Popular Nigerian actress Adunni Ade has recorded another major legal victory after a Lagos High Court ruled in her favour against Google LLC over false online publications linking her to former lawmaker Dino Melaye.
The court awarded the Nigerian-American actress ₦30 million in general damages and directed Google to remove the disputed stories from both Google Search and YouTube. In addition, the court ordered the company to publish a formal apology over the misleading reports.
The ruling is being seen as another important moment for digital rights in Nigeria. Moreover, it reinforces the growing importance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 in protecting individuals from false online content and privacy violations.
The main focus of the case, was filed in July 2024. The actress challenged two stories published online that falsely linked her to Senator Dino Melaye.
One of the reports carried the headline, “How Dino Melaye used fake Patek Watch to woo and knack Actress Adunni Ade back, front and centre.”
Another publication claimed she exchanged words with an Instagram blog after being listed among six celebrities allegedly involved with the former senator.
However, Adunni argued that the publications were false and damaged her reputation. She also maintained that the reports violated her constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Furthermore, she told the court that the publications breached the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which requires personal information to be handled fairly, accurately and transparently.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Harrison ruled in the actress’ favour. The court held that Google failed to ensure the information associated with her was accurate and not misleading.
Meanwhile, Meta Platforms Inc., which had originally been listed as a second respondent, was removed from the suit before the final judgment.
Although Adunni sought ₦100 million in damages, the court awarded her ₦30 million in general damages. In addition, Google was ordered to delete the disputed publications from Google.com and YouTube without delay.
The court also directed the company to issue a formal apology over the publications.
Reacting to the judgment, Adunni shared a brief message on Instagram that quickly attracted attention online.
“Not every battle needs a response. Some need a courtroom.”
Meanwhile, this is not the actress’ first courtroom success. Earlier this year, she secured another legal victory against Vanguard Media Limited and journalist Ayo Onikoyi.
That separate case was decided on May 7, 2026, after she challenged a publication titled “Beauty not enough to keep a man.”
Adunni argued that the report wrongly exposed details about her private marital life without her permission.
The court ruled in her favour in that matter as well and awarded another ₦30 million in damages.
Furthermore, it sends a strong message that digital platforms have a responsibility to ensure information published on their services is accurate and does not violate individual rights.
