Adunni Ade Wins ₦20 Million Defamation Suit Over Alleged Romance With Dino Melaye

Nollywood star Adunni Ade has secured a ₦20 million court victory in a defamation lawsuit against a Nigerian news platform that falsely linked her to former senator Dino Melaye.

The judgment, delivered nearly two years after the initial publication, marks a significant legal win for the actress, who had maintained her innocence and condemned the report as “baseless and damaging.”

The controversial article, published in 2023, had listed Adunni Ade among “six Nigerian celebrities” allegedly involved in romantic relationships with the Kogi-born politician. The actress swiftly refuted the claims and filed a ₦100 million lawsuit against the media outlet, accusing it of invasion of privacy, defamation, and reputational harm.

‘Justice served,’ says actress

Celebrating the verdict, Adunni Ade took to social media to express gratitude to her supporters and reaffirm her commitment to standing up for truth and integrity in the entertainment industry.

“I’m thankful the truth prevailed,” she wrote. “It’s important that we hold people accountable for spreading lies. My name and image are not for defamation or cheap publicity.”

The ruling is seen by industry observers as a victory for Nigerian entertainers increasingly taking legal action against online defamation and cyberbullying.

A wake-up call for digital media

Legal analysts have described the decision as a cautionary tale for media outlets to prioritize responsible journalism and fact-checking before publication.

Adunni Ade, known for her roles in You or Me and So in Love, continues to enjoy a successful acting career while using her platform to advocate for fairness and media accountability.