Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. in the Lagos High Court, demanding $5 million in damages over an alleged invasion of privacy. The lawsuit stems from a video posted by Meta on its platform, Facebook, under the name “AfriCare Health Centre.” Falana claims the video falsely suggested he suffered from prostatitis, a condition he has never had, violating his constitutional right to privacy. He is seeking the immediate removal of the video and a court declaration that its publication was an unlawful invasion of his personal life.
Falana, represented by lawyer Olumide Babalola, argues that the publication of his name, images, and a misleading voice recording on Facebook is not only false but also damaging to his reputation and emotional well-being. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, known for his significant legal work in constitutional and human rights law, asserts that the publication paints him in a misleading light and has caused him mental distress. He believes Meta’s failure to verify the content before publishing it was a careless and reckless move to boost traffic for advertising revenue.
In the court documents, Falana emphasizes that the false publication has been widely accessible to millions, tarnishing his image globally. He states that the contents of the video are highly offensive and emotionally distressing, as they misrepresent his health and infringe on his right to privacy. The renowned lawyer is seeking a legal remedy to protect his reputation and hold Meta accountable for the harm caused by their publication.