November 27, (THEWILL) – Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has submitted a preliminary objection to contest the N2.3 billion breach of contract lawsuit brought against him and his music label, Davido Music Worldwide Limited, by Brownhill Investments Company Limited and its Chairman, Amaju Pinnick.
Former Nigerian Football Federation president Pinnick initiated a N2.3 billion lawsuit in the High Court of Delta State, Effurun, against Davido. The suit alleges a breach of agreement/contract, seeking the amount as general damages. The claim is based on Davido’s failure to honour the agreement to perform at the 19th edition of the ‘Warri Again’ event on October 6, 2023, despite receiving $94,500 (equivalent to N70 million).
They asserted incurring extra costs of $18,000 for securing the chartered private jet to transport Davido (1st defendant) and his team, despite his eventual non-appearance at the event.
During the ongoing suit hearing, Davido, in an attempt to potentially prolong the case, contested the court’s jurisdiction. In his preliminary objection, the artist argued that the matter pertains to debt recovery, emphasising that the claimant should have issued a demand letter before resorting to legal action.
He additionally asserted that music executive Solomon Soberokon is not his agent and doesn’t handle performance contracts on his behalf. Although he acknowledged receiving the $94,500 payment, the singer contended that it was solely for promoting the show, stating that he wasn’t compensated for the actual performance.
In the related criminal defamation case, Davido, represented by his legal team led by Norrison Quakers (SAN), filed a preliminary objection contesting the court’s jurisdiction. They argued that since the defamatory statements were published online, the claimant failed to demonstrate that they were downloaded and viewed in Delta State, thus challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
Both cases are scheduled for the court to rule on the preliminary objections on December 14, 2023.
In the N500 million defamation case against Israel, Davido’s staff, no defense has been filed, and the court granted an injunction prohibiting Israel from making defamatory statements.
Pinnick’s legal team, led by Kelechi Onwu, operates within Alegeh & Co., the law firm of former NBA President, Austine Alegeh (SAN).
There are strong indications that Davido has engaged several Nigerians to urge Pinnick to withdraw the suit. Three prominent figures are currently in discussions with Pinnick, exploring the possibility of an out-of-court settlement.
Despite this, Pinnick remains adamant about proceeding with the suit, citing Davido’s attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
He emphasises his unblemished and transparent career, both as the former President of NFF and in his current role with FIFA, where integrity and honesty are paramount.
Given that Davido is also an American citizen, there’s mounting pressure from Pinnick’s friends, associates, and international partners for him to file a lawsuit in the United States. The allegations involve fraud and cyber-bullying against Davido and his associates.
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