Lagos High Court rules in favour of Nollywood star, affirming her constitutional right to privacy and condemning online falsehoods.
Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has secured a major legal victory in her fundamental human rights case against Polance Media Limited, the publishers of Naija News, over a false publication alleging a romantic relationship between her and Senator Dino Melaye.
The judgment, delivered by Justice I.O. Harrison of the Lagos State High Court, ruled in Ade’s favour, affirming her constitutional right to privacy under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The suit, numbered LD/177818MFHR/2024, was titled “In the Matter of an Application by Adunni Adewale for the Enforcement of Her Fundamental Human Right to Privacy.”
The case originated in January 2023 following a Naija News article titled “Six Popular Nigerian Actresses Who Have Been Accused of Dating Dino Melaye,” which included Adunni Ade among the names listed. The actress strongly refuted the claims, describing the story as false, misleading, and damaging to her personal and professional reputation.
According to her, the publication was made without her consent, aimed at driving online traffic at the expense of her dignity. She argued that the report caused her emotional distress and violated her privacy rights.
Announcing her win via Instagram on Tuesday, Adunni Ade wrote: “I won my case — a false story was published about me, but truth stood tall. This judgment reaffirms that privacy matters — and so does integrity. Justice delayed isn’t justice denied.”
The actress expressed heartfelt appreciation to her legal counsel, Olumide Babalola LP, praising his tireless efforts on the case. “Many thanks to my lawyer! Two cases won — a few more to go,” she added, hinting at other pending defamation suits.
She also issued a warning to those allegedly evading court summonses and appeared to call out an unnamed colleague for spreading falsehoods, vowing that “the world will soon know the truth.”
In the preamble of the ruling, Justice Harrison noted that the delivery was delayed beyond the constitutionally prescribed three months due to disruptions in Lagos court operations following the #EndSARS protests. However, the court maintained that both parties had received fair hearing and that the delay did not result in a miscarriage of justice.
The judgment is being hailed as a significant precedent for Nigerian celebrities and individuals seeking protection against false online publications. Adunni Ade described the ruling as a “reaffirmation of truth and integrity”, emphasizing the importance of holding media platforms accountable for ethical and factual reporting.
Stay Updated with the Latest News – Follow Daily Observer on X (formerly Twitter) @DailyObserverNG
The media world and the world of pen has truth and lies as their ink . It’s always a storyline