The Delta State High Court in Effurun has rejected the preliminary objections raised by Nigerian-American singer Davido and his company, Davido Music Worldwide Limited.
The objections challenged the court’s jurisdiction in handling a breach of contract suit brought by Brownhill Investment Company Limited regarding the annual ‘Warri Again Concert.’
Trial judge Justice Nduka Obi dismissed both the objection related to the breach of contract case and another objection involving a defamation case against Davido Music Worldwide and Israel Afeare.
In the breach of contract case, the court dismissed arguments by the defendants, asserting that it was not a debt recovery case and was premature.
The court agreed with the claimant’s counsel, stating that the reliefs sought indicated a breach of contract action, not requiring a prior letter of demand.
Regarding the defamation case, the court affirmed its territorial jurisdiction, noting that the claimant’s residence in Delta State during the alleged online defamatory statements establishes the state’s authority to hear the cases.
The court has adjourned to hear all the cases against the defendants. Efforts for an out-of-court settlement were mentioned in court, but the claimant asserted no concrete arrangements were made, as the defendants sought terms unacceptable to the claimant.
Brownhill Investment Company Limited, the claimant, seeks N2 billion (over $150 million) in general damages against Davido.