Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has emerged victorious in a landmark legal battle after a Federal High Court awarded her ₦20 million in damages following a defamation lawsuit against an online news platform. The case, which drew national attention, highlights the increasing awareness and legal action surrounding the protection of public figures’ reputations in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The defamation lawsuit, which has been ongoing for nearly two years, arose from a controversial online publication linking Adunni Ade to a purported romantic relationship with Senator Dino Melaye. The story, which named her among “six popular Nigerian celebrities” allegedly involved with the politician, quickly circulated across social media, sparking debates and unwarranted speculation. Adunni Ade publicly refuted the claims, insisting that the reports were entirely false and damaging to her reputation and career.
Determined to defend her name, Adunni Ade filed a lawsuit against the news outlet, citing invasion of privacy and defamation, and initially sought ₦100 million in compensation. Her legal team presented evidence demonstrating that the publication had no factual basis and intentionally misrepresented her personal life, thereby causing emotional distress and reputational harm. The case underscored the responsibility of media organizations to verify facts before disseminating stories about public figures.
‘Truth stood tall,’ says Adunni Ade
Following the judgment, Adunni Ade took to Instagram to celebrate the victory and thank the Nigerian judiciary for upholding justice. She shared, “Won my case Adunni Ade vs. Polace Media Limited (www.naijanews.com). 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.”
Although the court awarded ₦20 million in damages, Adunni revealed that the defendant had fled to avoid payment. In response to fans’ queries, she humorously remarked, “Judge granted ₦20 million in damages, but blogger don japa. Na to garnish account remain.” Her lighthearted commentary emphasized the ongoing challenges celebrities face in enforcing court rulings and collecting awarded compensation.
Actress vows to pursue more legal actions
Adunni Ade further disclosed that this victory represents one of several ongoing defamation cases, noting that she has already won two others. She used the platform to advocate for greater ethical responsibility among media practitioners, urging journalists and bloggers to fact-check stories before publishing and respect the privacy of individuals, particularly public figures whose careers can be significantly affected by false reports.
Industry observers have widely praised Adunni Ade’s legal triumph as a positive precedent, signaling a shift toward accountability and responsible reporting in Nigerian media. Her actions serve as a deterrent against character assassination and false narratives, highlighting the importance of legal recourse in safeguarding personal and professional reputations. The case also contributes to a growing movement of Nigerian celebrities taking firm stances against misinformation, setting a standard for future disputes involving media ethics and celebrity rights.