Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade, has recorded a major legal victory in her defamation and fundamental human rights suit against Polace Media Limited, publishers of Naija News, over a false report that linked her romantically to former Senator Dino Melaye.
Justice I.O. Harrison of the Lagos State High Court delivered the ruling in favour of the actress in suit no. LD/177818MFHR/2024, reaffirming her constitutional right to privacy and awarding ₦20 million in damages.
The case stemmed from a January 2023 publication on NaijaNews.com titled ‘Six popular Nigerian actresses who have been accused of Dating Dino Melaye.’
The article listed Adunni Ade among celebrities allegedly involved with the politician, a claim the actress described as “false, misleading, and offensive.”
According to court filings, Adunni Ade argued that the story violated her right to privacy, caused her emotional distress, and was published without her consent to generate online traffic. The publication, she maintained, damaged her reputation and misrepresented her personal life.
Justice Harrison held that the report constituted an invasion of privacy and an infringement of her fundamental rights. The judge also clarified that although judgment was delivered later than the constitutionally prescribed period due to disruptions caused by the #EndSARS protests, it did not affect the integrity of the verdict.
The court stated that “neither party will suffer a miscarriage of justice by reason thereof.”
Reacting to the outcome on her Instagram page 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.”
She also thanked her legal team, led by Olumide Babalola LP, adding, “Many thanks to my lawyer. You worked tirelessly on this case. Two cases won, a few more to go.”
In a humorous exchange with fans, the actress revealed that although the court awarded her ₦20 million in compensation, the blogger behind the story had allegedly absconded.
“Judge granted ₦20 million in damages, but blogger don japa. Na to garnish account remain,” she quipped.
The actress further hinted at other ongoing defamation cases and cautioned those avoiding court summons to prepare for service.
“You who are running up and down avoiding court papers, please stand still so you can be served,” she warned.
This is not the first time Adunni Ade has taken a stand against misleading or defamatory content online.
In May 2025, she threatened legal action against a blog that falsely claimed she lamented being unmarried, describing the publication as “fabricated nonsense.” She issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the removal of the story, citing emotional and reputational harm.
Earlier in 2023, she also denied reports alleging she owed the late actor Murphy Afolabi ₦250,000, presenting proof of payment to debunk the claim. Similarly, in a separate dispute, an Indrive cab driver threatened to sue her for defamation after she accused him of stealing a delivery package, a claim he publicly denied.
Adunni Ade has consistently spoken against misinformation in the entertainment industry and urged journalists and bloggers to prioritise factual accuracy and ethical reporting.
The actress, known for her outspokenness, said her legal wins were not just personal but symbolic of a broader fight for truth and integrity in Nigerian entertainment journalism.
