The national commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), 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.
A statement by the NDPB’s legal, enforcement and regulations lead, Babatunde Bamigboye, said 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.
It said 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 recognises the vital role of media organisations 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 to ensure transparency and accountability in the instant case,” it added.
