Reported by : L. Imafidon
A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has granted a human rights lawyer permission to serve Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh through email in a ₦200 million fundamental rights lawsuit linked to allegations of an “exorcism” performed on a schoolgirl
The case, filed by lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi, stems from claims that the actress carried out a religious deliverance on a Junior Secondary School 1 student in Abuja on March 6, 2026, an incident that allegedly circulated online through videos and images posted on social media. Court filings say the footage showed the child being held on the ground during what was described as a spiritual ritual, which the claimant argues amounted to degrading treatment and public humiliation.
According to court documents, Obasi approached the court seeking enforcement of the child’s fundamental rights under the Nigerian Constitution and the Child Rights Act. He is asking for ₦200 million in damages, along with declarations that the alleged act violated the child’s rights to dignity and privacy. The suit also requests that the actress be compelled to remove the videos and images from her social media accounts and issue a public apology in national newspapers.
The legal action further argues that the publication of the footage without consent exposed the minor to stigma, emotional distress, and possible long-term psychological harm. It also contends that portraying the child as being under spiritual attack or possession could lead to discrimination among peers and in the wider community.
In a procedural development, the court reportedly granted the lawyer’s request to serve court processes on Tonto Dikeh electronically, allowing service via email. This move was approved after the claimant’s counsel informed the court of difficulties in effecting personal service through conventional means, a practice increasingly accepted in Nigerian courts where digital communication is considered reliable for ensuring timely notification in civil proceedings.
The underlying suit is being heard under Nigeria’s Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, which allow individuals or representatives to seek redress when constitutional rights are believed to have been violated. The claimant maintains that the alleged actions fall within the scope of degrading treatment prohibited under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees human dignity for all persons, including minors.
Legal documents also cite privacy protections under Section 37 of the Constitution, arguing that the circulation of the child’s images and videos online without consent constitutes an unlawful breach. The lawyer is further asking the court to issue a permanent injunction restraining the actress from engaging in similar conduct involving children in the future.
At the centre of the case is a viral video that reportedly sparked public debate over the boundaries between religious expression, child protection, and social media exposure. While the actress has not issued a formal response in court filings, the matter has drawn attention due to her public profile and the sensitive nature of the allegations involving a minor.
As of the latest court update, no hearing date has been fixed for the substantive matter. The case remains at an early procedural stage, with further filings and responses expected as the legal process continues.
The proceedings are likely to test legal interpretations of child rights protections in Nigeria, particularly in relation to public religious practices and the dissemination of related content online. Observers say the outcome could also influence how courts handle similar disputes involving minors, social media evidence, and claims of dignity violations.
For now, the case proceeds with substituted service approved, marking a significant step forward in the litigation process as both parties prepare for the next phase of the legal battle in Abuja.
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