Renowned Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana has filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for publishing a misleading video that falsely claims he has been battling prostatitis for over 16 years.
Through his lawyer, Olumide Babalola, Falana accused Meta of violating his right to privacy, as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The video, allegedly posted on Facebook by a page named “AfriCare Health Centre,” falsely depicts him discussing his supposed struggle with prostatitis, which he asserts he has never suffered from.
In his court filings, Falana described the video as “false, inaccurate, misleading, and unfair,” stating that it portrays him in a negative light and has caused significant emotional and psychological distress. He argued that Meta’s failure to verify the authenticity of the content before publication demonstrates recklessness and an unjustifiable intrusion into his private life.
As part of his demands, Falana is seeking a court declaration that the continued publication of his name, images, and purported voice in the misleading video constitutes an invasion of his privacy. He is also requesting an order compelling Meta to immediately remove and delete the video from Facebook. Additionally, he is demanding $5 million in general damages for the harm caused to his reputation.
Falana emphasized that his work as a legal advocate has made him a prominent public figure known for defending civil rights and challenging government policies. He contended that the false claims in the video undermine the integrity he has built over the years and expose him to ridicule.
He further alleged that Meta’s global reach means the video has been seen by millions of people worldwide since its publication, causing him undue distress. He maintained that the tech giant’s actions were driven by the desire to generate advertising revenue rather than ensure the accuracy of its content.
In his affidavit, Falana reiterated that he has no connection with the “AfriCare Health Centre” page or any discussions related to his health on Meta’s platforms. He urged the court to protect his image from being tarnished by false and misleading information.
The case highlights growing concerns over online privacy violations and the responsibilities of digital platforms in preventing the spread of misinformation.
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