Introduction:
In a recent development at the Delta State High Court in Effurun, the preliminary objections filed by Nigerian-American singer David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his company, Davido Music Worldwide Limited, were dismissed. The court ruled against their challenge to the court’s jurisdiction in a breach of contract suit filed against them by Amaju Pinnick and Brownhill Investment Company Limited concerning the annual ‘Warri Again Concert.’
Breach of Contract Case:
In the case of Brownhill Investments Company Limited vs. Davido & Davido Music Worldwide Limited, the court rejected the defendants’ arguments that the matter was a debt recovery case and premature, as no letter of demand was issued. The court agreed with the claimant’s counsel that the reliefs sought indicated a breach of contract action, eliminating the need for a prior demand letter. The court, therefore, cleared the way for the hearing and determination of the breach of contract suit.
Defamation Case:
The court also dismissed another objection by Davido Music Worldwide and Israel Afeare challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear a defamation case filed against them. The court established territorial jurisdiction, noting that the claimant, resident in Delta State, was present in the state when the alleged defamatory publications were posted online. Consequently, the court is set to proceed with the hearing and determination of both the breach of contract and defamation cases.
Out-of-Court Settlement Efforts:
Efforts for an out-of-court settlement were mentioned during the proceedings, with the defendants’ counsel expressing a willingness to resolve the matter. However, the claimant revealed that no concrete arrangement had been made, citing disagreements over settlement terms proposed by the defendants.
Claimant’s Demands:
Brownhill Investments Company Limited, through its lawyer Kelechi Onwuegbuchulem, is seeking N2 billion as general damages against Davido. The claimant is specifically requesting N150 million for legal and professional fees and an additional N30 million as the cost of filing the suit.
Police Involvement:
In a related development, following a petition against Davido, the Nigeria Police Force Panti Division has sent a letter inviting the musician for a response regarding criminal defamation of character and cyberbullying of Amaju Melvin Pinnick. As of Monday, January 15, Davido had not reported to the police, while Soso Sorobekon, the agent involved in the deal, had already been questioned for several hours.
Conclusion:
The recent court ruling signifies a significant development in the legal battles involving Davido, highlighting the court’s determination to proceed with the cases. As the legal proceedings unfold, the music industry and fans alike await the resolution of these high-profile cases, which have brought attention to contractual disputes and defamation in the entertainment sector.
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