Nollywood actress Adunni Adewale, popularly known as Adunni Ade, has taken legal action against Google LLC and Meta Platforms Inc., seeking ₦100 million in damages over the continued publication of stories she says falsely linked her romantically to former Kogi State governor Dino Melaye.
Court documents shared by the actress on her Instagram page show that the suit was filed before the Lagos State High Court, where she accused the tech companies of violating her constitutional right to privacy and Nigeria’s data protection laws.
Sharing copies of the court documents, Adunni wrote:
“Adunni Adewale vs Google. Not every battle needs a response. Some need a courtroom. Unto the next.”
Actress challenges online publications.
According to the court filings, Adunni argued that Google and YouTube continued to host and publish stories carrying headlines including:
- “How Dino Melaye used fake Patek Watch to woo and knack Actress Adunni Ade back, front and center.”
- “Actress Adunni Ade involves in heated exchange with famous Instagram blog after being listed among six celebrities to have dated Dino Melaye.”
She maintained that the reports painted her in a false light, invaded her privacy and infringed on her constitutional rights.
Seeks removal of stories and ₦100 million damages
In the suit, Adunni is asking the court to declare that the continued publication and retention of the stories violate her right to privacy as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
She is also seeking:
- An order directing Google and YouTube to remove or erase the publications from their platforms.
- A declaration that the continued retention of the stories is unfair, false and inaccurate.
- ₦100 million in general damages for the alleged violation of her rights.
Privacy over public speculation
The actress argued that the continued availability of the reports online has caused reputational damage by associating her with claims she considers false and misleading.
Rather than responding publicly to the allegations, Adunni chose to pursue legal action, saying some disputes are better resolved in court.
The case underscores the growing use of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act and constitutional privacy provisions by public figures seeking the removal of online content they believe is defamatory or unlawfully infringes on their personal rights.
