Human rights activist Mr. Femi Falana has filed a $5 million lawsuit before a Lagos High Court against Meta Platforms Inc., the United States-based parent company of Facebook, over an alleged invasion of his privacy. The suit stems from the publication of a video and images on the “AfriCare Health Center” Facebook page, which claimed Falana suffered from a disease known as ‘Prostatitis.’
Through his lawyer, Olumide Babalola, Falana accused Meta of publishing false and misleading content that violates his privacy rights guaranteed under Nigerian law.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) argues that the video and images are “false, inaccurate, misleading, and unfair to him” and constitute an invasion of his privacy as protected by Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Falana stated, “The video paints me in a false light and as such is an invasion of my privacy,” further clarifying, “I have never had any dealing with the respondent or its pages on issues with my health life. The video and its contents are false, inaccurate, misleading, and unfair to me.”
The activist claims the publication has caused him mental and emotional distress, stating, “The video paints me in a false light, and as such, is an invasion of my privacy.”
He contends that his health status is a private matter, and he has never been diagnosed with Prostatitis.
In his suit, Falana is asking the court for a declaration that the continued publication of his name, images, and voice on the platform, captioned “AfriCare Health Centre,” constitutes an invasion of his privacy.
He also demands an order directing Meta to remove the video immediately from its platform.
Falana’s legal team is seeking $5 million in general damages, claiming that the false publication has severely damaged his image, which he has spent years building.
He stated, “The publication has rubbished my image and the name I built over the years.” Falana further argued that Meta’s global platform has amplified the damage, with millions of people viewing the content since it was posted on January 20.
