Court to Rule on N60 Billion Facebook Fine on May 14, 2026

The Federal High Court in Lagos has set May 14, 2026, for a judgment in a high-profile case involving a N60 billion fine against Facebook, initiated by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/2205/2024, challenges ARCON's authority to sanction Facebook's Nigerian operations, specifically targeting the company for publishing advertisements on Facebook and Instagram aimed at Nigerian users without prior approval from ARCON's advertising standards panel.

ARCON claims this action violates Section 34(3) and 54 of the ARCON Act of 2022. Facebook's counsel, Mofesomo Tayo Oyetibo SAN, argues that the company neither operates nor controls Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria, as these platforms are owned by Meta Platforms Inc., a U.S.-based company.

Oyetibo has requested the court to nullify the sanctions and restrain ARCON from imposing similar penalties, asserting that ARCON's actions breach Facebook's right to a fair hearing. The case was adjourned by Justice Bogoro, who noted that the matter requires a full trial rather than an original summons.