Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has filed a lawsuit seeking $5,000,000 in damages against Meta Platforms Inc., the organization behind Facebook, in a Lagos High Court.
He claims that Meta violated his privacy by publishing a video with the title “AfriCare Health Center” on its platform, which falsely stated that he had been suffering from a condition called ‘Prostatitis.’
This, he argues, constitutes an invasion of his privacy as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
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The lawsuit, filed by his attorney Olumide Babalola, also references the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009.
Falana argues that the publication is false, misleading, and damaging to his reputation, requesting the court to mandate Meta to remove the video and pay $5,000,000 in damages.
In the suit, Falana stated that the false publication has caused emotional and mental distress, tarnishing his hard-earned reputation.
He clarified that he has never suffered from Prostatitis and had no interaction with Meta on matters related to his health.
He emphasized that his health is a private matter, and the publication has caused him significant harm, especially since the video was accessible to millions worldwide.
The video, which has been available on Facebook since January 16, 2025, included an alleged statement from Falana, describing his battle with Prostatitis.
However, Falana vehemently denied making such a statement.
He argued that the publication was reckless, as it was not verified before being posted, and it was designed to attract attention and revenue for Meta.
Falana expressed that the publication has caused him emotional distress, anxiety, and public ridicule, and has asked the court for a declaration that Meta’s actions violated his privacy rights.
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