Ekweremadu: FG orders probe of data privacy breach

The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) has ordered an investigation into the use and public circulation of personal data belonging to David Nwamini and Sonia Ekweremadu in an alleged organ transplant issue.

Chief Executive Officer of NDPB, Dr Vincent Olatunji, gave the directive on Tuesday in a statement issued by Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations Lead of the Bureau in Abuja.

The organ transplant case was against a former Deputy Senate President and his wife, Sen. Ike and Beatrice Ekweremadu.

They were arrested and detained in the United Kingdom for allegedly trafficking Nwamini for harvesting organs for their ailing child, Sonia, who was allegedly suffering from kidney failure.

“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.

“The information is being processed particularly by media organizations 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,” Olatunji said.

The CEO further recognized the vital role of media organizations in educating the general public.

He, however, added that it was obligatory to respect the boundaries of citizens’ privacy.

Olatunji said that the NDPB had put measures in place to collaborate with other public institutions within and outside Nigeria to ensure transparency and accountability in the instant case.