May 15 abduction has triggered nationwide outrage, prompting solidarity protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and an indefinite strike by teachers in Oyo State. The incident has generated widespread public concern, intensified by distress messages released by the school’s principal regarding the harsh conditions the hostages are facing.

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Davido’s gesture at the FIFA concert is the latest in a series of public interventions by the singer on Nigeria’s worsening security situation. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) , he expressed concern over the growing wave of kidnappings across the country. He wrote: “I’m weak. God, please take control; we can’t continue like this. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I can’t lie, we entertainers, including me, need to speak up.” The post drew widespread reactions from celebrities and public figures, including actress and content creator Kiekie, comedian and filmmaker AY Makun, and singer Tiwa Savage.

Amid public outcry over the Federal Government’s perceived indifference to the plight of the students, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement assuring parents that his administration would ensure the safe return of the abducted children. Tinubu declared that he had “directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country. These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children.” Beyond securing the safe return of the students, President Tinubu also expressed his administration’s determination to provide medical care for the children once they regain their freedom.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has also intervened repeatedly, meeting with relatives of the victims and assuring them that security agencies were working relentlessly to secure their release. During a meeting with affected families, the governor described the kidnappers’ actions as cruel and inhumane, pledging that authorities would continue rescue efforts until all the abductees were safely reunited with their loved ones.

Photos and videos of the performance quickly circulated online, prompting praise from many Nigerians who commended the singer for drawing international attention to the abduction crisis. Many social media users described the gesture as a powerful reminder that, amid the excitement surrounding the World Cup, some Nigerian families are still waiting for their children and loved ones to come home.

Davido’s tribute comes at a time when concerns over insecurity and school abductions remain high across parts of Nigeria. More than three weeks after the abduction, many relatives remain uncertain about the fate of their loved ones and continue to appeal for their safe return. For families of the victims, the singer’s message carried a significance far beyond fashion or entertainment. As concerns over insecurity continue to mount, more celebrities and citizens have joined calls for stronger government action to protect lives and tackle rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime across the nation. Key events in this developing story include: on May 15, 2026, armed bandits attacked schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers, with one teacher killed during the attack and another later murdered by kidnappers; on June 10, 2026, Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles, wearing a custom jacket bearing victims’ names and addressing the global audience; and following the concert, President Tinubu issued a statement on rescue operations while Governor Makinde met with affected families. The victims remain in captivity as rescue operations continue. This is a developing story. More details will be provided as information becomes available from Nigerian security agencies and government officials. Key details to remember: the abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State; victims include pupils, teachers, and a vice-principal; one teacher was killed during the attack and another was later murdered; Davido wore a jacket with “BRING THE HOME” and buttons bearing victims’ names at the FIFA concert on June 10, 2026; President Tinubu has ordered intensified rescue operations; and Governor Makinde has met with affected families.

Davido Turns World Cup Stage Into Protest – Wears Jacket Bearing Names of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren at FIFA Concert