Nigeria’s legal luminary and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., accusing the U.S.-based tech giant of invading his privacy.
The case, instituted before a Lagos High Court, centers on a video published on Meta’s platform, Facebook, which allegedly falsely portrays Falana as suffering from prostatitis.
In the legal motion, Falana, represented by his lawyer, Olumide Babalola, argues that the publication constitutes a breach of his privacy under Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
He contends that the video—posted by a page named “AfriCare Health Centre”—is “false, inaccurate, misleading, and unfair,” violating legal provisions on data protection.
Falana seeks a court declaration affirming that the continued publication of his name, images, and purported voice in the misleading video amounts to an invasion of privacy. Additionally, he demands an order compelling Meta to remove and erase the video from its platform.
Claiming severe reputational damage, Falana insists the publication has tarnished the name he has built over the years.
He also highlights the mental and emotional distress caused by the false depiction of his health condition.
The lawsuit maintains that Meta’s failure to verify the content before publishing constitutes reckless and unjustifiable intrusion into his private life.
Falana argues that the video, accessible to millions worldwide, has subjected him to ridicule, anxiety, and emotional distress.
“For the purpose of this suit, I do not find these stories libelous, but since they are false and fabricated against me, I find them offensive, reckless, insensitive, disturbing, and an unjustifiable intrusion into my privacy,” Falana stated in his affidavit.
Seeking justice, Falana prays the court to not only grant him $5 million in damages but also issue any other consequential orders necessary to protect his privacy and reputation.
