Nigerian singer, Oxlade, was recently ordered by a court of law to pay N5 million in damages to a young woman, John Blessing, after secretly recording and leaking an explicit video online.
The ruling was given by Justice Olalekan Oresanya who described Oxlade’s actions as “despicable, horrendous, distasteful, and classless”.
The incident took place in 2021 and caused a stir on social media, with the leaked video quickly going viral. Blessing, who was the other party involved in the video, felt violated and filed a lawsuit against Oxlade for privacy infringement and damage to her reputation.
During the court proceedings, Blessing’s legal team argued that the leaked video not only caused emotional distress but also had a significant impact on his career and personal life.
On the other hand, Oxlade’s defense argued that the video was never meant to be made public and was only shared accidentally. However, the court found that Oxlade was responsible for recording the video and deliberately leaking it online.
Justice Oresanya stated that the right to privacy is a fundamental human right and should be respected by all individuals. He went on to say that it was unacceptable for someone to secretly record and leak explicit content, especially without the consent of the other party involved. The judge also pointed out that the leaked video could have lasting effects on Blessing’s reputation and career, and therefore, the N5 million damages awarded were justified.
The ruling has been widely celebrated by privacy advocates and members of the entertainment industry who believe that it sends a strong message to individuals who engage in similar practices. Many have commended Blessing for taking a stand and fighting for her rights, as well as the court for taking a firm stance on privacy infringement.
On the other hand, Oxlade has not yet made any public statement regarding the court’s ruling. It is unclear whether he plans to appeal the decision or accept the damages awarded.
