Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has filed a landmark lawsuit against the U.S.-based tech giant, Meta Platforms Inc., seeking $5 million in damages for an alleged invasion of privacy. The suit, which has garnered widespread attention, is centered on a video published on Meta’s Facebook platform under the page “AfriCare Health Centre,” which falsely claims that Falana suffers from a medical condition known as ‘Prostatitis.’
The lawsuit, which was filed in a Lagos High Court, accuses Meta of publishing misleading and false information, an act that Falana argues has caused significant damage to his reputation and emotional well-being. According to the court documents, the video, which features the public figure’s image and voice, was captioned with an inaccurate and misleading narrative about his supposed health struggles.
“This publication constitutes a grave violation of my privacy, and it has caused me irreparable harm,” Falana stated in his affidavit supporting the suit. The human rights lawyer expressed his dismay at the ease with which false information was spread globally by Meta without verification, exposing him to public ridicule.
Falana’s legal team, led by lawyer Olumide Babalola, has invoked Nigeria’s Constitution and the recently passed Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) in a bid to secure a ruling that will not only remove the offending video but also demand a financial penalty for the distress caused. The video in question was posted on Facebook on January 16, 2025, and allegedly misrepresents Falana, claiming that he had been battling Prostatitis for over 16 years, a claim the lawyer vehemently denies.
“I have never been diagnosed with such a disease. I have never had any dealings with the Respondent (Meta) or its pages about my health,” Falana declared. The video, which depicts a dramatic narrative of his health struggles, includes a fabricated quote where Falana allegedly discusses the symptoms and treatments he supposedly underwent, including surgeries and various medications.
Falana, who is well-known for his fierce advocacy in civil rights and constitutional law, argued that the published content was both false and damaging, violating his right to privacy as guaranteed by Section 37 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. He further stated that the publication was not just an intrusion into his personal life but also a deliberate and reckless attempt by Meta to generate traffic for commercial gain.
The publication, according to Falana, was done in an insensitive and damaging manner, as Meta failed to verify the authenticity of the content before its release. This negligence, he claims, has caused him significant emotional and psychological distress, with millions of people worldwide having access to the false narrative. The legal action seeks a court order compelling Meta to remove the video from their platform and issue a public apology.
“The video and its contents are entirely false and have painted me in a false light. The damage to my personal reputation, which I have worked hard to build over the years, is immeasurable,” Falana stated. “This invasion of my privacy has caused undue stress and anxiety, affecting my mental health.”
According to the court filings, Meta’s failure to remove the video, despite being notified, has exacerbated the emotional toll on Falana. His team is demanding that the global tech company be held accountable for its reckless handling of sensitive personal information, which they argue violates both Nigerian law and international standards for data protection.
Falana’s lawsuit not only targets the content’s removal but also demands a substantial $5 million in damages for the harm caused. This amount, according to his legal team, is to compensate for the distress caused by the false health claims and the subsequent damage to his professional image. The lawsuit also highlights the broader implications for privacy rights, especially in the age of social media, where false information can spread rapidly and without consequence.
“Their actions have not only affected my public image but also my peace of mind,” Falana’s statement continues. “This kind of reckless disregard for individuals’ privacy cannot be allowed to continue, especially when it involves a global platform like Facebook, which reaches millions across the world.”
In addition to seeking damages, Falana’s legal team has called for a full investigation into how Meta handles personal data and the measures it has in place to prevent similar breaches of privacy in the future. They argue that Meta should be held accountable for its role in enabling the spread of false and harmful content, particularly given its vast reach and influence.
In a statement, Olumide Babalola, Falana’s lawyer, emphasized the importance of the case for future digital privacy rights in Nigeria and beyond. “This lawsuit is not just about one man’s reputation; it’s about protecting the rights of all individuals in the digital age. We must ensure that tech giants like Meta are held responsible for the harm they cause when they fail to protect personal data and privacy.”
The case has raised important questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms in preventing the spread of misinformation and protecting users’ privacy. Legal experts are closely watching the outcome, as it could set a precedent for similar lawsuits against tech companies operating in Nigeria.
