Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned judgment in the legal dispute between Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria over a controversial 60 billion naira fine.
The case centers on the authority of ARCON to impose penalties under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act 2022. The regulator had accused Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited of publishing advertisements targeted at Nigerian aunces on Facebook and Instagram without obtaining prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel.
According to ARCON the company violated specific provisions of the law leading to the imposition of the hefty fine in October 2024. However FNOL has strongly challenged the decision arguing that it does not control or operate the platforms in question.
The company maintained that both Facebook and Instagram are owned and managed by Meta Platforms Inc which is headquartered in the United States. It further argued that the fine was imposed without due process and violates its constitutional right to a fair hearing.
During proceedings FNOL lead counsel Mofesomo Tayo Oyetibo emphasized that the allegations carry criminal implications and therefore require proper judicial consideration rather than administrative penalties.
On the other hand ARCON counsel O Kehinde argued that the suit itself was flawed claiming that FNOL by initiating the case had indirectly acknowledged responsibility. He also maintained that the matter is contentious and should proceed through a full trial rather than summary determination.
Following arguments from both sides Justice Bogoro adjourned the case until May 14 2026 for judgment marking a critical moment in the ongoing regulatory and legal battle.
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