The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into the alleged leak of actor Emeka Ike’s voter registration details, widening scrutiny of a controversy that has raised concerns about the security of Nigeria’s electoral database ahead of future elections.
NDPC National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji disclosed the investigation in Abuja on Friday, saying both the Independent National Electoral Commission and Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, were being examined over the incident.
“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,” Olatunji said.
He added that the matter was being treated as a priority because “it speaks to the credibility of the database” as the country moves closer to another election cycle.
The controversy began after Olayinka shared screenshots online showing details of Ike’s voter registration transfer from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory.
The actor, who contested a House of Representatives primary in Abuja, accused Olayinka of violating his privacy.
INEC had earlier announced its own investigation, saying it took the allegations seriously and had begun “a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.”
The commission said preliminary findings showed no external hacking of its voter registration database and that the information appeared to have been accessed through authorised credentials.
Olatunji stressed that the NDPC would follow due process, saying, “We have to be very diligent and not push out a wrong narrative until you are proven guilty.”
He added that no person or institution was above scrutiny under Nigeria’s data protection laws.
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