The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) from enforcing a ₦60 billion fine against Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited for alleged violations of advertising regulations. Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the order on December 12, 2024, following an ex-parte application by Facebook’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo.
ARCON had issued a Notice of Violation on October 21, 2024, accusing Facebook of breaching advertising laws and demanding compliance with the fine. Facebook, however, challenged the notice, arguing it violated constitutional principles, denied the company fair hearing, and exceeded ARCON’s legal authority under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act 2022.
In its application, Facebook sought to prevent ARCON from enforcing the fine or instituting criminal proceedings while its legal challenge was ongoing. Justice Bogoro ruled in favor of Facebook, citing merit in the application and adjourning the case to February 20, 2025, for a hearing on the Motion on Notice.
