By Nelson Utip
The Delta State High Court Sitting in Effurun has rejected the preliminary objections filed by Nigerian-American singer David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his company, Davido Music Worldwide Limited challenging the jurisdiction of the court in the breach of contract suit filed against them by Amaju Pinnick and Brownhill Investment Company Limited over the annual ‘Warri Again Concert.’
Also dismissed was another objection by the music company and Israel Afeare’s suit challenging the court’s jurisdiction in the defamation case filed against them.
Rulling on the suit labelled No. EHC/183/2023 recently, the court dismissed the argument that the matter was a debt recovery case and was premature due to the absence of a letter of demand. The court agreed with the claimant’s counsel that the reliefs sought indicated a breach of contract action, not requiring a prior letter of demand.
On the defamation case, the court claimed that it had territorial jurisdiction, given that the claimant was present in Delta State when the alleged defamatory statements were posted online.
The court will then proceed with the hearing and determination of all cases against Davido and his Music company which have been adjourned for other pending applications.
There was agreement on out-of-court settlement which defendant was willing but the claimant were reluctant as there there was no agreement reached over terms.
Brownhill Investments Company Limited, the claimant is seeking 2 billion naira as general damages against Davido, including N150 million for legal and professional fees and an additional N30 million for filing the suit.
READ ALSO: Tiwa Savage Cries Out: ‘Hold Davido Responsible If Anything Happens To Me’
Meanwhile Davido in his objection, challenged the jurisdiction, claiming the case was a debt recovery matter, and questioned the agency of Soso Sorobekon, denying him as an agent negotiating performance contracts.
Davido’s team objected to the defamation case , arguing that the defamatory statements were online, and the claimant failed to show they were downloaded and viewed in Delta State, challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The Nigeria Police Force Panti Division has sent an invitation letter regarding criminal defamation of character and cyberbullying of Amaju Melvin Pinnick which Davido’s Council has confirmed receipt .Davido was seen at Ilesha on Sunday throwing doubt on the possibility of his appearance at the police station on Monday January 15 as requested.
Soso Sorobekon, the agent involved in the deal is said to have made some serious revelations when interrogated by the police November last year.
