Lagos High Court at TBS has awarded $25,000 in damages in favour of Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) in his $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., the US-based technology company owned by Mark Zuckerberg, over the alleged invasion of his privacy.

Early in 2025, a video was published on Facebook claiming that Falana was suffering from a terminal illness, which prompted the suit

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, January 13, Justice Olalekan Oresanya held that a global technology company such as Meta, which hosts pages for commercial benefit, owes a duty of care to persons affected by content disseminated on its platform.

Falana, through his lawyer, Mr. Olumide Babalola, accused Meta of publishing motion images and voice captions titled “AfriCare Health Centre” on its platform, suggesting that he suffered from a disease known as prostatitis.

He argued that the publication constituted an invasion of his privacy as guaranteed under Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Falana said the false video about his health status had tarnished his image and reputation built over the years.

He also contended that the publication, which he described as false, offensive and disturbing, painted him in a false light and caused him mental and emotional distress.

In its judgment, the court rejected the argument that digital platforms can rely solely on “hosting” or “intermediary” defences where the platform monetises content and the harm arising from misinformation is reasonably foreseeable.
Falana’s lawyer said the decision reinforces a standard of platform accountability under Nigerian law, aligning with emerging global jurisprudence.

The court further held that “the fact that the applicant is a public figure does not rob him of his right to privacy.” It found that the publication of false medical information intruded into the claimant’s private life, regardless of his public standing.

Babalola said the finding settles an important misconception in Nigerian legal practice and affirms that health data enjoys heightened protection, even for public figures.

The court also held that Meta determines the means and purposes of processing content, monetises pages, and controls distribution algorithms, thereby acting as a joint data controller with page owners.

Consequently, Meta was held vicariously liable for the offensive video.

Babalola said: “This is a major development under the NDPA and weakens the ‘mere platform’ defence traditionally relied upon by Big Tech.”

The court further ruled that Meta breached Section 24 of the NDPA by processing personal data that was inaccurate, harmful, lacked a lawful basis and was unfair to the learned Senior Advocate. The false health information was held to amount to unlawful processing per se.

It emphasised that where the risk of inaccuracy is foreseeable, particularly in relation to sensitive personal data, a platform owes a heightened duty to ensure accuracy and integrity.

The court held that Meta failed to deploy adequate safeguards to prevent or mitigate the harm.

As a global technology company with vast resources, Meta was expected to implement effective content-review mechanisms, rapid takedown processes and safeguards proportionate to the risks posed by misinformation. Its failure to do so, the court held, amounted to regulatory non-compliance.

Drone

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will invest $115 million in counter-drone technology to safeguard the 2026 FIFA World Cup and events marking America’s 250th independence anniversary, creating a dedicated office for rapid drone system deployment.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described drones as “the new frontier of American air superiority,” stressing the need to counter threats from drug cartels using unmanned aircraft for smuggling and surveillance, alongside incidents like a 2025 NFL stadium drone flight and 2024 New Jersey sightings.
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The funding supports 11 World Cup host cities expecting over one million visitors, building on FEMA’s $250 million grants to those states and addressing risks heightened by cartels’ advancing tech, including a reported FBI tracking plot in Mexico.
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DHS has conducted over 1,500 counter-drone missions since 2018, with the new Program Executive Office accelerating acquisitions amid President Trump’s border security push.

The energy at the Carnival Calabar Music Concert reached a new high as T2 introduced a first-ever rap battle platform, giving young Nigerians an electrifying stage to showcase their talent, creativity, and self-expression while competing for exciting prizes.

Held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the activation blended pulsating music, vibrant culture, and youthful energy into a dynamic celebration that kept thousands of carnival-goers fully engaged from start to finish.

Eight fearless contestants stepped into the spotlight, going bar for bar in an intense lyrical showdown. Rappers fused local languages, pidgin, and sharp punchlines, creatively weaving the T2 brand into their verses.

Anchored by the energetic hosting duo MC Double I and MC Princess, the rap battles thrilled over 16,000 attendees, including the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, delivering an unforgettable showcase of youth talent and cultural expression.

With prizes including fridges, gas cookers, sound systems, and airtime top-ups, the competition remained fierce throughout the night. After two high-energy rounds narrowed the field to a five-man final duel, Emmanuel Eye emerged as the overall winner, taking home the grand prize — a fridge.

“I never expected this at all,” Emmanuel said. “I came to the concert like anyone else, and hearing about the T2 rap battle was a surprise. When I got the chance to perform, I just went for it. Being named the overall winner is amazing, and I’m grateful to T2 for creating this platform to showcase our talent.”

Beyond the stage performances, T2’s presence added a digital layer to the carnival experience. As part of its role as Digital Technology Partner of Carnival Calabar, the brand introduced the MyT2 App as a lifestyle companion, while also enabling line reactivations, airtime top-ups, and instant rewards for hundreds of attendees, blending technology seamlessly into the live celebration.

Commenting on the activation, Chinelo Manefo, Specialist, Events and Sponsorship at T2, said:

“The energy from both the rappers and the crowd was incredible. This platform reflects exactly what T2 aims to create — a celebration of youth, creativity, and culture, enhanced by technology that connects people and experiences. Seeing the audience so immersed shows how music and performance can empower the next generation.”

The Carnival Calabar Music Concert, headlined by Tiwa Savage, Timaya, and top local performers, was further energized by T2’s interactive rap battle platform. By blending music, culture, youth expression, and digital innovation, T2 reinforced its commitment to championing Nigeria’s next generation, giving young creatives a stage to shine while enriching how they experience the festival.