Adunni Ade celebrates legal victory over Dino Melaye Romance Report
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has won a fundamental human rights lawsuit against Polance Media Limited, publishers of Naija News, over a publication that falsely linked her romantically to Senator Dino Melaye.
The judgment, delivered by Justice I.O. Harrison of the Lagos State High Court, upheld her right to privacy under the Nigerian Constitution in Suit No. LD/177818MFHR/2024.
According to court documents, the case was titled: “In the Matter of an Application by Adunni Adewale for the Enforcement of Her Fundamental Human Right to Privacy as Guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”
The legal action stemmed from a 2023 article titled “Six Popular Nigerian Actresses Who Have Been Accused of Dating Dino Melaye,” in which Adunni Ade was named among those allegedly romantically involved with the politician.
Ade described the report as “false, misleading, and offensive,” stating that it misrepresented her personal life, caused emotional distress, and violated her right to privacy — all without her consent and solely to attract web traffic.
Announcing the court victory on Instagram, the actress 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, particularly Olumide Babalola LP, writing:
“Many thanks to my lawyer! You worked tirelessly on this case. Two cases won, a few more to go.”
Adunni hinted at ongoing defamation suits and issued a warning to those evading legal service:
“You who are running up and down avoiding court papers, please stand still so you can be served.”
In a pointed remark apparently directed at a fellow actress, she said:
“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?”
The court acknowledged that the judgment was delivered beyond the constitutionally mandated three-month window due to delays caused by disruptions during the #EndSARS protests, which had affected court operations in Lagos.
Despite the delay, Justice Harrison clarified that the court remained “fully abreast of the facts and issues raised in the case,” and that “neither party will suffer a miscarriage of justice by reason thereof.”
The ruling marks a notable legal victory for Adunni Ade, who described the outcome as a reaffirmation of “truth and integrity” in the fight to protect her privacy against false and damaging online content.
