A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N10 billion damages suit filed by Nollywood actor Emeka Ike against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The court, in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, dismissed the suit for lacking merit, holding that the actor failed to establish his claims against the defendants with credible evidence.
Ike had approached the court, alleging that his personal data was published in INEC’s database through the actions of the defendants.
He claimed that the alleged publication caused him hardship and damages, and asked the court to award him N10 billion in compensation.
The actor also sought a declaration that the actions of INEC and Olayinka were illegal and unconstitutional.
However, delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Salim Ibrahim, held that Ike failed to demonstrate how the defendants had violated his rights.
The judge said the plaintiff’s claims were not supported by sufficient evidence and lacked substance, leading to the dismissal of the suit in favour of INEC and Olayinka.
Justice Ibrahim did not award costs but cautioned against filing frivolous suits capable of wasting the court’s time.
