Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has won a N30 million lawsuit against Google over defamatory articles that falsely linked her romantically to former Kogi Senator Dino Melaye.
The judgment, delivered by Justice I.O. Harrison of the Lagos High Court on July 9, 2025, awarded the actress N30 million in general damages and ordered Google to delete the publications from Google.com and YouTube. Ade filed the lawsuit on July 11, 2024, against Google and Meta, seeking N100 million in damages.
The court held that the articles violated Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing private and family life and caused her “emotional and psychological distress.” Ade discontinued proceedings against Meta after they filed a preliminary objection.
Key Points:
The ruling strengthens the right to privacy and reputation in Nigeria
Tech platforms can be held accountable for defamatory content
False narratives on social media can cause real emotional and psychological harm
The judgment sets a precedent for celebrities and public figures seeking legal redress
The victory highlights the importance of legal recourse over public debates
Google has been ordered to delete the defamatory articles. Adunni Ade has now won two legal victories over privacy violations.
Sources: Lagos High Court, PM News
