The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, 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 Court in UK.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, maintained that NDPR prohibits the processing of personal data without the informed consent or other lawful bases known to law.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Legal, Enforcement and Regulations Lead, NDPB, Babatunde Bamigboye Esq.
In the statement, NDPB warned all data controllers and media organisations of the consequences of using anyone’s data without regard to the implications under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019.
The statement reads in part: “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 organization – 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.”
According to the statement, “the Bureau recognizes the vital role of media organizations in educating the general public”.
However, the Bureau maintained that it is obligatory for the media to respect the boundaries of citizens’ privacy, while carrying out this important assignment.
NDPB further disclosed that in order to ensure transparency and accountability, the Bureau has set machinery in motion to cooperate with other public institutions within and outside Nigeria.
Meanwhile, new facts keep emerging on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Eweremadu and his wife, Beatrice in UK over alleged conspiracy to harvest the organ of a minor.