From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), says it has ordered an investigation into the use and public circulation of the personal data allegedly belonging to Nwamini David and Sonia Ekweremadu in the ongoing organ harvesting case against former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Nwanneka, in the UK.
NDPB said its investigations are on the grounds of data privacy breach of David, the young Nigerian at the centre of the allegations, and that of Sonia, Ekweremadu’s daughter.
Pictures of Nwamini’s passport were shared online after he was reported to have been trafficked to the United Kingdom for organ harvest by the senator and his wife.
The couple was arraigned at the Uxbridge Magistrate Court in London on charges of conspiracy and organ harvest last week
In a statement signed by NDBP Legal, Enforcement & Regulations Lead, Babatunde Bamigboye, the Bureau warned that it prohibits the processing of personal data without the informed consent or other lawful bases known to law.
“The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered an investigation into the use and public circulation of the personal data allegedly belonging to Nwamini David and Sonia Ekweremadu in the ongoing case of organ transplant pending before a British Court,” the statement read.
“The Bureau notes with concern that certain sensitive personal data purportedly belonging to the two Nigerian citizens (complainant and patient) in this case are being processed by data controllers – particularly media organisations – without regard to the implications under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019.
“NDPR prohibits the processing of personal data without the informed consent or other lawful bases known to law. Accordingly, all data controllers and all persons are hereby warned of the consequences of using anyone’s data in violation of NDPR.
“The Bureau recognizes the vital role of media organizations in educating the general public. In carrying out this important assignment, however, it is obligatory to respect the boundaries of citizens’ privacy.
“The Bureau has set machinery in motion to cooperate with other public institutions within and outside Nigeria in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the instant case,” the statement read.
