A Delta State High Court in Effurun has dismissed the objections raised by Nigerian-American singer David Adedeji Adeleke, known as Davido, and his company, Davido Music Worldwide Limited, against a breach of contract lawsuit. The case was filed by Brownhill Investment Company Limited, pertaining to the annual ‘Warri Again Concert’.

According to a report by Vanguard, Justice Nduka Obi overruled the preliminary objections by Davido and his label, including the challenge of the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate the defamation case brought against them.

In the lawsuit numbered EHC/183/2023, Brownhill Investment Company Limited accused Davido and his company of breaching a contract. The court rejected the defendants’ argument that the case was merely about debt recovery and was premature due to the absence of a demand letter for the claimed monies.

The court agreed with the claimant’s counsel that the suit’s reliefs, when considered collectively, clearly indicated a breach of contract claim, negating the need for a demand letter prior to filing the lawsuit.

In a related defamation case, the court upheld its jurisdiction, establishing that the alleged defamatory statements were made online while the claimant, a resident of Delta State, was present in the state.

The court has postponed the hearing of all related cases against the defendants.

During court proceedings, the possibility of an out-of-court settlement was explored. The defendants’ counsel indicated ongoing efforts to resolve the matter amicably. However, the claimant’s representatives noted the absence of concrete arrangements, citing the defendants’ insistence on dictating the terms of settlement, which they refused.

Represented by lawyer Kelechi Onwuegbuchulem, Brownhill Investments Company Limited is seeking N2 billion in general damages from Davido for the alleged breach of contract and defamation.