10/03/2026
Respect Boundaries And Handle Sensitive Information With Care
Iliyasu S. Yahaya
Abuja, Nigeria
Over the years, the nature of my work has brought me into contact with many people from different walks of life.
Because of these interactions, I happen to have the phone numbers of several individuals, including some prominent personalities. However, I must make it clear that I am not a phone directory and I do not run a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) service.
Many people regularly call or message me asking for the contact details of one influential person or another.
In the past, I have often obliged and shared numbers when I believed it was appropriate. But there is an important line that must not be crossed.
Some individuals maintain private phone numbers separate from their public ones, and they specifically request that such numbers should not be shared for personal, security, or professional reasons. Respecting that privacy is a responsibility I take seriously.
There have also been situations where people approached me with urgent or humanitarian concerns. Like cases involving danger or serious emergencies.
In some of those moments, I chose to share certain contacts, sometimes even putting my own relationship with the person at risk, simply because I believed it could safe a life or help resolve a critical situation but unfortunately, experiences have just shown me that such trust can easily be abused.
For instance, just few days ago a lady called me from Abuja asking if she could come to my office to see me. I told her that I was in Anyigba at the time. Hearing how desperate she sounded, I asked her to explain why she urgently needed to meet me. She said the matter concerned her brother who was facing a serious security issue and that she needed the phone contact of a particular classified Igala personality who might be able to assist.
Initially, I told her that I did not have the number because of the nature of the man’s job and his life style of privacy. She then mentioned the name of an elder who had referred her to me.
To be certain, I contacted the elder and confirmed that he had indeed asked her to reach out to me. Even then, I carefully explained why I normally do not release such private numbers. However, out of respect for the elder who referred her, I reluctantly shared the contact, but with clear instructions on when to call and what to say if asked how she obtained the number.
Unfortunately, she did not follow those instructions. Instead of making the call herself, she passed the number to her brother. When he eventually called, he could not manage the situation properly and mentioned my name in a way that caused discomfort. The officer involved later called to thank me for sharing his number (an expression of his disappointment).
Incidents like this put me in very difficult positions and can damage relationships that took years to build. For this reason, I have decided that going forward, nobody should ask me for the private phone contact of anyone again.
The only contacts I will be willing to share are those of people who run businesses or offer public services.
For example, you may ask me for the number of Hon Sofred Paul if you are looking for a caterer. That of Dj Slamin Jay if you need a DJ for an event or that of Makolo Jnr Thomson if want an Mc to anchor your event. Those are professional services meant for public engagement.
But when it comes to numbers of individuals, especially those in sensitive positions, please do not ask me again. Respect for privacy, trust, and relationships must be maintained.
I hope this message is understood in the spirit in which it is written. Let us all learn to respect boundaries and handle sensitive information responsibly.
