The Delta State High Court 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.
The objections challenged 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.’
The court also dismissed another objection by Davido Music Worldwide and Israel Afeare, challenging the court’s jurisdiction in the defamation case filed against them.
In its ruling on Tuesday in Suit No. EHC/183/2023, 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.
Regarding the defamation case, the court held that it had territorial jurisdiction, given that the claimant was present in Delta State when the alleged defamatory statements were posted online.
Consequently, the court is set to proceed with the hearing and determination of all cases against the defendants, which have been adjourned for other pending applications.
Efforts for an out-of-court settlement were discussed in court, with the defendants expressing willingness, but the claimant revealed no concrete arrangement due to disagreements over terms.
The claimant, Brownhill Investments Company Limited, seeks N2 billion as general damages against Davido, including N150 million for legal and professional fees and an additional N30 million for filing the suit.
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.
In the defamation case, Davido’s team objected, 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.
Following a police petition against Davido, the Nigeria Police Force Panti Division has sent an invitation letter regarding criminal defamation of character and cyberbullying of Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
Davido’s counsel confirmed receiving the letter, and although Davido was spotted in Ilesha on Sunday, his appearance at the police station as requested is unconfirmed as of Monday, January 15. However, Soso Sorobekon, the agent involved in the deal, reportedly made startling revelations during police questioning last November.