By Emma Emeozor
The Federal Government has expressed displeasure over the public circulation of the personal data of Sonia, daughter of Ekweremadu in need of kidney donor, and David Ukpo Nwamini, the young man involved in the ongoing case of organ harvest in London.
The government condemned the act, describing it as a breach of the citizens’ data privacy.
Consequently, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Dr. Vincent Olatunji has ordered investigation into the use and public circulation of the private data allegedly belonging to Nwamini and Sonia in the case in a British court.
This was disclosed yesterday in a statement issued by NDPB Lead Enforcement and Regulations officer, Babatunde Bamigboye.
The probe is in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, he said.
Bamigboye warned that 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.”
Bamigboye said the Bureau was apprehensive of the fact that sensitive personal data allegedly belonging to the two Nigerian citizens (complainant and patient) in the case are being processed by data controllers, particularly media organisation without regard to the implications under the NDPR.
He said though the Bureau recognises the vital role of media organisations in educating the general public, it is, however, obligatory to respect the boundaries of citizens’ privacy while carrying out this important assignment.