ARCON is seeking a declaration that the publication of
various advertisements and marketing communications materials targeted at
Nigeria through Meta’s platforms without prior vetting and approval by
Advertising Standards Panel is illegal.
The regulatory body also claimed that the act disregarded
Nigerian culture, constitutional tenets, moral values and religious sensitivity
of citizens.
ARCON is, therefore, seeking an order of perpetual
injunction restraining the defendants, their privies, agents, servants and
associates from publishing any advertising or marketing communications
materials without recourse to ARCON in line with the country’s advertising law.
It is also seeking N30 billion in fines and sanctions for
the continued violations and infractions of the Advertising Regulatory Council
of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted the nod
pursuant to an application by ARCON in the N30 billion suit against the social
media giant.
The writ is to be served at the United States corporate
headquarters of Meta which also owns Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp social
media platforms.
While Meta is the first defendant in the suit, AT3 Resources
Limited is the second defendant. NAN