Controversial Nigerian journalist and social commentator, Kemi Olunloyo, has announced she will be stepping away from Facebook, citing serious concerns over user safety and alleged data breaches.
In a lengthy statement shared online, Olunloyo accused the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of endangering citizens by allegedly allowing a quiet settlement involving Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
According to her claims, a previously reported $32.8 million fine imposed by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission over alleged violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 was quietly waived following a confidential agreement. The fine had reportedly stemmed from accusations that Meta mishandled the personal data of over 60 million Nigerians.
Olunloyo further alleged that the company processed user data without consent, engaged in unauthorized cross-border data transfers, and exposed users to potential financial and health risks through its algorithms.
She also recounted a personal experience of financial loss, claiming her banking information was compromised, leading to unauthorized transactions. While her funds were later recovered, she linked the breach to her Facebook account and ongoing investigations into suspicious activity on monetized accounts.
As a result, Olunloyo revealed that her Facebook monetization earnings have been frozen since February 2026, pending investigations by Meta. She urged users to remove sensitive banking details from social media platforms and consider alternative payment systems like PayPal.
The journalist announced plans to shift her content to YouTube and Snapchat, confirming that her Facebook page, “Kemi Talks,” will remain inactive until June 2026 when she intends to launch a series of documentary projects.
