A legal practitioner Timothy Tion, Esq., has instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit against Meta Platforms Inc. (owners of Facebook) at the Federal High Court, Makurdi Division, challenging the suspension of his Facebook account on allegations of “fraud and deception.”
Case Background
On January 11, 2025, Mr. Tion after posting the word "Rubbish" in response to a Facebook post, received an automated email from Facebook stating that his account had been suspended for allegedly violating Meta’s Community Standards on fraud and deception. The email further informed him that he had 180 days to appeal the decision, failing which the account would be permanently disabled.
However, Mr. Tion argues that:
a. No specific allegations or evidence were provided;
b.He had no meaningful opportunity or reasonable channels to appeal the decision;
c. The vague nature of the communication deprived him of due process.
He asserts that the suspension—based solely on an opaque algorithmic assessment—has disrupted his professional engagements, particularly within legal discourse networks such as the Lawyers in Nigeria Facebook group.
Constitutional Violations Alleged
The suit alleges that Meta’s actions breached the following rights under the 1999 Constitution (as amended):
1. Section 36 – Right to Fair Hearing
2. Section 39 – Freedom of Expression
3. Section 40 – Freedom of Association
4. Section 42 – Protection from Discrimination
Mr. Tion contends that Meta provides direct support to business accounts in Nigeria, while non-commercial users like himself are left without effective channels for redress—an unequal treatment that amounts to discriminatory practice.
Reliefs Sought
Mr Tion, seeks the following court orders:
1. A declaration that the suspension was unlawful, discriminatory, and unconstitutional.
2. An order for the immediate reinstatement of the account.
3. A public apology from Meta Platforms Inc.
4. Damages totaling ₦300 million broken down as follows:
a) ₦100 million for emotional distress, reputational injury, and loss of professional connections.
b) ₦200 million in exemplary damages.
Statements
“Meta’s automated systems should not override constitutional rights. I’m pursuing this case not just for myself, but for millions of Nigerians who rely on social media for professional and social connection.”
— Timothy Tion, Esq., Applicant
“Global tech platforms must be accountable when operating in Nigeria. This lawsuit challenges the unchecked power of digital corporations over users’ rights.”
— Matthias Ikyav, Esq., Counsel for the Applicant
The case is expected to test the bounds of digital rights enforcement and corporate accountability in our legal system. Hearing is scheduled for June 4th 2025
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