Falana Sues Meta for $5M Over Alleged Privacy Violation

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has taken legal action against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook. He is demanding $5 million in damages for what he describes as an invasion of his privacy.

Falana filed the lawsuit at a Lagos High Court, accusing Meta of publishing false information about him. He claims that a video on Facebook wrongly suggested that he was suffering from a medical condition called ‘Prostatitis.’ The video, titled “AfriCare Health Centre,” reportedly featured images of Falana and an alleged voice recording, creating the impression that he was battling the illness.

Through his lawyer, Olumide Babalola, Falana argued that this publication violated his right to privacy, which is protected by Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution. He also cited the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, stating that Meta’s actions were not only misleading but also damaging to his reputation.

In the suit, Falana is asking the court to declare that the publication was unlawful and an infringement on his privacy. He is also requesting that Meta immediately remove the video from its platform.

Beyond taking down the content, Falana insists that he deserves compensation for the harm caused. He stated that the video, which has been viewed by millions since January 2023, has tarnished his image and caused him mental and emotional distress.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria strongly maintains that he has never suffered from Prostatitis. He says the false publication has misled the public and painted him in a negative light.

Falana emphasized that he has never had any dealings with Meta concerning his health and described the video as entirely false, misleading, and offensive.

Since Meta runs a global platform, he believes that the damage done is far-reaching. As a result, he is asking the court to award him $5 million in damages and issue any further orders necessary to ensure justice is served.