Adunni Adewale, also known as Adunni Ade, has successfully sued Google LLC and Meta Platforms, Inc. over publications linking her to Nigerian politician Dino Melaye.
According to court documents shared by the actress, she asked the court to rule that Google and Meta violated her right to privacy by continuing to publish stories using her name and photograph in what she described as false and misleading narratives.
One of the stories carried the headline: “How Dino Melaye used a fake Patek Watch to woo and knack Actress Adunni Ade back, front and center.” 
Another story was titled: “Actress Adunni Ade involved in a heated exchange with a famous Instagram blog after being listed among six celebrities to have dated Dino Melaye.”
Adunni argued that the continued publication of these stories on Google and YouTube portrayed her in a false light, invaded her privacy, and infringed on her right to private and family life.
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She asked the court to order Google and Meta to remove the stories from their platforms. She also sought ₦100 million in general damages.
In its judgment, the court held that the use of Adunni Ade’s name and photograph in the publications violated Section 24 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
The court stated that Google, as a data controller, must ensure that it processes personal data fairly, lawfully, transparently, and accurately without misleading the public. However, the court determined that the publications did not meet these requirements.
The court also found that the publications unfairly associated Adunni Ade with a false and embarrassing narrative. It stated that the use of her name and image in that context was a false light publication and an invasion of her privacy.
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After finding that the respondents had violated Adunni Ade’s fundamental rights, the court awarded her ₦30 million in general damages.
The court also ordered the respondents to remove and delete Adunni Ade’s name and photograph from the publication titled, “Actress Adunni Ade Involved in a Heated Exchange with a Famous Instagram Blog After Being Listed Among Six Celebrities to Have Dated Dino Melaye.”
In addition, the court directed the respondents to completely delete the publication titled “How Dino Melaye used a fake Patek Watch to woo and knack Actress Adunni Ade, back, front and center” from all their platforms.
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