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| Image:Blueprint |
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, owned by Mark Zuckerberg. The lawsuit, filed at a Lagos High Court, alleges that Meta invaded Falana’s privacy by publishing a false video claiming he suffered from a medical condition called prostatitis. The video, posted on a Facebook page named “AfriCare Health Centre,” featured Falana’s name, image, and a fabricated voiceover detailing his supposed health struggles.
Falana, through his lawyer Olumide Babalola, argued that the publication violated his right to privacy under Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. He described the video as “false, inaccurate, misleading, and unfair,” emphasizing that it caused him emotional and psychological distress. The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the publication constitutes an invasion of privacy and an order for Meta to remove the video from its platform.
Falana, known for his fearless advocacy and high-profile legal battles, stated that the false video has tarnished his reputation and exposed him to ridicule. He accused Meta of carelessly publishing unverified content to boost traffic and advertisement revenue, describing the act as reckless and insensitive. The video, which has been viewed by millions globally since its publication in January 2023, falsely claimed Falana had battled prostatitis for 16 years, detailing symptoms and treatments he never experienced.
Falana is seeking $5 million in general damages and a consequential order from the court to address the harm caused. He emphasized that the false portrayal has caused him anxiety and sadness, urging the court to rescue his image from further damage. This case highlights the growing concerns over privacy violations and the misuse of personal data on social media platforms, particularly in Nigeria, where such issues are increasingly coming under legal scrutiny.
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