Davido Challenges Pinnick's N2.3bn Suit for Alleged Breach of Contract

Superstar singer David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido), a Nigerian-American, has filed a preliminary objection to contest the N2.3 billion breach of contract lawsuit brought by Brownhill Investments Company Limited and its Chairman, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, against him and his record label, Davido Music Worldwide Limited.

In the N2.3 billion lawsuit filed against Davido in the High Court of Delta State, Effurun, by former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Colin Pinnick, the defendant is accused of breaching a contract or agreement.

On October 6, 2023, the plaintiffs petition the court to grant them the sum in general damages in retaliation for Davido's breach of contract regarding his appearance at the 19th edition of the "Warri Again" event.

The claimant stated that he neglected to appear subsequent to the receipt of $94,500 (equivalent to one million US dollars).

They further claimed that they expended an additional $18,000 to charter a private aircraft to transport Davido (the first defendant) and his team to the event, but he declined to appear.

During the recommenced hearing of the lawsuit, Davido raised an objection to the court's jurisdiction over the subject.

The artist's preliminary objection was founded on the fact that the case involves debt recovery and the claimant should have commenced the legal process by drafting a letter of demand prior to hastening to court.

He further claimed that Sosoberokon is not his agent and does not negotiate performance contracts on his behalf.

While the singer claimed that he was not paid for the show and denied the agent, he however admitted receiving the payment of $94,500 but stated that the sum was payment for only promotion of the show.

In the sister case bordering on criminal defamation, Davido through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Norrison Quakers (SAN), also filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court on the grounds that the defamatory statements were published online, but the claimant did not show that the defamatory statements were downloaded and viewed in Delta State to give the court jurisdiction.

Both matters have been adjourned to December 14, 2023, for the court to rule on the preliminary objections filed in both cases.

Also, in the N500 million defamation case filed against Israel, Davido’s Staff, no defence was filed on behalf of Israel and the court has already granted the application for an injunction restraining Israel from making any defamatory statements against Pinnick.

Pinnick’s legal team is led by Mr. Kelechi Onwu, a senior partner in Alegeh & Co., the law firm of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Austine Alegeh (SAN).

Strong indications have emerged that Davido has enlisted many Nigerians to help prevail on Pinnick to withdraw the suit.

It was gathered that many Nigerians, including three eminent personalities, are already in talks with Pinnick to settle out-of-court.

It was gathered that Pinnick is insisting on going ahead with the suit due to the attempt by Davido to tarnish his hard-earned reputation despite the unblemished and transparent career he had both as former President of NFF and current role with FIFA, which requires integrity and honesty.

It was further gathered that since Davido is also an American, pressures have intensified by Pinnick’s friends, associates and international partners for him to file a suit in the United States against Davido and his associates.