Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has won a ₦20 million defamation suit against a gossip blog that falsely linked her to an alleged romantic relationship with Nigerian politician Dino Melaye.
The ruling, delivered by a Lagos High Court on Tuesday, marks a significant win for the actress, who had maintained her innocence and decried the damaging nature of the reports.
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi ruled on Tuesday that the publication’s claims were “malicious, baseless, and injurious” to Adunni Ade’s reputation, ordering the defendants to pay ₦20 million in damages and issue a public apology within seven days. The court emphasized that freedom of expression does not grant the right to peddle unverified personal allegations.
Reacting after the verdict in a post shared on her social media page on Wednesday, Adunni Ade expressed relief and gratitude, describing the judgment as “a victory for truth and integrity.”
“I won my case—Adunni Ade vs. Polace Media Limited. 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.
‘‘Many thanks to my lawyer! You worked tirelessly on this case(s), Olumide Babalola LP. 2 cases won, a few more to go. You who is running up and down avoiding court papers, please stand still so you can be served.
‘‘And to you my fellow actress who told a false story to the cutie Jules, don’t worry, very soon the world will know the kind of snake you are. Envy and bitterness live and breathe in you. You are deadly! You must have forgotten what you showed me in my room? Anyways, thank you to the Nigerian court of law.” The actress added.
Adunni Ade also urged media platforms to prioritize ethics over sensationalism, noting that “people’s lives and families are affected by lies spread online.” The ruling is seen as a major statement against digital defamation in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
